COVID-19 Information and Updates

Province limits the size on unmonitored social gatherings across Ontario

The new limit on the number of people allowed to attend an unmonitored private social gathering across the province is:

• 10 people at an indoor event or gathering (previous limit of 50); or
• 25 people at an outdoor event or gathering (previous limit of 100).

Unmonitored and private social gatherings include functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas.

Read the full press release.

Statement from Regional Chair John Henry on rise in COVID-19 cases

The following statement is being issued on behalf of John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer:

“There has been a steady increase in COVID-19 cases over the past couple of weeks in Ontario. This is cause for concern, and something that should not be taken lightly as we head into the colder months and flu season.

Today, the provincial government announced that informal gathering limits will be reduced to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors throughout Ontario for at least the next 28 days, effective immediately.

In Durham Region, we have done tremendous work to flatten the curve together as a community since March, and this is no time to become complacent. We stand in full support of the province’s decision to limit gatherings across the province, including Durham Region.

We must continue to follow best public health practices as much as possible to mitigate the effects of another large spike in cases. Please respect the new social gathering limits. Stay home if you’re sick. Prioritize your trips out of the house. Wash your hands often. Wear a non-medical mask or face covering in all indoor, enclosed public spaces and maintain six feet of physical distance.

Please remember—we all have a responsibility to one another as a community. The work you have all done so far has been amazing. Make informed decisions, and make sure you are always looking out for the health and safety of yourself, your family, and your neighbours.   

We will get through this together, and together we remain #DurhamStrong.”

Access Region of Durham website.

Registration is now open for 55+ fall programs

Clarington’s 55+ Active Adults staff have been working to adapt our programming to help older adults stay connected and keep active. We are providing a variety of virtual and in-person programs ranging from fitness, general interest and recreational activities. We are also providing technology support to help people get connected. Our tablet loan program is available for anyone who needs to borrow one and staff are available by email or phone to help with technical support.

View the 55+ Virtual Fall Registration Guide (PDF) and visit www.clarington.net/beACTIVE to register. For more information, please call 905-623-3379 ext. 2525.

Register now for drop-in swimming

Drop-in swims will be available at the following facilities starting:

• September 8, 2020, at Diane Hamre Recreation Complex
• September 22, 2020, at Courtice Community Complex
• October 5, 2020, at Alan Strike Aquatic and Squash Centre

Pre-registration is required. Book a swimming time slot.

Swimming lesson registration starts soon

Registration for all aquatic programs begins Tuesday, September 15 at 7 a.m. for Clarington residents and Tuesday, September 22 for non-residents. Online registration is strongly encouraged.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have reduced the number and types of swimming classes we are offering. We have also lowered the number of children that can register in each class to allow for physical distancing. 

Before you register, please visit our Swimming Lessons page to learn what's changed. Please also read about the additional safety measures we have implemented at our aquatic facilities.

Lifesaving, Leadership and First Aid classes will return this fall

Clarington is offering Lifesaving, Leadership and First Aid programs this this fall. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have reduced the number of participants in each program to allow for physical distancing.

Registration begins Tuesday, September 15 at 7 a.m. for Clarington residents and Tuesday, September 22 for non-residents. Online registration is strongly encouraged.

Welcome back Clarington: our fall recreational programming returns

The Municipality of Clarington is launching its fall schedule for recreation programming. We will be reopening more facilities and are excited to welcome back residents after a prolonged closure. We are reintroducing drop-in programs, swimming lessons, public swimming and lane swims, fitness programming and offering 55+ Active Adult programs and recreational activities, including virtual classes.

Also, this fall, the Municipality is offering 55+ Active Adults programming, including virtual classes. These programs focus on fitness, general interest classes, and recreational activities. We offer tablets on loan to support those who currently do not have access and want to participate virtually. More details are available on our website, www.clarington.net/ActiveAdults.

Clarington will follow similar pre-registration protocols established for the opening of the Orono Park Pool and our fitness training centre. Participants will be asked to pre-register before the start of the session. For details on registration and dates, visit www.clarington.net/ProgramRegistration.

Drop-in swims will be available at the following facilities starting:

• September 8, 2020, at Diane Hamre Recreation Complex
• September 22, 2020, at Courtice Community Complex
• October 5, 2020, at Alan Strike Aquatic and Squash Centre

All swimming memberships will be reactivated in September to coincide with the start of drop-in opportunities. Swimming lessons will begin October 3, 2020, with registration on September 15. Lessons will be offered at Diane Hamre Recreation Complex and Courtice Community Complex. Limited fitness programs will also resume on October 3, 2020, with registration opening on September 29, 2020. Recreation programs and general interest programs will start on October 13 with registration opening on September 29.  

Registration for all of the programs is available online at www.clarington.net/BeACTIVE or by phone, 905-987-5667 ext. 2552

Read the full press release.

Join Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster for a Facebook Live Q&A on September 11 from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Mayor Foster will answer questions about ongoing COVID-19 impacts on Municipal services and will release details on new fall recreation programs and facilities opening.

