Council Highlights from the March 2, 2020 Meeting

An ecological gift creates a challenge for the construction of Farewell Creek Trail

Clarington will ask Environment Canada to allow the Municipality to proceed with the construction of the western part of Farewell Creek Trail in Courtice. The lands that form the western part of that trail fall under the federal government’s Ecological Gift Program and are protected to ensure that their “biodiversity and environmental heritage are conserved in perpetuity,” as outlined on the government’s website. Last December, staff reached out to Environment Canada to see if trail construction could proceed. But the federal government denied the request because the construction of the trail would include the removal of some vegetation and involve the installation of an impervious asphalt surface for the actual trail path. As a result, Council directed staff to ask Environment Canada to allow an unauthorized change in the use of the lands. The Municipality will also need to pay the federal tax associated with the change in the land use, which is estimated at $22,500. As described on the government website, the Ecological Gift Program “provides a way for Canadians with ecologically sensitive land to protect nature and leave a legacy for future generations” by gifting the land to charities or governments. A significant tax rebate is offered to a landowner who donates lands under this program. While the proposed trail may impact some trees in the design, it will also focus users and foot traffic onto the path, preventing disturbance elsewhere in the valley.

For more information, read report EGD-003-20.

Non-resident drivers at-fault in collisions in Clarington will have to pay for emergency services

If you are not a Clarington resident and have been involved in a collision while travelling through the Municipality where the police have ruled that you’re “at fault,” you will soon have to pay a fee for emergency service response. Clarington Council has directed staff to implement a Motor Vehicle Collision Cost Recovery Program for municipal roadways. The revenue generated from this will help cover the cost of the services provided.  According to the Municipal Act, municipalities may impose fees or charges “for services or activities provided or done by or on behalf of it.” On average, the Municipality responds to approximately 300 collisions per year, with around 50 per cent that may result in a non-resident at-fault service charge. Clarington will look at applying the Provincial service charge rate, which is $485 per vehicle for the first hour (or part hour) of service and $242.50 per vehicle subsequently for each half-hour.

For more information, read report ESD-002-20.

Creating an accessible community

The Municipality is incorporating accessibility into all of its services as we work to become an inclusive community. As outlined in the 2019 Accessibility Status Update report, Clarington is doing a lot of work to meet its legislated standards and to go beyond. Clarington’s Accessibility Advisory Committee (CAAC) met seven times in 2019. The committee works to remove barriers for people with disabilities who are looking to participate in municipal programs, services, initiatives or facilities. Under the Provincial Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Clarington’s Accessibility Advisory Committee is consulted to review any new developments or projects. In 2019, the committee reviewed approximately 40 site plan applications and three municipal projects to see if any physical barriers existed that would prevent accessibility. The CAAC continues to advocate for accessible housing as well as accessible employment. The committee is also very active in the community, participating in National AccessAbility Week, Day of Persons with Disabilities and Applefest. The CAAC also recognizes and nominates local individuals and businesses for the Durham Regional Accessibility Awards. Internally, Clarington continues to provide accessibility training to staff on various topics, including creating accessible documents and our teletype (TTY) phone service. The service allows individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing to communicate with customer service staff by sending and receiving instant written messages over the phone line.

For more information, read report CLD-003-20.

Clarington to implement organizational changes

The Municipality will be making some key changes to its internal structure, as identified in an organizational review and implementation plan report. One of the biggest changes is the creation of a Public Works Department. This new Department will consist of three distinct divisions – Infrastructure, Roads and Fleet, and Parks. The new departmental structure will allow staff to make more informed decisions about maintenance, deployment of resources and the management of construction work, which previously involved collaboration with two or more departments. The changes will not only achieve cost savings but will also provide more timely and efficient service to residents. Going against one of the recommendations in the organizational review to outsource a service, Clarington Council has decided to continue to provide Animal Services. Clarington Animal Services has a long-standing history as a well-respected provider of animal-related education, care, shelter and adoption of local animals. Clarington Council recognizes the critical role that Animal Services plays within our community. These changes will allow the Municipality to streamline its operations, identify improvements and, as a result, improve customer service.

For more information, read report CAO-006-20.

Clarington declares a climate emergency

Clarington Council has declared a climate emergency, highlighting its commitment to protecting the community and ecosystems from climate change.

Residents of Clarington are already experiencing the results of climate change through flooding, high lake levels, ice storms, invasive species, severe weather fluctuations and increased wind events. By declaring a climate emergency, the Municipality acknowledges its role in responding to human-caused climate change. Clarington is already working on various initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy consumption and help the community become more resilient to climate change. Last spring, the Municipality released its five-year Energy Conservation Demand Management Plan outlining its energy-saving priorities. The plan looked at energy use across municipal facilities, tracking historical data and forecasting energy performance measures to help reduce energy consumption, reduce GHG emissions and save the Municipality money. In compiling this plan, Clarington has established its greenhouse gas inventory.

Clarington has also partnered with students from Trent University Durham GTA, to develop an Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy, which will examine the Municipality’s role in providing EV charging infrastructure and services in the community.

Learn more about Clarington’s ongoing environmental initiatives.

Clarington residents to see 2.2 per cent increase on local tax bill

Clarington residents will see a 2.2 per cent increase on the local portion of their tax bills. Council passed the 2020 budget, which focused on infrastructure maintenance and improvements as well as adopting changes that will assist Clarington in lowering its greenhouse gas emissions.

Council is proposing to invest $16.2 million in infrastructure work on bridges, road repair, sidewalk maintenance, stormwater management and improved pedestrian road crossings. Council is also prioritizing the environment by incorporating key changes to the budget to adapt to climate change, including $14,500 in tax levy funding to purchase electric vehicles. Council has also committed $35,000 to install new electric vehicle charging stations located at the parking lot on the southwest corner of Church and Division Streets. The other 50 per cent of the cost of the new charging stations will be paid for by a federal government grant. Council has also allocated an additional $25,000 for tree planting to expand Clarington’s tree canopy and absorb greenhouse gas emissions.

Overall, more than $54.5 million of the approved 2020 budget is allocated for operating expenses, the day-to-day cost of providing key services to residents, including fire, winter road maintenance, facility programs and services. In total, the Municipality is dedicating $29.7 million for major capital expenses with $8.2 million drawn directly from the tax levy.

Read the full Budget press release.

Clarington residents can now watch Council decisions and debates live

The Municipality is increasing its accessibility and transparency by live streaming all Council and Committee meetings at www.clarington.net/calendar. A video icon will appear within the meeting information once the meeting has started to stream.

Within a few days of the meeting, the archived video will be available as part of the minutes. The archived video will be tagged, which means you can click on an item in the minutes, and the video will start to play at that item. Closed captioning is available for both the live streaming and the video recording.

The next council meeting is March 23, 2020.