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Report To: Planning and Development Committee
Date of Meeting: March 7, 2022 Report Number: PDS-014-22
Submitted By:
Reviewed By:
File Number:
Report Subject:
Ryan Windle, Director of Planning and Development Services Mary-Anne
Dempster, CAO By-law Number:
PLN 7.17 Resolution#:
Development Applications – 2021 Annual Report
Recommendation:
1.That Report PDS-014-22 and any related communications, be received for information.
Municipality of Clarington Page 2
Report PDS-014-22
Report Overview
In 2021, the Planning and Development Services Department received 165 new
development applications, not including applications for apartment -in-house (aka Accessory
Dwelling Units) and sign permits.
Together, the applications are proposing a total of
In addition to receiving new applications, open applications from previous years continued to
be processed by Planning and Development Services staff, with assistance of other
Departments. The following highlights approvals granted in 2021:
2 plans of subdivision were issued Draft Approval comprising 49 housing units.
2 plans of subdivision were issued Final Approval comprising 189 housing units
3 condominium applications draft approved and registered for 235 housing units.
5 Part Lot Control approvals creating 76 housing units.
4 Official Plan amendments approved.
18 Zoning By-law amendments approved.
2,146
new housing units
50,625
square metres
(544,940 square feet)
of industrial and
commercial space
Municipality of Clarington Page 3
Report PDS-014-22
30 Site Plan applications approved for 1481 housing units and 29,342 square
metres (315,835 square feet) of industrial, institutional and commercial space.
o 10,036 square metres of industrial space
o 16,921 square metres of institutional space
o 2,385 square metres of commercial space
43 Minor Variance applications approved, 1 denied, 1 tabled (deferred), 2
withdrawn
28 Land Division Committee decisions for approval to create 21 new urban
residential lots, 5 new rural residential lots, 2 new industrial lots,
In 2021, approvals resulted in the following: re m
d commercial space al and commercial space and 44,696 square metres of industrial and
commercial space
PDS Staff also coordinate the review and approval of any apartment-in-house (now known
as Accessory Dwelling Units) applications and registrations, as well as issue Sign Permits
for businesses within the Municipality.
79 new applications for Apartment-in-House 32 temporary signs issued
& 25 additional units registered & 65 permanent signs issued
2056 new housing units 29,342 sq. m (315,835 square
feet) of industrial/commercial
space
Municipality of Clarington Page 4
Report PDS-014-22
1. Purpose
1.1. This report summarizes municipally initiated planning projects and development
application activity within the Municipality of Clarington for 2021.
1.2. This report also compares 2021 development application activity with previous years’
activity to assist with identifying emerging issues and possible trends. Figure 1 provides
a snapshot of the volume of planning applications received from 2011 to 2021.
Figure 1: Trends in Development Applications 2011-2021
2. Policy Planning and Implementation
2.1. The Planning and Development Services Department receives and processes a variety
of development applications. In addition, the Department initiates, amends, and
completes a wide variety of policy documents that include official plan amendments,
secondary plans, design guidelines, and other studies.
Official Plan Amendments
2.2. The Clarington long range land use policy document outlines goals, objectives and
policies for the entire Municipality. An Official Plan Amendment may have the effect of
changing a land use designation contained in the mapping, modifying the text or policy
of the Official Plan, or both. Official Plan amendments can be privately initiated or
Municipally-initiated.
Public Consultation
2.3. Public consultation meetings provide the opportunity for community members to engage
with the planning process and provide comment on future land use and development
within their community.
