Clarington Strategic Plan

Clarington is a place of possibilities. Known for our thriving energy sector, historic downtowns, and as a great place to raise a family, people want to be in Clarington! By the year 2051, Clarington’s total population is forecast to grow from 105,000 to 221,000—that’s an increase of 110 per cent. The future is bright; and to responsibly navigate this growth, we have a roadmap to guide us.

Clarington’s Strategic Plan is the guiding document that outlines the Municipality of Clarington’s priorities for the next four years. It is the product of extensive community engagement; and designed to be reflective of Council and the community’s collective aspirations.

With a clear vision ahead, this strategy will drive our decision-making, inform our work plans and align our actions so we can take advantage of the possibilities before us. We will preserve our natural heritage and the character of our hamlets and villages while preparing for the larger, more diverse community we are becoming. With a foundation of good governance, we will enhance the quality of life for residents today and for future generations who will call Clarington home.

Read Clarington's Strategic Plan 2024-27 (PDF)

Clarington’s first-ever 2024 Year in Review highlights progress on key community priorities from our 2024-27 Strategic Plan.

Read the 2024 Year in Review

Clarington's Strategic Plan 2024-27

Vision: A connected, dynamic and welcoming community, focused on the future while respecting our past.

Mission: To enhance the quality of life in our community

Exceptional Municipal Services and Governance

Objective: To be a leader in the delivery of efficient, effective and meaningful municipal services.

Priorities and expected results

Be an employer of choice

Attract, retain and develop talented staff
Promote a culture of corporate excellence
Empower staff to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness
Take steps to ensure our staff team is diverse and inclusive, representative of the community it serves

Finances and operations are efficiently and responsibly managed

Implement a multi-year budget to promote effective and long-term fiscal management
Use technology and process improvement to modernize and optimize services
Design and implement a service delivery continuity plan
Advocate for funding from upper levels of government and other partners
Maintain, protect and invest in Municipal infrastructure and assets

Exceptional program and service delivery

Develop and implement customer service standards
Identify, establish and report on service levels of interest to the community
Enhance the delivery of Emergency and Fire Services across the community

Residents are engaged and informed

Increase opportunities for civic engagement and public participation
Proactively communicate with residents about the planning process and how we are responsibly addressing growth

Safe, Diverse, Inclusive and Vibrant Community

Objective: To cultivate a strong, thriving and connected community where everyone is welcome.

Priorities and expected results

A connected community

Enhance internet and cellular connectivity across the community
Be an active partner in the development of GO Train stations and improved Regional transit connectivity

Strengthen existing and build new partnerships with upper levels of government, academia, businesses, community groups and other sectors
Proactively address traffic management, walkability, livability and connectivity

Residents are safe and healthy

Support efforts to improve access to medical practitioners and health care services
Support and invest in the creation of housing to meet the needs of the community
Develop a traffic calming plan to address neighbourhood speeding and parking concerns
Partner with local school boards to address traffic-related safety issues in School Zones
Support the proactive management of community safety and well-being

A diverse, equitable and inclusive community

Recognize and celebrate the growing diversity of the community
Reduce barriers to municipal programs, services and infrastructure
Develop and implement the Indigenous Engagement and Relationship Building Strategy
Continue to commit to responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action

Arts, culture and recreation are prioritized

Promote and support local arts, culture, and heritage sectors
Begin construction on a new multi-use recreation facility
Design and construct outdoor ice-skating amenities
Explore a potential location for a performing arts venue

Resilient, Sustainable and Complete Community

Objective: To promote responsible and balanced growth by developing the economy while protecting the environment.

Priorities and expected results

A strong local economy

Expand Clarington’s commercial and industrial tax base
Continue to support business and industry to thrive
Establish a small business incubator

Growth is proactively addressed

Prepare a new Official Plan that will guide community growth to 2051
Advance construction of a new Public Works facility, including a Fire Headquarters and Service Excellence Training Centre
Develop and begin implementation of the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan

Unique community spaces are prioritized

Determine the future of the historic Camp 30 cafeteria building
Consider the creation of a community park on the former Bowmanville Zoo lands
Enhance Clarington’s waterfront

Healthy and resilient environment

Design and implement Priority Green standards for all new development
Be a leader in anticipating and addressing the impacts of climate change
Protect and enhance Clarington’s natural heritage

Thank you for your feedback!

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our in-person and online public engagement sessions! Your feedback helped ensure Clarington's Strategic Plan reflects the priorities of our community.

Past Strategic Plans