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Report To: Planning and Development Committee
Date of Meeting: March 9, 2026 Report Number: PDS-006-26
Authored by: David Perkins, Principal Planner, Community Planning
Submitted By: Darryl Lyons, Deputy CAO, Planning and Infrastructure Services
Reviewed By: Mary-Anne Dempster, CAO
By-law Number: Resolution Number:
File Number: PLN 15.17
Report Subject: Draft Clarington Waterfront Strategy
Recommendation:
1.That Report PDS-006-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be
received for information;
2.That staff be authorized to host a Public Information Centre in the Winter of 2026
regarding the draft Clarington Waterfront Strategy and continue finalizing the Clarington
Waterfront Strategy as outlined; and,
3.That all interested parties listed in Report PDS-006-26 and any delegations be advised
of Council’s decision.
PD-039-26
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Report Overview
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1. Introduction and Purpose
1.1 Clarington’s Lake Ontario shoreline is a diverse 34 km long expanse of beaches, bluffs
and rocky outcrops that offer residents and visitors alike opportunities to enjoy the
splendor of nature at its finest. In the next 30 years Clarington’s three lakeside
communities of Courtice, Bowmanville and Newcastle are expected to experience
growth, which will put pressure on the waterfront lands.
1.2 The draft Strategy (see Attachment 1) is a forward-thinking, long-term roadmap that
outlines the Municipality of Clarington’s vision, goals and priorities of the future of
Clarington’s waterfront. It is a high-level framework that will guide future decision
making and resource allocation needed to implement the vision. The draft Strategy is
not a document which focuses on short-term specific tasks, or which outlines ongoing
administrative operational decisions.
1.3 The purpose of the draft Strategy is to weave together the varied waterfront landscapes
and interests into a unified vision and provide a path forward to implement this vision
which will guide the development of future amenities while protecting natural
landscapes and processes across the entire Clarington waterfront over the next 30
years.
2. Background
2.1 The Clarington Waterfront Strategy was originally adopted in 1993, setting the
foundation for how the 34-kilometre-long waterfront along the northern shore of Lake
Ontario will be enjoyed and protected. Throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s,
significant progress was made to implement the original strategy including new policies
being introduced and new development facilitating strategic land acquisition in the area.
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2.2 In May 2022, Council authorized staff to finalize the project’s Terms of Reference (PDS-
026-22) to ensure appropriate focus and priority be given to the Bowmanville
Harbourfront Waterfront area, while guiding the preparation of an updated
comprehensive strategy that will set a long term plan and priorities for all of Clarington’s
waterfront.
2.3 In early 2023, staff were directed to prioritize developing the Parks, Recreation and
Culture Master Plan (PRCMP). The PRCMP was approved by Council in the fall of 2024
(CAO-007-24). It includes key considerations and one recommendation for the update
to the Waterfront Strategy.
2.4 Input received through the PRCMP’s consultation process reinforced the importance of
the Municipality’s waterfront areas. The waterfront was commonly identified as one of
Clarington’s greatest natural assets that is enjoyed by both residents and regional
visitors. Public input emphasized the need to preserve and enhance the strengths of the
waterfront such as the open spaces and trails. The PRCMP noted that the Waterfront
Strategy should consider the input received and the recommendations identified through
the PRCMP, including enhancing amenities such as fitness equipment, playgrounds,
seating, shade and other design elements, while promoting multi-use opportunities for
all ages and protecting sensitive natural areas. Key priorities include improving trail
connections, exploring event and cultural spaces, securing waterfront access,
supporting local economic development, and implementing strategies to preserve
environmental features.
In May 2025, a Clarington Waterfront Strategy Update report PDS-024-25 was
presented to the Planning and Development Committee. The update report introduced
the draft Vision, Guiding Principles and Focus Areas to shape the future of Clarington’s
waterfront. The report also outlined next steps including community engagement,
preparing draft concepts for the Bowmanville and Newcastle Waterfronts, and to
prepare and present the draft Strategy. The report also outlined key considerations and
recommendation for the Waterfront Strategy from the PRCMP.