2.4. In 2021, four Public Information Centres for the Bowmanville West Urban Centre, Soper
Springs, Wilmot Creek Neighbourhood and North Village Secondary Plans occurred. In
addition, one Statutory Public Meeting Wilmot Creek Neighbourhood and North Village
Year OPA1 ZBA ROPA Plan of
Subdivision
Plan of
Condominium Site Plan Part Lot
Control Totals
2011 4 24 0 2 2 36 14 82
2012 9 19 0 4 3 36 6 77
2013 5 27 0 4 2 38 9 85
2014 3 21 1 2 0 31 13 71
2015 5 18 0 3 0 22 6 54
2016 4 24 0 3 1 34 4 70
2017 12 38 1 11 1 49 2 114
2018 4 22 0 5 10 43 10 94
2019 2 11 2 4 3 37 9 68
2020 5 11 0 2 4 27 12 61
2021 7 25 2 10 6 34 3 87
Mean 5 22 1 5 3 35 8 78
Municipality of Clarington Page 5
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Secondary Plan and one Public Meeting for the Farewell Heights Secondary Plan
occurred.
Municipally Initiated Policy Projects
2.5. The following is a summary of the major policy projects initiated, undertaken and/or
implemented by the Department in 2021. The activity covers a wide variety of topics
including: secondary plans, subwatershed studies, active transportation, economic
development, special study/policy areas, accessory dwelling units, and Zone Clarington.
Additionally, Staff completed multiple policy and document reviews related to Envision
Durham (Durham Regions Municipal Comprehensive Review).
Secondary Plans and Studies
Figure 2: Secondary Plan Areas in Clarington
Municipality of Clarington Page 6
Report PDS-014-22
2.6. Secondary Plans detail policies, in conformity with the Official Plan, to guide growth and
development in defined areas of the municipality where major changes are expected.
2.7. In 2021, The Municipality of Clarington’s Community Planning and Economic
Development Division had eleven secondary plans underway. Nine of the twelve are for
new secondary plan areas while the remaining are updates to existing secondary plans.
Further, in 2021 Council provided staff direction to initiate the Farewell Heights
Secondary Plan, which is still in the initial steps of the planning process.
2.8. The following list outlines all secondary plans underway in Clarington:
Courtice
1. Courtice Transit Oriented Community (MTSA)
2. Courtice Waterfront and Energy Park
3. Southwest Courtice Secondary Plan (Clarington Council approved, 2021)
4. Southeast Courtice Secondary Plan (Clarington Council approved, 2020)
5. Farewell Heights
Bowmanville
6. Soper Hills Secondary Plan
7. Soper Springs Secondary Plan
8. Bowmanville East Secondary Plan
9. Bowmanville West Major Transit Station Area Secondary Plan
10. Brookhill Secondary Plan Update (Clarington Council approved, 2021)
Newcastle
11. North Village Secondary Plan
12. Wilmot Creek Neighbourhood Secondary Plan
Southwest Courtice Secondary Plan
2.8 Council approved the Southwest Courtice Secondary Plan in May 2021, it has been
forwarded to the Region, as the approval authority. Once approved, the Southwest Courtice
Secondary Plan update area is expected to undergo significant growth and development
with a planned population of approximately 3,063 residents and 1,112 residential units.
Municipality of Clarington Page 7
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Brookhill Neighbourhood Secondary Plan
2.9 On May 25, 2021, Council adopted the
updated Brookhill Neighbourhood
Secondary Plan (BNSP). This Secondary
Plan was integrated with the
requirements for Phases 1 and 2 of the
required Environmental Assessment for
main internal roads to streamline the
process. The BNSP covers 300 hectares
and is expected to achieve minimum
total planned population of approximately
7,400 residents and 2,700 units. The
BNSP will guide the creation of
sustainable neighbourhoods that include
a diverse range of housing located within
walking distance of shopping, services,
schools, parks, trails, and amenities, with
a variety of densities and mix of land
uses. A linked system of multi-use paths,
bike lanes, and sidewalks will support
active transportation throughout the area.
The BNSP is now with the Region for
review and final approval.
Farewell Heights Secondary Plan
2.10 This Secondary Plan is in north Courtice and
will provide a more detailed direction for the
specific area regarding land uses,
transportation, infrastructure, natural
heritage, phasing and urban design. On
December 13th, 2021 a week after the
Public Meeting was held, Council ratified the
planning report to allow Staff to initiate the
process to prepare the Farewell Heights
Secondary Plan. The next steps in the
process are to finalize the Terms of
Reference (TOR) and hire the necessary
Consultants.
