Council highlights from the April 3, 2023 meeting

Mayor thanks MP Erin O’Toole

Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster thanked Durham MP Erin O’Toole for his service as our Member of Parliament. The Honourable MP O’Toole recently announced that after more than 10 years, he would resign his seat in June.

“On behalf of Clarington Council and on behalf of the entire community, I want to thank Erin for the work he has done. That important work is deeply valued and will benefit us many years into the future. Erin’s service to our community and our great nation has made us proud,” said Mayor Foster. “We are saddened by his decision to resign but happy that he and his family will be able to enjoy more time together. We also owe our thanks to Erin’s family. We recognize the sacrifices they made to allow him to do this vital work.”

Fireworks by-law reviewed

Clarington’s fireworks by-law was recently reviewed, compared to neighbouring municipalities, and amended.

In Clarington, residents may only discharge fireworks for three days before and on Victoria Day and Canada Day without a permit. Anyone who wants to set off fireworks beyond those dates must apply for a permit.

Residents can now get a permit without getting commercial liability insurance for their residential property. The recent review of the fireworks by-law found that the $2 million commercial liability insurance was too difficult for residents. This made it particularly difficult for residents who wanted to discharge fireworks for religious and cultural traditions at other times of the year. At the April 3 meeting, Council voted to amend the current by-law to remove the commercial liability insurance requirements.

To apply for a fireworks permit or report the unsafe discharging of fireworks, visit www.clarington.net/Fireworks. 

Clarington’s defibrillator agreement renewed

Council approved a new three-year agreement with Lakeridge Health for the Cardiac Safe Community Public Access Defibrillator Program in all municipal buildings, including the library branches.

This agreement will ensure the Municipality and the Public Access Defibrillator responders are working under the oversight of Lakeridge Health when providing defibrillation to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. The agreement includes medical oversight, annual certification training, biomedical servicing of all automatic external defibrillator units, and ongoing staff support.

The former agreement expired on March 31, 2023. The renewed agreement covers the municipality for the next three years, effective April 1, 2023, until March 31, 2026.

Accessibility upgrades for Shaw House

The Municipality has hired a contractor to complete accessibility renovations to the historic Shaw House in Bowmanville.

The heritage building at 156 Church Street operated as a Region of Durham childcare centre from 1976 to 2019. Plans are underway to repurpose Shaw House once renovations are complete.

The 130-year-old building needs an accessible ramp, elevator, and other accessibility upgrades. The work, including design, construction, and inspection, will cost approximately $600,000.

The next Council Meeting is Monday, May 1, 2023.