2.5 In October 2025, the What We Heard Report, (PDS-045-25) was presented to the
Planning and Development Committee.
3. Community Engagement
Consultation Process – Key Community Priorities
3.1 The Waterfront Strategy update process has included public engagement through
multiple channels (survey, public open houses, signage along the waterfront and pop-up
booths) over three phases. The first phase took place during the latter part of 2022, the
second phase through the preparation of the PRCMP, and the t hird phase through a
survey conducted during the summer of 2025. The highlights of the first two phases
were outlined in Section 2 of the May 12, 2025 Clarington Waterfront Strategy Update
staff report PDS-024-25. The survey results were reported to Council through the ‘What
We Heard’ report PDS-045-25 in October 2025.
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3.2 The Summer 2025 survey was conducted to collect feedback on the draft Waterfront
Vision, Guiding Principles and Five Distinct Experiences and the key themes including
the need to preserve nature and heritage, ensure equitable and inclusive publ ic spaces,
avoid privatization, engage Indigenous communities, and plan realistically for
infrastructure and growth. In addition to the survey, the public also had the option to
email their feedback.
3.3 602 survey responses were received and they consistently prioritized environmental
protection and community benefits, maintaining public access and avoiding over
commercialization. Many of the respondents supported a vision that enhances quality of
life through sustainable growth, while expressing concerns about overdevelopment and
the loss of natural and community character.
3.4 Received feedback has informed revisions to the Waterfront Vision, Guiding Principles
and Five Distinct Experiences in the draft Strategy and are discussed in more detail in
Section 4 below.
3.5 Subject to Council direction, further community engagement is being planned for Winter
2026 including a survey and an Open House/Public Information Centre which will seek
input from the community and key stakeholders regarding the draft Strategy.
3.6 When the project was initiated in 2022, the Williams Treaty First Nations and other
Indigenous communities were provided information about the Waterfront Strategy
initiative. When the project restarted in 2025 the same groups were again contacted.
Staff provided them with a short summary and advised that they would be provided with
a copy of the draft Strategy for engagement following presentation to Council.
3.7 The draft Strategy will be provided to the Williams Treaty First Nations and other
Indigenous communities following presentation of the draft Waterfront Strategy to
Council.
3.8 In addition, the Municipality is currently collaborating with the other lower-tier
municipalities in Durham Region to create an Indigenous Engagement Guide for
Durham Region area municipalities, informed by Durham Region’s Braiding Pathways
framework and upcoming engagement with the Williams Treaty First Nations and other
Indigenous Peoples. The above noted Indigenous Engagement Guide may inform
further engagement actions.
4. Vision, Guiding Principles, and Distinct Experiences
4.1 Based on the results of public engagement, feedback from Staff and from technical
analysis to date, the following is a summary of the revisions to the Draft Vision, Guiding
Principles, and the Five Distinct Experiences.
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The Draft Waterfront Vision
4.2 The Vision has been revised based on input from the online survey, resulting in less
emphasis being placed on land development due to concerns expressed regarding the
environmental impact of overdevelopment and related issues such as traffic, parking,
noise and crowding as well as access and infrastructure constraints.
4.3 The Vision has also been revised based on input from members of the Waterfront
Steering Committee, resulting in a stronger emphasis on the protection of natural
systems and design excellence which addresses natural hazards such as erosion and
flooding as well as climate change. The revised Vision is below:
“Clarington's waterfront is a publicly accessible space that connects our community;
protects natural systems, climate resilience and biodiversity; and honours our history
and cultural heritage. Our shoreline flourishes with interconnected trails and diverse
recreational opportunities while placing environmental stewardship at the forefront. We
grow our waterfront sustainably protecting the important coastal functions and
landscapes, while also ensuring public safety and accessibility over time.”
4.4 This input reinforced the idea that the waterfront connects our community and that there
should be opportunities for the public to access and enjoy the waterfront through trails,
connected spaces and services while also protecting the natural environment.
