Council Highlights from the June 15, 2020, Meeting

Council adopts a new guide to help identify outdoor recreation facility needs for residents now and in the future

Clarington Council has approved the 2020 Outdoor Recreation Needs Assessment (ORNA). This document is a guide to assist Municipal staff as they plan improvements to existing facilities and as they look to build new outdoor recreation facilities based on community needs today and for the next 15 years. The ORNA guide is based on a comprehensive study looking at Clarington’s population growth, current and future demographics and trends in outdoor facility use. The guide was developed in consultation with residents and various facility user groups. It looked at the use of outdoor facilities such as sports fields, tennis and pickleball courts, outdoor basketball courts, leash-free dog parks, water play areas, recreational trails and community gardens. Based on community feedback, this new guide offers a comprehensive plan of what outdoor facilities are needed the most and what are the priority areas for residents and various user groups in terms of building new facilities. The ORNA has a comprehensive list of suggested new facilities Clarington should consider building to support the needs of our community. Outdoor recreation is key to supporting a healthy community both from a physical and mental health aspect. This new document will help shape the future of outdoor recreation in Clarington.

Read report EGD-010-20 and the corresponding ORNA document to see all of the recommendations.

Building a green economy: Council asks for support

Clarington Council passed a resolution asking both the Federal and Provincial governments to assist with post-COVID-19 economic recovery efforts by investing in and promoting a green economy. As the Province slowly reopens and we head into Stage 2, the need to revitalize and rebuild Clarington’s economy is paramount. Clarington Council wants to begin our recovery by taking leadership and promoting a transition to environmentally sustainable economic efforts. Council voted to support programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create jobs by helping residents and businesses retrofit existing home and buildings using energy-efficient measures that promote climate resiliency. Clarington Council is asking the other levels of government to come together and invest in a variety of initiatives that support reducing greenhouse gas emissions and support climate mitigation efforts, those include:

Help restoring forests, streams, rivers, wetlands and coastal ecosystems that support our community by providing clean air, water and long-term carbon storage;

Investment into accessible public transportation in Clarington’s rural and urban areas, as well as in cycling and pedestrian infrastructure to support active transportation;

Creation of an Environmental Bill of Rights to support the notion that each person has a right to clean air, water and a healthy environment;
Moving away from our reliance on the fossil fuel industry;
Investment in local, renewable energy production;
Help for the local agricultural sector to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with food production;
Support for waste reduction initiatives;
Financial aid for municipalities and businesses to support local job creation, support local services, increase local food security and implement sustainable business practices;

Council’s resolution has been sent to other Ontario Municipalities for their support.

Read page 15 of the Council Meeting Minutes to see Council’s resolution. Visit www.clarington.net/GoingGreen to see how the Municipality is protecting our environment.

The next Council Meeting is Monday, July 6, 2020.

Council Highlights from the June 15, 2020 meeting