Figure 3: Brookhill Neighbourhood
Secondary Plan
Figure 4: Farewell Heights Secondary
Plan Area
Municipality of Clarington Page 8
Report PDS-014-22
North Village Secondary Plan
2.11 In March 2021, the North Village Secondary
Plan (NVSP) was restarted. The NVSP is
integrated with the requirements for Phases 1
and 2 of the required Environmental
Assessment for main internal roads and is
being done concurrently with Phases 1 to 4 for
the realigned Regional Road 17. The NVSP will
be a neighbourhood known for its great parks,
walkable streets, and connected active
transportation routes. The neighbourhood will
consist primarily of ground-related housing with
a Neighbourhood Centre with a public square
and amenities for residents’ day-to-day needs.
A Public Information Centre was held in
November 2021 with many more engagement
opportunities to follow. A Statutory Public
Meeting is expected in early 2023 with a
recommendation to Council shortly thereafter.
Soper Spings Secondary Plan
2.12 In November 2021, the Soper Springs Secondary Pan (SSSP) was restarted. The
SSSP is integrated with an Environmental Assessment for the Mearns Avenue
Extension and other internal roads. The neighbourhood design will incorporate
connections to natural features, parks and trails for both residents and the community
to enjoy. The SSSP will focus on preserving the natural environment and incorporating
sustainable design features that adapt to climate change. A Public Information Centre
was held in December 2021 with many more engagement opportunities to follow. We
expect to host a Statutory Public Meeting in early 2023 with a recommendation to
Council shortly thereafter.
Subwatershed Studies
2.13 Further, two subwatershed studies are underway. Subwatershed studies provide
detailed technical information regarding watercourses and high watertable areas and
inform appropriate land use development within those areas.
The overall goal of a Subwatershed Study is to develop a manage ment plan that allows
sustainable urban growth, while ensuring maximum benefits to the natural and human
environments. In total, there are three phases of a Subwatershed Study. Phase 1
prepares an existing conditions report that develops preliminary Constraints and
Opportunities mapping to identify developable and non-developable land. Phases 2 and
3 identify any potential impacts to natural features and functions and recommend
protective measures.
Figure 5: North Village Secondary
Plan Area
Municipality of Clarington Page 9
Report PDS-014-22
Subwatershed studies include strategies to support the Municipality’s Official Plan and
identify the responsible management strategies with the primary focus of protecting
natural ecosystem functions, flooding and erosion. The results of all three phases inform
the development of Secondary Plans that are locat ed within a study area.
Active Transportation in South Courtice
2.14 In May 2021, the Southwest Courtice Secondary Plan was adopted by Clarington
Council with an amendment that requires a detailed Trail and Active Transportation Plan
to be completed prior to development. This Plan is intended to include details on trails,
bike lanes, and multiuse paths in South Courtice with the goal of connecting residents to
the Courtice waterfront via an active transportation network.
Active transportation refers to all human-powered forms of transportation, in particular
walking and cycling. It includes the use of mobility aids such as wheelchairs and can
also encompass other active transport variations such as in -line skating, skateboarding,
and cross-country skiing. Active transportation can also be combined with other modes,
such as public transit. The active transportation network is the foundation to creating a
walkable community and an efficient public transit system.
Clarington’s Economic Development Strategy
2.15 The Municipality has initiated the preparation of an Economic Development Strategy
(EDS). MDBInsight has been retained as the consultant to develop the EDS in
consultation with the municipality. The project has been divided into four main
components: service delivery, technical analysis, community/business engagement, and
the development of the strategy itself.
