Update on the former Goodyear lands in Bowmanville

The Goodyear lands are located just south of downtown Bowmanville. They contain the former Goodyear manufacturing plant, which operated for nearly a century before closing in 2016. Today, the 15.5-hectare brownfield site is privately owned, with plans for its future use under consideration. 

Environmental considerations 

Under provincial legislation, when a brownfield property is redeveloped for a new use, property owners and redevelopers must meet specific requirements to assess environmental site conditions and demonstrate that the property meets applicable standards. This process is governed by regulations under the Environmental Protection Act and must comply with requirements and standards established by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). The Municipality also regulates the importation of fill onto the site to ensure that the source and quality of material is safe. 

Fire reports 

In October 2025, Clarington Emergency and Fire Services responded to a large fire in one of the vacant buildings on the Goodyear lands property. At that time, the MECP attended the scene to evaluate environmental conditions, conduct testing in the local waterway, and work with the property owner on any required follow-up actions. 

In June 2026, there was no fire at the site. Information circulating on social media was not accurate. 

Safety and security 

The Municipality of Clarington has been actively working for several years to address safety, security and compliance concerns at the former Goodyear lands, using available municipal enforcement to protect public safety and support the responsible demolition and remediation of the site. 

This has included: 

• 2020 to 2024: Clarington Emergency and Fire Services conducted ongoing inspections and issued multiple inspection orders related to site security. Charges were laid in 2023 for non-compliance with a Fire Code Inspection Order. The matter proceeded to trial in 2024, and the charges were dismissed after the court determined the owner had taken reasonable steps to secure the building. 
• November 2024: After the Municipality became aware of unauthorized demolition activity, an Order to Comply was issued under the Ontario Building Code, and demolition activity ceased. Notices were also issued requiring the owner to secure the site due to safety and fire hazard concerns. 
• February 2025: A demolition permit was issued for the main industrial building after staff worked with the landowner to confirm plans related to cultural heritage, safety, environmental impacts and the storage of demolition materials. 
• October 2025: Following the fire at the site, Clarington issued an Order to Remedy an Unsafe Building on the structure that had already been approved for demolition. The property owner has appealed the Order to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and the matter remains before the courts. 
• Ongoing: Staff continue to actively monitor the site for compliance through weekly inspections. Status inspections have also been implemented on Mondays and Fridays to identify security breaches before and after weekends so they can be addressed promptly. 

If you see any safety or security concerns on this site, please report them through the Service Clarington portal. 

Future development 

The Goodyear lands are located within the Bowmanville East Urban Centre Secondary Plan area, a Council-approved, community-informed policy framework that guides long-term development. Clarington’s planning vision for the site includes a vibrant mixed-use community with new housing and employment opportunities, as well as improved connections to the surrounding natural heritage system and downtown Bowmanville. 

The Biglieri Group has submitted applications on behalf of Lifelong Group of Companies Inc. (the property owner) for a Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of Subdivision at 45 Raynes Avenue. The proposal seeks to redevelop the Goodyear lands with multiple high-density, mixed-use blocks. 

A Public Meeting was held in May 2026, as part of the planning process, to gather community feedback. The application remains under review, and staff continue to assess technical studies, environmental considerations, public input and alignment with the Secondary Plan. 

Currently, no decisions have been made on the proposal. Once staff have completed their review of the applications, a recommendation will be brought to Council for consideration. More information is available at www.clarington.net/45RaynesAve. 

As new information becomes available, updates will be shared with the public.