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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPDS-014-26Staff Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: General Government Committee Date of Meeting: February 2, 2026 Report Number: PDS-014-26 Authored By: Andrei Micu, Manager – Park Design and Development Vanessa Bilenduke-Guppy – Supervisor Community Development and Events Submitted By: Darryl Lyons, Deputy CAO, Planning and Infrastructure Services Reviewed By: Mary-Anne Dempster, CAO By-law Number: Resolution Number: File Number: Report Subject: 801 Maple Grove Outdoor Sport Field and Events Complex Recommendations: 1.That Report PDS-014-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; 2.That Council approve the funding request of $150,000 from the Parks and Cemeteries Capital Reserve Fund and authorize staff to issue a Request for Proposal to select a qualified consultant to develop a Master Plan for an outdoor sport field and event complex at 801 Maple Grove . 3.That the request for funding in the amount of $125,000 sourced from the Parks and Cemeteries Capital Reserve Fund for the Special Event Strategy be approved; 4.That all interested parties listed in Report PDS-014-26, be advised of Council’s decision. GG-025-26 Municipality of Clarington Page 2 Report PDS-014-26 Report Overview The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s approval and funding for the development of a 1. Background 1.1 At Regular Council meeting held October 28, 2024, Resolution #C-124-24 was passed which read: That the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, attached to Report CAO-007-24, as Attachment 1, be endorsed; That the CAO be directed to develop a five-year action plan, inclusive of a financing strategy, to address top short-term priorities identified in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, and report back to Council in Q1 2025; That Council recognize and consider feedback received as part of the community survey related to special projects and prioritizing future investment; That the CAO, on behalf of Council, explore opportunities that may present itself to meet the cultural needs of the community for a large field suitable for Ribfest, concerts, and cultural events. 2. Discussion 2.1 The Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan identified 105.3 hectares of additional parkland needs, including approximately 30-hectares for a Sports Field Complex. 2.2 The Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan recommended the development of a Special Events and Festivals Strategy to provide the municipality with a clear understanding of the resources required to deliver these experiences effectively, and in line with the municipality’s strategic priorities. 2.3 A potential site suitable to support an outdoor sport field and events complex was identified and in January 2026, the purchase and sale conditions pertaining to the acquisition of a 20-hectare site at 801 Maple Grove were waived. The land will be transferred to the Municipality in February 2026. Outdoor Sport Field and Event Complex Master Plan 2.4 The site is planned to be a destination municipal-wide outdoor sport field and event complex. The objective of a site-specific Park Master Plan is to create a comprehensive Municipality of Clarington Page 3 Report PDS-014-26 plan that will inform and guide the sustainable and phased development of the site. The process will include:  Conceptual-level design, including renderings, and ensuring alignment with the recommendations of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan.  Community and stakeholder engagement. Preliminary ideas for the site include a dedicated cricket field, soccer fields, sanctioned toboggan hill, a 3.5 -hectare outdoor gather space for major community events, and supporting park facilities such as a covered stage for live music and performances, connected trails, parking, and washroom facilities.  A phasing and implementation strategy, and associated order of magnitude costing.  Evaluate the operational impacts and determining the long-term maintenance requirements and associated order of magnitude costs. Special Events Strategy 2.5 Special events play a vital role in community satisfaction, well-being, and civic pride. The newly acquired outdoor event space presents a strategic opportunity to further position Clarington as a hub for cultural and recreational experiences. To fully leverage this asset, a comprehensive Special Events Strategy is essential. This strategy will:  Align with the PRCMP by advancing its vision for inclusive, dynamic spaces that foster community connection and cultural expression;  Establish clear strategic direction for special events, including the development of an appropriate operating model for event delivery and third-party permitting;  Identify the staffing and resource requirements needed to plan, deliver, permit , and support a diverse roster of vibrant and innovative special events over the next 10 years;  Maximize economic development and tourism benefits, strengthening Clarington’s profile as a regional destination;  Enhance community identity and engagement by guiding the development of signature events that reflect local heritage and values;  Ensure operational efficiency and risk management through clear guidelines for logistics, partnerships, safety and financial stewardship;  Support long-term planning and infrastructure investment by informing decisions on amenities, accessibility, and capital improvements required to accommodate large- scale events. Municipality of Clarington Page 4 Report PDS-014-26  Develop a comprehensive operating model for the site, outlining phased site use and any associated restrictions, governance structures (including staffing, resource requirements, and workflow processes), booking criteria and procedures, and standards for safety, logistics, and all other operational considerations. 3. Financial Considerations 3.1 The total funding required for the Park Master Plan is $1 50,000 and is being requested from the Parks and Cemeteries Capital Reserve Fund. 3.2 The total funding required to complete the comprehensive Special Events Strategy is $125,000 and is being requested from the Parks and Cemeteries Capital Reserve Funds. 4. Strategic Plan Lead 4.1 L.3.2: Identify, establish and report on service levels of interest to the community Connect 4.2 C.2.5: Support the proactive management of community safety and well-being by prioritizing initiatives to improve community safety and well-being. 4.3 The addition of a sport and outdoor event complex will provide a space for community recreation and gatherings contributing to well-being. 4.4 C.3.2: Reduce barriers to municipal programs, services and infrastructure by undertaking actions to ensure the municipality connects with all segments of the population. 4.5 C.4.1 Promote and support local arts, culture, and heritage sectors by implementing the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan. Grow 4.6 G.2.3 Develop and begin implementation of the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan by prioritizing action items for implementation. 4.7 The outdoor sports complex and outdoor events space was identified as a priority. Municipality of Clarington Page 5 Report PDS-014-26 5. Climate Change The Park Master Plan will consider and incorporate goals under Clarington’s Corporate Climate Action Plan. 6. Concurrence This report has been reviewed by the Deputy CAO of Public Services, the Deputy CAO/Treasurer of Finance and Technology, and the Deputy CAO/Solicitor of Legislative Services who concur with the recommendations. 7. Conclusion It is respectfully recommended that Council approve the funding requests for the Park Master Plan and Event Strategy for 801 Maple Grove Outdoor Sport Field and Events Complex. Staff Contact: Andrei Micu, Manager – Park Design & Development, 905-623-3379 x 2439 or amicu@clarington.net and Vanessa Bilenduke-Guppy, Supervisor Community Development and Events, 905-623-3379 x 2564 or VBilenduke-Guppy@clarington.net Attachments: Attachment 1 – Location Map Interested Parties: There are no interested parties to be notified of Council's decision. 801 Maple Grove Road Context Map 2025 Orthophotography provided by © First Base Solutions Inc., Municipality of Clarington, Planning & Infrastructure Services 1/15/2026, 4:28:17 PM 0 710 1,420355 ft 0 210 420105 m 1:8,000 Municipality of Clarington Municipality of Clarington, Planning & Infrastructure Services | 2025 Orthophotography provided by © First Base Solutions Inc. | Attachment 1 to Report PDS-014-26 South BowmanvilleRecreation Centre 801 Maple Grove Road