Clarington Fall Forums celebrate community spirit and honour local champions

The Mayor and Council welcomed a strong turnout at the first Fall Forums, bringing neighbours together to chat about what’s new in their neighbourhoods and what’s coming up in the community. Hosted separately in the west for Wards 1 and 2 and in the east for Wards 3 and 4, these gatherings gave residents a chance to talk one-on-one with their Council team and learn about local projects.

“This term, we’ve been engaging with folks more than ever. We’ve built our long-term plans on a solid foundation of feedback from the good people of Clarington. As we take in all the good things coming from those efforts, the Fall Forums gave us a chance to slow down, catch up with neighbours and swap stories. There’s a lot going on in Clarington these days, and we want everyone to have a front-row seat for all the excitement,” said Mayor Foster.

In Wards 1 and 2, residents heard updates on the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre, new ice-skating opportunities, major transportation projects, and the new nuclear economy. In Wards 3 and 4, neighbours learned the latest about the hospital and hospice, plans for the Bowmanville Zoo lands park, and improvements to the Newcastle Community Park.

Residents in Wards 1 and 2 attend the Fall Forum on October 21 at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex.

Residents in Wards 3 and 4 attend the Fall Forum on October 22 at Diane Hamre Recreation Complex.

“Thanks to everyone who came by to catch up on what’s happening in their areas and had a friendly chat with your Council team. Truth be told, I think these conversations helped us all get to know each other a little better, which builds a stronger Clarington community,” said Mayor Foster.

Feedback collected during the development of Clarington’s 2024-27 Strategic Plan showed residents wanted more opportunities to connect with Council, share ideas, and get involved. These Fall Forums are just one way Council is working to make that happen.

At the Fall Forums, Mayor and Council members also took time to honour some outstanding community members with the Mayor’s Office Challenge Coin. The challenge coin is a symbol of appreciation and gratitude to those who have made a positive impact on the community. Recipients are volunteers, fundraisers, organizers, educators, and advocates who make Clarington a more vibrant place to call home.

Wards 1 & 2 Challenge Coin (left to right): Wards 1& 2 Regional Councillor Granville Anderson, Ward 2 Councillor Lloyd Rang, Challenge Coin recipients Shawn Clearsky Davis, Ben Earle and Lionel Furs, with Mayor Adrian Foster and Ward 1 Councillor Sami Elhajjeh at the Wards 1 & 2 Fall Forum.

Wards 3 & 4 Challenge Coin (left to right): At the Wards 3 & 4 Fall Forum, Wards 3 & 4 Regional Councillor Willie Woo, Challenge Coin winners Jim Boate and Steve Matthews, with Mayor Adrian Foster and Ward 4 Councillor Margaret Zwart.

Clarington Council Members nominated the recipients of the 2025 challenge coin, and from the nominations, the Mayor’s Office selected the individuals who received the award this year.

Recipients:

• Jim Boate is a tireless supporter of safe, active transportation in Clarington. He coordinates the Clarington Cycling Club’s annual Nash Road cleanup and champions accessibility on the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. His encouragement helped launch Clarington’s first trail snow-clearing program so everyone can get out and enjoy the trails even in the winter.
• Shawn Clearsky Davis is an inspiration to anyone who’s ever struggled with addiction and lost identity. His story of finding his way back to health and his Anishinaabe culture through relentless long-distance running and intense therapy became an intimate and uplifting documentary that has touched audiences at film festivals around the globe.
• As the head of Feed the Need in Durham, Ben Earle has been working for years to make sure folks in our community don’t go to bed hungry. He’s been a leader in the non-profit and community services sector. His work has created a lifeline for so many, showing what real caring looks like right here in Clarington.
• Lionel Furs created the original concept for Clarington’s Coat of Arms in 1977. His bold design captures the story of our municipality’s agricultural, natural and industrial history. Lionel has generously donated his sketchbook, documenting the design process, to the Clarington Library, Museums, and Archives.
• Steve Matthews is doing a world of good right from Clarington, as executive director of the ADRA Canada, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency. The global humanitarian organization delivers emergency relief and strives to eliminate extreme poverty. ADRA helps people in more than 100 countries get clean water, better medical care, meals, schooling and income opportunities.
• Shelly Rivers is a dedicated volunteer who brings people together and builds community through the Orono Events Committee. For years, she’s played a key role in organizing local festivals, ceremonies, and parades that strengthen the spirit of the Village. Her efforts have made Orono a more vibrant and connected community for everyone.
• Charles, Judi, and Courtney Stevens from Wilmot Orchards blueberry farm are the first in Durham Region to protect their farmland for future generations. Their partnership with the Ontario Farmland Trust secures a 164-acre easement protecting this prime agricultural land for 999 years and ensuring Clarington enjoys fresh, local food for years to come.
• Dr. Anthony (Tony) Stone is a renowned family physician and local health care hero who helped lead the Durham Region COVID-19 pandemic response. He has been at the forefront of efforts to attract more doctors to the community and was essential in establishing the new Queen’s-Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program, training doctors right here in Durham.

“This is a token of our profound gratitude for the residents who shape our community for the better. It’s a privilege to present it to these folks and honour their extraordinary actions,” said Mayor Foster.

Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Jennifer O’Meara, Policy and Communications Advisor
905-260-2844 | jomeara@clarington.net