One of the projects to stem
from the creation of an EDS is
the development of a Nuclear
Energy Cluster around the
future Clarington Headquarters
for OPG that will bring more
than 2,000 new jobs to the
community. A 3D rending of the
headquarters is presented in
Figure 6. We anticipate the
Draft Strategy will be presented
to Council in Spring of 2022
Figure 6: Aerial view of the proposed OPG
Headquarters in Clarington
Municipality of Clarington Page 10
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Special Study Area 2 OPA
2.16 On the direction of Council, the
Municipality initiated an Official Plan
Amendment (OPA) to consider deleting
policy 13.3.12 and Section 17.3 being
‘Special Study Area 2 – Greenbelt
Expansion’ from Clarington’s Official
Plan. These policies requested the
Province to undertake a site-specific,
science-based study before expanding
the Greenbelt and that any expansion to
the Greenbelt be for the protection of
prime agricultural lands. The deletion did
not change any current land use
designations, or any other policies related
to prime agricultural lands.
A Statutory Public Meeting was held on April
26, 2021. The OPA was adopted May 25,
2021, and no appeals on the decision were
received. There was significant public interest in this project.
Special Policy Area F – Jury Lands/Camp 30,
OPA 121
2.17 The Municipality has been working with the property
owners, Jury Lands Foundation and interested
parties to determine the future development of the
former Boys Training School campus and
surrounding lands. In December 2021, Council
adopted Official Plan Amendment 121 which
outlines the development types, character and
urban design guidelines for the area. In addition,
the campus lands including the ring road were
designated as municipal-wide park.
This policy area is unique as it will include the
transfer of the Jury Lands for the purposes of
heritage preservation and the creation of a
Municipal Wide Park. Public ownership of the lands
will allow the Jury Lands Foundation to obtain their
charitable status. Obtaining charitable status is
critical to allow the Foundation to pursue funding
immediately to assist with the short-term
“mothballing” of the existing heritage buildings and more
Figure 7: Special Study Area 2
Figure 8: Jury Lands Overview
Municipality of Clarington Page 11
Report PDS-014-22
importantly raise money for the adaptive re-use of the lands and the buildings as set out
in the community vision.
A Statutory Public Meeting was held on September 10, 2018. The OPA was adopted
December 13, 2021, and no appeals on the decision were received. There was
significant public interest in the project and the site.
Additional Dwelling Units
2.18 As part of Clarington’s Affordable Housing Toolkit,
on December 13, 2021, Council approved Official
Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendments to increase
permissions for Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs).
ADUs are also known as secondary suites, in-
house apartments, or accessory apartments.
Subject to zoning standards, within our Urban
Areas, Hamlets, and Rural lands outside of the
Greenbelt, two ADUs are permitted on a lot. Within
the Greenbelt and parts of the Oak Ridges
Moraine, one ADU is permitted on a lot. These
expanded permissions are anticipated to be
popular as many residents of Clarington have been
consulting with Staff on prospective applications.
Minister’s Zoning Order for Bowmanville Home Hardware
2.19 Based on Council’s support of a request from Bowmanville Home Hardware, a
Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) was issued to construct a building supply outlet store at
2423 Rundle Road. The Municipality subsequently received and is currently reviewing a
Site Plan application for a 5,765 square metres (62,000 square feet) building supply
outlet at this location.
Zone Clarington
2.20 ZONE Clarington will bring the Municipality’s Zoning By-laws
into conformity with the Official Plan while consolidating
Zoning By-laws 84-63 and 2005-109 into one comprehensive
document. In December 2020, Council directed Staff to
resume work on the Rural Area Zoning Phase of the Zoning
By-law review project, which had been placed on hold in
October 2019. The second draft of the Zoning By-law was presented to Council in
December 2021. The protection of the natural heritage system has been in question as
the Municipality balances its legal obligation to follow Provincial regulation and the
needs of rural residents who want to have the option to build and construct on their
lands. Based on Council direction, Work on Draft zoning for the rural areas will
continue. Additionally, the results of RV and Trailer Parking and Storage Study that was
Figure 9: Various types of ADUs
Municipality of Clarington Page 12
Report PDS-014-22
completed in 2021, will be incorporated into the updated zoning regulations as will on-
farm diversified uses, on-farm special event venues and other rural zoning matters. An
extensive public consultation process, including open houses, communications and
website updates and social media to engage landowners will continue throughout the
process. Within 2021, 53 people were added to the project’s Interested Parties List, 7
written submissions were received, and staff responded to 47 inquires.
