Council Highlights from the December 14, 2020 meeting

Clarington is looking to provide more accessibility outdoors along its paths, trails and parks

The Municipality of Clarington will apply for a grant to help cover some of the cost of installing charging stations for mobility devices along our paths, trails and parks in the community. This initiative will ensure that Clarington's open spaces will be more accessible for seniors and people with disabilities to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. The application falls under the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility Inclusive Communities Grant Program. Under the program, qualifying municipalities will receive up to $60,000 for "projects that foster inclusive community involvement for older adults and people of all abilities, using the Province's age-friendly community planning guide," as outlined on the Ministry's website.

Read the full motion as approved by Council.

Clarington asks the Region of Durham to promote its On Demand Bus service

With the recent announcement that GO Transit is cancelling its route to and from Newcastle, Clarington Council is asking that the Region promote its recently launched On Demand Bus Service. As outlined on the Region's website, On Demand is "launching in areas of Durham Region where ridership levels are low and would not support bus routes." It allows users to plan their trip from start to finish and is a shared bus service that connects to stops within a certain zone to a connecting route or GO Transit station or bus terminal. Residents can book their trips using the Transit App, which includes an option for On Demand. For more information on the service, read the On Demand Service FAQ.

For more details, read Council's motion.

Council approves the Southeast Courtice Secondary Plan

Clarington Council has approved the largest secondary plan in the community, spanning 5,000 future units and 13,000 people in the area. Clarington's Official Plan will be amended to adopt and implement the Southeast Courtice Secondary Plan. The amendment will only apply to the land within the Southeast Courtice Secondary Plan area, which spans from the Robinson Creek Valley in the west and Hancock Road in the east and extends from south of Bloor Street northward to Durham Highway 2. The policies in the newly adopted secondary plan will see transit-oriented neighbourhoods and include a diverse range of housing built within walking distance of shopping, services, schools and amenities. The plan for the new neighbourhoods includes a variety of densities and a mix of uses along Bloor Street and Courtice Road. The design includes connected parks, trails and green space, sidewalks, trails and cycle routes – all to enhance walkability and more active modes of transportation.

Read report PDS-055-20 for all the details.

Clarington to resume work on the Rural Areas portion of its Zoning By-law review

Council has directed Municipal staff to resume working on the Rural Areas Phase of Zone Clarington after the project was tabled by the Planning and Development Committee of Council. The tabling motion passed in October 2019, effectively putting an indefinite hold on all work on the rural area portion of Zone Clarington. Staff will now resume work on the Rural Area phase of the project with specific direction from Council. Staff have been asked to prepare a report with a draft Zoning By-law. Council has also directed staff to keep the current Environmental Protection Zoning in place. Staff will add maps from other agencies to the Draft Zoning By-law. This information has corresponding regulations that may apply to a new development on a property. Staff have also been directed to stop work on the Site-specific Environmental Protection Zoning Review Process, including any site-specific visits. An update report to Council on the draft Zoning By-law is expected later in the New Year.

To find out more details, read Council's motion.