Council Highlights from the April 22, 2024 meeting

Clarington faces a “perfect storm” of development and regulatory pressures

Recent changes to Provincial legislation are challenging Clarington’s efforts to create resilient and sustainable communities, as outlined in a staff report to Council.

As Clarington grows—especially with higher density neighbourhoods—parks and open space in new developments is critical. Yet, Province of Ontario’s Bill 23 reduced parkland dedication for new neighborhoods. Council directed staff to conduct Fiscal Impact Assessments for any developments impacted by Bill 23, while continuing to process applications, to ensure that both Council and the community understand the full cost of these changes. Staff will continue to work with developers on new and existing applications as per Clarington’s existing process.

Aerial view of Orono Park

In addition to these challenges related to parkland dedication, Clarington was also denied funding under the Provincial Building Faster Fund, despite meeting its housing targets. In December 2023, Clarington reported that it had exceeded its Housing Pledge target of 955 starts. However, the Province uses unreliable data from the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) to determine eligibility, and CMHC did not accurately count Clarington’s housing starts during the 2023 calendar year. Despite having proof of the starts, Clarington was denied the funding of approximately $4 million.

Council directed staff to undertake a communications campaign to explain the impact of the changes that are beyond Municipal control, and how they will impact the community – both now and into the future.

Clarington’s 2024-27 Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism (IDEA) Strategy

Council ratified the Municipality’s 2024-27 IDEA Strategy. Learn more about this important strategy that will contribute to amore inclusive, equitable and safe community for everyone in Clarington.

Clarington to implement additional speed limit reductions in school zones

Clarington is building on its decision to reduce speed limits in school zones across the Municipality to 30 kilometres an hour. Clarington will install new speed limit signs in the coming months and conduct a public education campaign to ensure drivers and parents are informed of the change ahead of the start of the 2024-25 school year.

Council ratifies updated Site Alteration By-law to crack down on illegal dumping and soil removal

Council adopted updates to the Municipality’s Site Alteration By-law to help protect the environment. The by-law regulates grading, filling or dumping on land; and removal of topsoil from land. The updates were informed by public consultation.

Site alteration regulation can be challenging, and the importation of illegal and contaminated fill can have significant negative impacts on the community and environment. Clarington does not accept fill from outside the Municipality, with the exception of materials brought in for the construction of Marigold Hospice.

Council directed staff to create a tip line that residents can contact to report suspicious activity, which will be communicated to the public when it becomes active.

Planning and development updates

As Clarington continues to grow, Council is taking proactive steps to promote responsible and balanced growth that develops the economy while protecting the environment.

Find out more about planning and development through the Growing Clarington Together newsletter. You can subscribe to the newsletter to receive these updates directly in your inbox.

Minutes and video of all Council meetings are available on the Council Meeting Calendar page. The next regular Council Meeting is on May 27, 2024.

Catch up on recent Council highlights.

Find out more about the Mayor and Council, and get in touch with your local councillor, at www.clarington.net/Council.