Envision Durham
2.21 In 2018, to plan for the forecasted employment, population
growth and future developments, the Region launched Envision
Durham, the provincially mandated Municipal Comprehensive
Review (MCR) of the Regional Official Plan (ROP). The
objectives of the MCR are to assess the following:
How and where the cities, towns and townships in
Durham Region may grow;
How to use and protect Durham’s land and resources;
What housing types and job opportunities are needed
for residents; and
How people and goods will move across Durham
Region and beyond.
The Durham Growth Management Study (GMS) was a key focus of the MCR in 2021 as
it provided the technical analysis, studies, and reports to determine where and how the
forecasted population and employment growth will be accommodated by 2051. Phase
one of the GMS focused on preparing a Land Needs Assessment (LNA) which will
assist in determining the Region’s urban area land needs to accommodate forecasted
growth. The LNA was detailed in four Technical Reports:
1. The Region-Wide Growth Analysis;
2. The Housing Intensification Study;
3. The Employment Strategy and Employment Land Conversions; and
4. The Community Area Urban Land Needs Analysis
Clarington Staff provided comments on 3 out of 4 of the technical reports. In addition,
Staff also provided comments to the Region on:
1. The Delineation of the Regional Center Boundaries in Clarington;
2. Provincial Agricultural Systems Mapping Review;
3. MTSA Proposed Policy Directions Report;
4. Growth Management Study – Settlement Area Boundary Expansion
Submissions;
5. Employment Area Conversion Requests (PDS-009-21); and
6. The Proposed Policy Directions Report.
Municipality of Clarington Page 13
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3 Development Applications
The Planning and Development Services Department receives , processes, reviews and
provides recommendations and approvals for a variety of development applications
including: Plans of Subdivision, Condominium approvals, Part Lot Control By-laws,
Official Plan amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, and Site Plan approvals. As
noted in Figure 1, the PDS Department received 87 new applications which represents
the 3rd highest volume over the last ten years and indicates an upward trend as
compared to the previous two years.
Plans of Subdivision
3.1 Staff prepare reports to Committee and Council on applications to meet the
requirements of the Planning Act for a Public Meeting when approval is recommended.
Most subdivision applications take a number of months if not years to reach draft
approval and progress to registration. Typically, there are revisions to drawings and
supporting documents before a proposed plan is recommended for draft approval. The
Director of Planning and Development Services is the delegated authority to approve
plans of subdivision based on Council’s approval of the conditions.
3.2 In 2021, ten new subdivision applications were received proposing 1733 residential
units. Courtice received the majority of applications with 7 of the 10 applications .
Bowmanville received 2 and Newcastle received 1 application.
3.3 Courtice experienced a significant increase in proposed residential units and was the
primary residential growth area with regard to number of applications. It is expected that
as the abovementioned Secondary Plans currently underway are completed, the Urban
Areas of the municipality will continue to see new applications for Plans of Subdivision
in future years.
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021Residential UnitsNew Subdivision Applications Received by
Geographic Area
Courtice Bowmanville Newcastle
Municipality of Clarington Page 14
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The housing being applied for was relatively balanced, with 423 single detached units,
130 semi-detached units, 297 townhouse units and 883 apartment units. It is expected
that apartment units will continue to represent a larger percentage of units applied for in
the coming years due to the direction from Provincial Policy for a broader range of
housing options to create complete communities within Settlement Areas. It is
anticipated that higher-density built forms will also continue to increase into the
foreseeable future due to the designation of and planning for two Major Tran sit Station
Areas (MTSAs) at the planned GO Train Stations for Courtice and Bowmanville. The
overall increase in applications is expected to also be bolstered by the Province’s recent
focus on implementing tools for increasing the housing supply
Draft Approval and Extensions to Draft Approved Subdivisions
3.4 In addition to new applications, two Plans of Subdivision were granted Draft Plan
approval, in 2021. The number of Draft Approved plans remained consistent with 2020.
Draft approval was issued for single-detached and townhouse units in Courtice. Once
registered, it will contribute 49 residential units to the Municipality’s housing stock.
