Council Highlights from the November 23, 2020 meeting

Clarington Council reopens property at the end of Longworth Avenue to the public 

Clarington Council has amended a previous decision prohibiting the public from using the Municipal property on Longworth Avenue and Mearns Avenue. Council has opted to reopen the property for public use while adding certain safety precautions. Staff have been directed to remove the gate and open the property for residents to use while also installing a removable bollard to prevent bikes and ATVs from entering the area. New signs will also be installed prohibiting motorized vehicles on the property and informing residents that they can use the property at their own risk. The open terrain contains a natural drop off. Residents are encouraged to use the property safely. Please ensure dogs are walked on a leash and that you clean up after them. Clarington staff are also investigating the possibility of installing stairs going into the ravine and will report back to Council for a final decision.

Details of Council decision are available in C-464-20 item 13.3 of Council minutes.

Council approves future vision for Camp 30, potentially making a large portion of public parkland open to residents

Clarington Council has approved a community vision for the historically and culturally significant Camp 30 lands. The inner ring portion of the lands where the historical buildings are will be left as public parkland for the entire community's enjoyment, prohibiting any new private housing development as requested by the landowner. This ensures that the character and heritage of this site are conserved for the enjoyment of future generations.

In 2013, Camp 30 was designated as a National Historic Site. It initially opened in 1925 as a training school for delinquent boys. During the Second World War, it was used by the Allies as a prison for captured high-ranking German officers. It is the only known PoW Camp left in Canada, with original buildings dating back to that era. Council designated the site in 2018 under the Ontario Heritage Act.

The adopted community vision for the lands provides a framework for development and where it's appropriate outside of the inner ring. It will set the stage for the Official Plan Amendment 121, looking at this special policy area. The upcoming Official Plan Amendment will address density, building form, and heights, integration with the remaining heritage structures and more. Clarington staff will continue working with the landowner on the outstanding aspects of reusing and redeveloping the land.

To learn more about the vision for Camp 30, read Report PSD-051-20.

Clarington Council protects local properties while supporting a Minister's Zoning Order

After extensive consultation with area residents, Council is amending its decision to review the lands between Courtice and Bowmanville, just south of Highway 2. The assessment of the area to determine its future land use was one of several conditions Council imposed to support a privately-initiated request for a Minister's Zoning Order (MZO). On October 26, Council voted to support the MZO requested by Bowmanville Home Hardware. The company is asking the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to implement a tool, bypassing the normal planning approvals process, to change the existing zoning at 2423 Rundle Road, allowing the company to build a building supply centre at that location. Council voted to support the MZO request, provided Bowmanville Home Hardware completes typical site-specific studies to look at how the potential business expansion will impact the immediate area and how it will redevelop its Bowmanville site.

To find out more about this decision, read resolution C-467-20 item 13.1 in Council minutes.

Council approves winter snow clearing for several trails as residents seek outdoor activities during COVID-19

Clarington Council is extending winter snow clearing to several local trails to promote exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has forced residents to rethink how they exercise. Many of Clarington's outdoor spaces remain highly utilized as people seek to get fresh air while enjoying the natural beauty of our community. For the 2020-21 winter season, the Municipality will maintain and clear the following trails:

• Bowmanville Valley 2000 Trail
• Soper Creek Trail Bowmanville
• Farewell Creek Trail Courtice

We hope our trail users will continue to enjoy the natural beauty of winter in Clarington. For more information on our outdoor spaces, take a look at our Trails web page. Remember to share your journey with us on Instagram using #RediscoverClarington.

Free parking in Downtown Bowmanville in December

Once again this year, Council has approved free parking in Downtown Bowmanville. Many local businesses are struggling with the impacts of the ongoing pandemic; free parking is to encourage residents to shop locally and safely. There is a three-hour limit to allow for turnover and greater availability of parking spots. Please call ahead and shop off-peak hours to minimize your contact with others.

For more information on free parking, read Report LGS-003-20.