For more details, view the Facebook Event.

Clarington to receive $2.1 million in COVID-19 relief funding from Ontario Government

The Municipality of Clarington will receive $2.1 million in COVID-19 relief funding from the Provincial Government, as announced by Ontario Premier, Doug Ford Wednesday afternoon.

The one-time assistance comes from $4 billion that was earmarked for Ontario municipalities as part of the federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement. Ontario municipalities will receive up to $1.6 billion from the first round of emergency funding to ensure critical public services are delivered safely and effectively, while also protecting the health and well-being of the community.

Read the full press release.

Clarington fitness training centre pre-registration opens today

Pre-registration for one-hour workout slots at the Courtice Community Complex fitness training centre opened today, August 4, for the upcoming week of August 10. The fitness training centre will be open on August 10, Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If you are pre-registering for a workout online, please visit www.clarington.net/beactive to activate your online account. Use the “Forgot my Password” link and the email address on your account. Once you gain access to your account, you can sign up for times using that portal. Please do not create a new account, as one already exists for you and is tied to your membership. If you create a new account, it will not include your membership, and you will be charged drop-in fees when registering online. If you experience any issues, please call us at 905-987-5667 ext. 2552 and one of our team members can help walk you through the process and get you set up. You can also register on the phone (905-987-5667 ext. 2552). Phone registration is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

We encourage residents to continue to access our services by calling in, going online or booking an appointment ahead of time.

• The fitness training centre at Courtice Community Complex is open for pre-registered workout sessions. For registration details and rules of use see our fitness page.
• South Courtice Arena Pad A and Pad B are open for public rentals. Capacity is currently limited to 20 people on the ice. Physical distancing measures will be in place, no game play is allowed, instructional or pleasure skating only and insurance is required for all rentals. Email Community Services for requests and inquiries.
• Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex Pad A side is open as a COVID-19 assessment centre. Testing is by appointment, through the online form. When individuals complete the online COVID-19 Assessment Form (covidswab.lh.ca), they will receive an instant response with the date and time of their appointment. Individuals will receive a phone call if their email is not valid. The team makes every attempt to reach an individual.

• Monday to Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed from noon to 1 p.m.)
• Thursday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Closed 4 to 5 p.m.)
• Last two Saturdays of the Month (except holiday weekends) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed from noon to 1 p.m.)

Only one person will be allowed in the building at a time for the purchase of parking permits, parking ticket payments, and licensing submissions.

We ask residents with general inquires, complaint submissions, or requests for first attendances to call 905-623-3379 ext. 2105 instead of visiting the Law Enforcement Office in person.

Registration is now open for residents to book a scheduled time to access the Orono Park Pool for public swimming. Swim sessions scheduled for each upcoming week based on the table below.

For more information on pool use rules, visit www.clarington.net/OronoPool. Register online at www.clarington.net/BeActive or by phone at 905-987-5667 ext. 2552.

• Online registrations will require cash payment on site.  When registering online, a zero fee will show with payment required upon arrival to enter the swim.
• If you wish to pay in advance with a credit card, please register by phone. Phone registrations will be available between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
• Cash only will be accepted on-site (exact change is appreciated).
• Swimmers are asked to arrive 10 minutes before their swim to complete the screening protocol and go through the admission requirements.
• Physical distancing will be maintained at all times in the pool area.

All municipal leash-free dog parks in Clarington are open. Residents must  continue to maintain a distance of two metres at all times. We recommend bringing hand sanitizer and wearing a non-medical mask or face covering if possible.

Clarington's beaches are open. Follow the guidelines below to help stop the spread of COVID-19 while using public beaches:

• Use beaches closer to your home.
• Do not visit the beach if you have symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle aches,
  fatigue, headache, sore throat, runny nose, or have come into contact with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19.
• Maintain a physical distance of at least two metres (six feet) or more from people outside of your household at all times.
• Ensure physical distancing is maintained while in the water and while having fun on the shore.
• Bring alcohol-based hand sanitizer to the beach and clean your hands when you arrive and throughout your visit.
• No organized activities (beach volleyball, etc.) are allowed unless limited to one household at a time without shared equipment.

All splash pads are now open. Please maintain a distance of two metres from anyone outside of your social circle and remember to take your own hand sanitizer. If your child uses a push button to get the water started, please sanitize their hands after.

• View all splash pad locations

Clarington's playgrounds are now open, except for those under construction. The Municipality will not be sanitizing the equipment, and residents should bring their own hand sanitizer. It is the parent's or guardian's responsibility to ensure children practise good hand hygiene and use hand sanitizer before and after touching the equipment. Parents and guardians are also responsible for supervising their small children and ensuring physical distancing. While at this time, there is no limit on how many children can play on the equipment at one time, we encourage residents to use good judgment. If the playground is busy, wait until there are fewer children present or take turns. If possible, children should wear a mask.