Final Approval
3.5 In 2021, there were two new plans of subdivisions registered in the Municipality, totaling
189 new residential units. The registered subdivisions were for single-detached and
townhouse units in Courtice.
Singles
66 units
35%
Townhouses
123 units
65%
Final Approved Residential Units in Courtice by Unit Type
Singles Townhouses
Municipality of Clarington Page 15
Report PDS-014-22
Part Lot Control
3.6 Exemption from Part Lot Control applications allow lots and/or blocks within a registered
Plan of Subdivision to be further divided. Typically, exemption from Part Lot Control is
used where semi-detached or townhouses are to be divided and individually sold. It is
also used to create lots, known as parcels of tied land (POTL’s) in common element
condominiums. Applications are processed by Staff and an implementing by-law must
be adopted by Council. The by-law is registered on title by the Legislative Services
Department which creates the POTL’s or lots as the case may be.
3.7 In 2021, a total of three Part Lot Control applications were received and approved. A
total of five approvals, two from prior years, created 69 townhouse units and 12 semi-
detached units.
Plans of Condominium
3.8 A condominium is the form of housing
tenure which are most commonly used for
townhouses and apartment buildings.
3.9 Six applications for plans of condominium
were received in 2021. These plans
included: 94 townhouse units and 259
apartment units, totalling 353 dwelling units.
144 apartment units were proposed in
Bowmanville and 115 units were proposed
in Newcastle. 77 Townhouse units were
proposed in Bowmanville and 17 units were
proposed in Courtice.
3.10 In 2021, three condominium applications
received Draft Plan approval, including one application from 2020, contributing a total of
55 townhouse units and 180 apartment units to Newcastle and Bowmanville’s housing
stock. Four applications remain open in Courtice and Bowmanville proposing 144
townhouse units and 39 apartment units.
3.11 Condominium applications increased in 2021, while Draft approvals remained the same
as the year prior. It is expected that the municipality will continue to receive applications
as condominium tenure is typically used for higher density built forms that contribute to
density targets identified in the Official Plan and Secondary Plans.
Municipality of Clarington Page 16
Report PDS-014-22
Official Plan Amendments
3.12 In 2021, seven Official Plan Amendment (OPA)
applications were received. Three applications were
privately initiated and four were municipally initiated.
3.13 The four municipally initiated Official Plan amendments
discussed in Section 2 above were approved in 2021
including: 1) amendments to implement the Southwest
Courtice Secondary Plan, 2) amendments to implement
the Brookhill Neighbourhood Secondary Plan (both of
which were adopted by Council and are currently under
review by the Region of Durham), 3) new policies for
Additional Dwelling Units that were adopted to allow for
increased permissions for secondary dwelling units, and
4) an amendment that implemented the Recommendation
Report regarding Special Study Area 2 that resulted in the deletion of existing policies.
A fifth municipality initiated OPA, for the Jury Lands was also approved; however
applied for in 2018.
Zoning By-law Amendments
3.14 A rezoning application is a request to change permitted uses or development
regulations on a property. Often, applications are accompanied by another Planning Act
application such as a Draft Plan of Subdivision or Site Plan.
3.15 Zoning by-law amendment applications also include By-laws for the Removal of a
Holding provision, which is used to ensure that municipal requirements are implemented
through development agreements e.g., Subdivision Agreements, Site Plan Agreements.
3.16 The Municipality experienced a significant increase in the number of applications
received in 2021. In 2020, 11 zoning by-law amendment applications were received.
Comparatively, in 2021, 25 applications were received.
3.17 In 2021, 18 zoning by-law amendments were approved, 9 of which were for Removal of
Holds, 4 for commercial zoning, 4 for residential zoning and 1 for industrial zoning.
Site Plans
3.18 The Clarington Site Plan Control By-law requires Site Plan approval for the majority of
commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-residential developments, as well as most
development applications on the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Municipality of Clarington Page 17
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Residential Activity
3.19 There were 12 new residential Site Plan applications received in 2021, which proposed
248 new residential units. The largest application was for a high-density apartment block
proposing two twelve-storey mixed-use buildings, totalling 228 housing units in
Bowmanville. A majority of the applications were for development in the Oak Ridges
Moraine for single-detached dwellings or
additions thereto, accessory structures or
farm buildings.
