Clarington’s 2025 Year in Review shows community impact and progress at the midpoint of the Strategic Plan

On March 2, the Municipality of Clarington released its 2025 Year in Review, highlighting more than 100 stories that reflect progress on the objectives set out in the 2024-27 Strategic Plan. At the midpoint of implementing the plan, 94 per cent of the 99 action items are in progress or complete, with nearly a third fully delivered. Residents can explore the publication online or pick up a copy at Clarington recreation centres and Town Hall starting this week. The 2025 edition features a special cover that doubles as a keepsake community map.

“I believe that when we work together with you, our neighbours, we lift our community up. When we listen to each other and support one another, awesome things really start happening here in Clarington. Your ideas shaped the projects we’re rolling out right now, and we can’t wait to see the lasting, positive difference they’ll make for everyone who calls Clarington home, now and in the future,” said Mayor Adrian Foster.

With input from nearly 2,500 residents, Clarington's Strategic Plan is designed to be reflective of Council and the community’s collective aspirations. Many actions span multiple years and require phased implementation, partnerships, or approvals. From major capital projects and modern service upgrades to community programs and long‑range planning, efforts in 2025 delivered improvements that enhanced convenience, access, and overall experience for residents, families, and businesses.

“What stands out most is the genuine care #TeamClarington brings to work that keeps this community moving. With Council’s leadership and support to advance community priorities, staff have been turning that direction into meaningful results for residents,” said Mary‑Anne Dempster, Clarington’s Chief Administrative Officer. “I’m proud of the work happening across every department as we deliver on our mission to enhance quality of life in Clarington.” 

In the 2025 Year in Review, residents can see what’s new, improved and making a positive impact, including:

• More spaces and opportunities for community connection: Construction began on the new South Bowmanville Recreation Centre; neighbours came together for events like Canada Day, which drew a record‑breaking 20,000 attendees; and initiatives such as the Together We Are Clarington campaign continued to foster belonging and celebrate diversity.
• Local economic growth: A new Investment Attraction Strategy was introduced to help create new jobs, diversify the economy, and support the services residents rely on; Clarington welcomed 21 new businesses in 2025, creating 130 jobs; filming in Clarington generated $1.3 million in local economic impact, including production of Season 4 of Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia television series.
• Ongoing dedication to community health and safety: A new Physician Recruitment Incentive Program was launched to attract family doctors locally; Clarington Fire and Emergency Services responded to 877 emergency calls, including the Fosterbrooke long‑term care home evacuation and the tragic fire in downtown Bowmanville; the Animal Shelter cared for more than 250 animals; and the Municipality continued supporting the Bowmanville Hospital redevelopment project and celebrated the opening of Marigold Hospice Care.
• Long‑term view for vibrant parks and complete neighbourhoods: The Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan advanced through many projects including securing 20 hectares for the future outdoor Sports and Event Grounds, moving trail design forward for Bowmanville Park on the former Zoo lands, opening two outdoor refrigerated rinks and new parks in Bowmanville and Newtonville; efforts to guide the decades ahead included work on a new Waterfront Strategy, advancing six Secondary Plans, and securing an Affordable Housing Agreement in Courtice. 
• Strong and efficient municipal operations: More than $2 million in operational efficiencies were achieved through continuous improvement initiatives; more than $10.7 million in 2025 grant funding was secured; and launched Clarington’s first‑ever People Strategy to strengthen the workforce that serves the community.
• Public engagement remains a top priority: Clarington Connected kiosks were recognized for making public engagement more visible, accessible, and part of everyday life, receiving the 2025 Excellence in Innovation Award from Municipal Service Delivery Officials (MSDO); since launch in late 2023, more than 60,000 residents have shared input on 56 projects.

Clarington’s progress is guided by the voices of residents and the direction of Council, with the 2024-27 Strategic Plan shaping how services evolve as the community grows. Through community‑centred stories organized under the pillars of Lead, Connect, and Grow Responsibly, the Year in Review shows how this work is progressing and supports our goal of building an informed and engaged community. Learn more about the progress at www.clarington.net/StrategicPlan.

Residents can get the latest on what’s happening across the community by subscribing to municipal updates at www.clarington.net/subscribe and following @ClaringtonConnected on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. To participate in upcoming projects and share your ideas, visit www.claringtonconnected.ca.

Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Sarah Raso, Communications Officer
905-260-3495 | sraso@clarington.net