The following municipal buildings and facilities are closed to the public:

• Visitor’s Centre
• Clarington Animal Shelter
• Hampton Operations Centre
• All Fire Stations
• Alan Strike Aquatic and Squash Centre
• Courtice Community Complex
• Diane Hamre Recreation Complex
• Darlington Sports Centre
• Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex
• South Courtice Arena, including artificial turf field
• Bowmanville Indoor Soccer/Lacrosse Bowl
• Clarington Museums

• Bowmanville Older Adult Association - Closed until further notice
• Brownsdale Community Centre - Closed until further notice
• Hampton Community Centre - Closed until further notice
• Haydon Community Centre - Closed until further notice
• Kendal Community Centre - All hall booking postponed until further notice. Post office is still currently open.
• Memorial Park Clubhouse - Closed until further notice
• Newcastle Community Hall - Closed until further notice
• Newcastle Memorial Arena - Closed until further notice
• Newtonville Community Centre - Closed until further notice
• Orono Arena - Closed until further notice
• Orono Town Hall - Closed until further notice
• Solina Community Closed until further notice
• Tyrone Community Centre - Closed until further notice
• Visual Arts Centre - Closed until further notice

Clarington is running our highly-popular summer camps. However, due to COVID-19 and the strict restrictions on camps imposed by the Province, camps will be modified.

Registration for camps is now open, online only, through our BeACTIVE Clarington website. Camps will begin on July 20 and will be located at four separate facilities:

• South Courtice Arena
• Courtice Community Complex
• Bowmanville Indoor Soccer
• Diane Hamre Recreation Complex

Learn more by visiting our camps page.

Residents can pay parking tickets in any of the following ways:

• Online at www.clarington.net/PayTickets
• By cheque, payable to the Municipality of Clarington
  • Please mail cheques to 2611 Trulls Road, Courtice, ON L1E 2N3 or drop it off in the drop box at the Municipal Administrative Centre (40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville) at the north entrance.

To dispute a parking ticket, please call the Municipal Law Enforcement Office at 905-623-3379 ext. 2105 to arrange an appointment. Appointments will be conducted over the phone at the arranged time.

• Property tax payments may be made at most banks or financial institutions including online and telephone banking.
• By cheque, payable to the Municipality of Clarington (please include your ROLL number on the cheque)
  • Please mail your cheque to 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville ON L1C 3A6 or drop it off in the drop box at the Municipal Administrative Centre (40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville) at the north entrance.
• Call 905-623-3379 ext. 2650 to speak with staff in the Tax Department.

• Call 905-623-3379 ext. 2105 to speak to a member of the Municipal By-Law Enforcement Team.
• Report by-law enforcement issues using Clarington’s Report a Problem form.

As a result of changes made to the Provincial Emergency Order on April 3, 2020, amending the list of essential services, the Building Division has altered its operations.

Clarington will continue to receive, process and issue building permits. However, construction can only continue or start on projects that are deemed essential by the Province. Included in the essential project list are residential projects where any of the following has occurred before 11:59 p.m. on April 4, 2020:

• a footing permit had been granted for single-family, semi-detached and townhomes;
• an above-grade structural permit had been granted for condominiums, mixed-use and other buildings, or;
• the project involves renovations to residential properties, and construction work started before April 4, 2020.

View the full list of essential construction projects as outlined on the Province's website. Clarington's Building Division will continue to complete inspections as requested on those essential projects.

If you have questions, please call 905-623-3379 ext. 2312 or email BuildingPermits@clarington.net.

• General inquiries from residents, real estate agents and developers will continue to be answered by phone and email.
• Submissions of revisions to existing development applications and plans will be accepted by email, file share and courier. Payments can be made by electronic means or certified cheque.
• New planning applications will be received and processed.
• Business can apply for temporary sign permits by applying online.
• Community Improvement Grants can be submitted online.
• Residents can continue to provide feedback on secondary plans by phone or email.

• Effectively immediately, resumes should only be emailed to resumes@clarington.net or dropped off in the mail slot at the Municipal Administrative Centre (40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville) at the north entrance.
• Until further notice, there will be no in-person interviews.
• Updates will be posted as needed regarding the recruitment and selection process.

Council and Committee meetings will continue as scheduled. Following physical distancing guidelines established during the COVID-19 pandemic, all meetings will proceed in an electronic format allowing Members of Council to stay home.  Residents can watch the meeting online at www.clarington.net/calendar.

Delegations will also proceed remotely (either electronically or by telephone). If you wish to appear as a delegation to address Council on an issue, please contact the Municipal Clerk’s Department at 905-623-3379 ext. 2109 or clerks@clarington.net. The deadline to notify the Clerk’s Department that you want to make a delegation is 4:15 p.m., one business day before the scheduled meeting. Delegates will receive information and instructions on how to access the meeting electronically.

Local businesses can visit www.investdurham.ca/CovidResponse for the latest resources and information regarding government programs, services and supports. The website will be updated daily with current information on available business supports, federal and provincial financial programs, how to access funds, and employee/employer resources.