3.20 In terms of Site Plan applications approved,
1481 residential units were added to
Clarington’s housing stock. A significant
portion of the approved residential units were
in the form of apartment and townhouse
developments in Bowmanville, Courtice, and
Newcastle, with the remaining being single-
detached dwellings in the Oak Ridges
Moraine. One notable project is on Clarington
Boulevard in Bowmanville, adjacent to the
proposed GO Transit Station location which
had two apartment buildings, totalling 440
Site Plan approved units.
Non-residential Activity
3.21 As for non-residential applications, 22 new applications were received in 2021,
proposing 50,625 square metres (544,923 square feet) of commercial and industrial
floor space.
3.22 Applications for new industrial development largely took the form of expansions to
existing facilities to accommodate increased production. Three applications for new
facilities were received in Bowmanville, and one in Courtice. The expansion of the OPG
Headquarters was the largest single industrial Site Plan application in 2021 with a
proposed floor area of 22,760 square metres (244,987 square feet).
3.23 Seven new commercial applications were received in 2021, including t he
aforementioned 5,765 square metres (62,054 square feet) building supply outlet (Home
Hardware). Applications totalled 7,515 square metres (80,891 square feet) of
commercial space.
3.24 In addition to the new applications, a total, 29,342 square metres (315,835 square feet)
of commercial, industrial and institutional floor space was Site Plan approved in 2021.
Although the number of non-residential applications approved in 2021 declined
compared to 2020, the approved floor space is a significant increase.
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
2019 2020 2021Residential UnitsResidential Site Plan Activity
Over the Years
Received Approved
Municipality of Clarington Page 18
Report PDS-014-22
4 Pre-Consultation Meetings
4.1 The Municipality adopted By-law 2007-192, which requires a pre-application
consultation meeting prior to the submission of most development applications.
Ultimately, the “pre-consultation” meeting is designed to speed up the application
process by ensuring the applicant is fully aware of the planning process and complete
application requirements. Although the details of pre-consultation meetings are
confidential, the number of pre-consultation applications provides a general indication of
future proposals. 2021 saw the highest number of applications on record, with 77.
5 Minor Variances
5.1 The Committee of Adjustment is appointed by Council to make decisions on minor
variances to the Municipality’s two Zoning By-laws. Staff assist the Committee in its
decisions by accepting applications,
preparing recommendation reports
and responding to questions from
members and residents during
meetings.
5.2 Typically, a vast majority of minor
variance applications are from
residents looking for relief from
zoning regulations to construct
structures like decks, sheds, or
garages. This year, there were 14
variance applications that were
related to development
applications. Variance requests
pertained to height, lot coverage,
garage width and setbacks for
townhouse developments,
apartment buildings, and single-
detached dwellings.
5.3 Compared to 2020, 2021 saw a slight decrease in minor variance applications.
Applications are predominately focused on home improvement projects within existing
dwellings. In 2022 and beyond, applications likely will tend upward as general
applications are expected to increase in the urban areas, including infill projects .
Additionally, changes to the By-laws around Additional Dwelling Units likely will
contribute to an expected increase as new units are contemplated.
0 10 20 30 40 50
Minor Variance Applications Received
by Type
Accessory Structuresand Uses
Related to Land Division application
Related to Development application
Other (Neighbourhood Character Study area, Expansion of Legal non-
comforming use, Non-compliance due to change of use)
Municipality of Clarington Page 19
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6 Land Division Applications
6.1 The Planning and Development Services Staff provide coordinated comments for all
Clarington departments to the Durham Region Land Division Committee on consent
(severance) applications.
6.2 In 2021, there was an increase in number of applications for severance, boundary
adjustments and easements compared to the prior year. Of the thirty -one applications,
twenty-seven were approved and two were tabled (deferred) and will be heard in 2022.
