Council highlights from the May 1, 2023 meeting

Clarington Council has awarded the contract to reconstruct the Port Darlington Boat Launch and parking lot in Bowmanville.

The work includes the reconstruction of the boat launch, a new staircase from the parking lot to the ramp, reconstruction of the parking lot, repairing the grading transition on a segment of the Waterfront Trail, and landscaping improvements. 

The successful project bid came in on budget at approximately $500,000. Last summer, the repair work was delayed when bids came in $460,000 higher than expected due to inflationary pressures throughout the industry. 

The boat launch reconstruction will begin once the in-water works window opens at the beginning of July, as per regulatory restrictions. Reconstruction of the Port Darlington Boat Launch is expected to start in early July and has a contract completion date of September 28 (depending on weather and other factors). 

While the Bowmanville boat launch is closed for repair, a free public boat launch is open at Bond Head Parkette, at 5 Boulton Street, in Newcastle. There is also a provincial boat launch in Darlington Provincial Park and a private boat launch at the Port of Newcastle Marina.

A vision for Bowmanville Zoo Lands Park

The first glimpse of a Bowmanville Zoo Land Park plan was presented to Council members on Monday, April 24, by Valleys 2000, a local non-profit dedicated to protecting green space in Bowmanville.

Thirty-four acres of the former zoo property were donated to Clarington for a public park. Municipal staff have partnered with Valleys 2000 to work on a concept plan. The volunteer group hired a landscape architect and held public consultation meetings to form the park proposal.

The design includes features such as a natural amphitheatre for outdoor performances, sports fields, playground spaces, outdoor classrooms, a community garden, nature areas, and trail connections both within the park and as part of the larger trail system.

The Bowmanville Zoo Lands Park Concept Plan will be included as part of the Parks Recreation and Culture Master Plan, now underway.

Work begins on Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan

The Municipality of Clarington has begun work on an expedited Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan to better understand the services and facilities that should be offered to residents now and in the future.

Population growth, higher-density neighbourhoods and changes to the Planning and Development Charges Act are all changing the landscape of Clarington’s resources to meet the growing demand for parks, recreation, and culture.

A full Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan will offer a complete picture of the Municipality’s current and long-term needs and the financial impacts. This will give Council the information to make informed decisions on future capital investments and programming.

The funding for the master plan was approved as part of the budget for 2023. Clarington Council approved hiring the necessary consulting expertise to develop the master plan at the Monday, May 1 meeting.

Clarington could move to a multi-year budget

Other Ontario municipalities, including the City of London and the City of Guelph, have successfully implemented a multi-year budget.

In late 2023, Clarington Council will consider approving their first multi-year budget for 2024 to 2027. Each year, Council will review an annual budget update and make any needed adjustments. The updates could include information on new or changed regulations that have a financial impact to be considered, an opportunity for new Council direction with a financial impact (e.g. expanding hours at recreational facilities), and any budget adjustments needed due to changes in the economy. 

Clarington Council approved the policy allowing for multi-year budgets at the May 1 meeting.

The next council meeting is Monday, May 15, 2023.