Of these applications, the following lots were approved:
13 new urban residential lots
2 new rural residential lots
2 new industrial lots
1 new institutional lot as part of the MZO for a long-term care home on Boswell Drive
in Bowmanville.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
2017 2018 2019 2020ApplicationsComments to Land Division Committee
by Type
New Lots Boundary Adjustments Easements
Municipality of Clarington Page 20
Report PDS-014-22
7 Apartment-in-House/Additional Dwelling Units
7.1 The Planning and Development Services Department coordinates Additional Dwelling
Unit (ADU) applications to help ensure that they are designed and constructed in
accordance with the Ontario Building Code, located in the appropriate zones, meet
zoning regulations and have sufficient parking.
7.2 In 2021, amendments were made to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to increase
permissions allowing more ADUs on properties thereby increasing the amount of
properties that are permitted an ADU. This will help increase the inventory of available
housing and rental housing within the Municipality. It is expected that these changes will
greatly increase the number of ADU applications in future years
7.3 ADU permissions now allow for an additional unit within an already-constructed dwelling
and potentially in an accessory structure. The construction and registration of ADUs
contributes to the affordable housing stock within the municipality. In 2021, there were
79 new units applied for, while in 2020, 64 new units applied for.
7.4 There continues to be a trend of increases to annual ADU applications . With provincial
and local policy advocating for more affordable housing, it is expected that ADU
applications will continue to be more popular across the municipality to address the
needs of changing demographics, such as the ability to age in place.
8 Sign Permits
13.1 Sign permits, which are required for most signs within the municipality, are divided into
two categories: permanent and temporary.
13.2 Sign permit activity in 2021 increased compared to 2020. There continues to be great
interest in temporary signs due to existing businesses requiring signage to notify
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Courtice Bowmanville NewcastleResidential UnitsNew Additional Dwelling Unit Applications Received
by Geographic Area
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
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Report PDS-014-22
customers of operational changes during the COVID-19 pandemic; 33 temporary signs
were issued this year. Permanent signs are often applied for when new businesses
request updated artwork or are opening. In 2021, 64 permanent signs were issued,
which is a significant increase from the year prior when 25 sign applications were
received.
9 Concurrence
Not applicable
10 Conclusion
10.1 Despite the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, planning application activity has
remained strong in 2021 and continued growth is anticipated for the coming years. The
processing of the eleven Secondary Plans and planned GO Stations continue to lead
development interest. Once completed, a surge of applications in these Secondary Plan
areas is anticipated.
10.2 The amendments that increased permissions for Additional Dwelling Units in the
Municipality are expected to increase development applications received through ADU
applications and Minor Variances. These amendments are contributing to housing and
density targets while providing additional affordable rental housing options.
10.3 With 10 Plans of Subdivision applications received in 2021 and outstanding applications
from previous years continuing to be processed, the number of new dwellings
constructed in the coming years is expected to see large increases. New residential
dwelling and mixed-use applications are expected to continue to trend towards higher
density units.
10.4 The industrial areas in Bowmanville and Courtice continue to attract new businesses
due to their proximity to major transportation networks and planned local improvements.
In 2021, Site Plan activity for the industrial sector mainly saw expansions to existing
buildings to accommodate increased production. The proposed expansion of the OPG
Headquarters was the most significant Site Plan application in 2021. With the The
Clarington Energy Park Secondary Plan well underway, it is expected to see continued
expansion of industry in the coming years.
10.5 With strong policies directing development in Courtice, Bowmanville and Newcastle, the
integrity of the natural and agricultural network in the Municipality is able to remain
strong and well-connected.
10.6 Detailed charts for each application type, identifying applications received and approved
can be obtained by contacting the Planning and Development Services Department.
Staff Contact: Sean Jeffrey, Planner I, 905-623-3379 extension 2420 or sjeffrey@clarington.
The following interested parties will be notified of Council's de cision:
Municipality of Clarington Page 22
Report PDS-014-22
Region of Durham Planning and Economic Development
Durham Region Home Builders Association
Clarington Board of Trade