The Guiding Principles
4.5 To support the Waterfront Vision, five guiding principles were developed to establish a
framework and set priorities for future decisions. As a result of input, one additional
guiding principle ‘Cultural Histories and Traditions’ was added. Additions and
refinements to each of the other guiding principles were made and are detailed below.
4.6 Based on input from the public and the Waterfront Steering Committee members,
Climate Resilience was added as a theme to the Environmental Stewardship guiding
principle, with added wording addressing natural hazards, climate change and
biodiversity. supported the principles overall, with small changes to the wording
emphasizing the protection of biodiversity.
4.7 Revisions were made to the Public Access, Connection and Enjoyment guiding principle
recognizing public ownership of the waterfront as a priority, as well as ecological
connectivity and public trail connections as a result of input from stakeholders.
4.8 The additional guiding principle Cultural Histories and Traditions was added to address
input to emphasize the importance of engaging Indigenous Peoples, and to not only
recognize and protect cultural heritage, but to celebrate it.
4.9 Economic Viability was revised to ‘Community Scaled Economic Viability’ based on
input from the public, including avoiding over-commercialization and strongly preferring
small-scale, locally owned businesses that complement the public uses on the
waterfront.
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4.10 Design Excellence and Cultural Heritage Preservation was revised to Design
Excellence and Community Centred Planning based on input from the public identifying
the importance of meaningful resident involvement in future planning and decision -
making processes. Cultural Heritage Preservation was included in the new theme
Cultural Histories and Traditions
The Guiding Principles are:
“Environmental Stewardship and Climate Resilience: Protect, restore, and enhance
the natural environment, including the Lake Ontario shoreline, wetlands, and wildlife
habitats, while actively planning for flood and erosion hazards, climate change
adaptation and protecting biodiversity.
Public Access, Connection and Enjoyment: Ensure equitable, safe, and inclusive
access to the waterfront for all residents and visitors, prioritizing public ownership and
enjoyment of shoreline lands, recognizing the waterfront as a continuous and int egrated
corridor that supports ecological connectivity, including wildlife movement and sediment
transport along the nearshore, and enhances public trail connections and natural
spaces.
Cultural Histories and Traditions: Celebrate the layered cultural histories and
traditions on the waterfront lands, creating a culture of inclusiveness and belonging, and
through the historic interpretation of public spaces through design and local stories.
Community-Scaled Economic Viability: Foster a sustainable waterfront economy that
supports small-scale local businesses, creates employment opportunities for the
community, and encourages tourism that complements the natural environment and
enhances public enjoyment.
Design Excellence and Community-Centred Planning: Create high-quality and
impactful public and private realms through thoughtful, sustainable design that reflects
the local character and is guided by transparent and meaningful community
engagement.”
The Five Distinct Experiences
4.11 Five distinct waterfront destinations, linked by the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, offer a
diverse range of experiences that reflect the revised Vision and Guiding Principles.
Based on input from the survey and emails from the public as well as from t he
Waterfront Steering Committee members, the amenities proposed for the Courtice
Waterfront Park, the Bowmanville Waterfront, the Newcastle Waterfront and the
Agricultural Heritage area were revised. The proposed park designs are long term
concepts that will need to be evaluated through a more detailed design and budgeting
process. Construction is intended to be phased and will be subject to available funding.
Proposed connections to existing trails to the north will link the Waterfront Trail to the
Courtice, Bowmanville and Newcastle communities.
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Courtice Waterfront Park
4.12 The Courtice Waterfront Park experience is envisioned as a public vibrant, family-
friendly destination where residents and visitors can enjoy nature, recreation and
connect to the community. With its scenic waterfront setting and integrated trail network,
the park is designed to support a large range of passive and active uses – from walking
and cycling to picnicking and educational exploration to kayaking and canoeing via
access to Lake Ontario near the eastern end of the pa rk. See Figure 1.
4.13 The development of this waterfront park will provide needed amenities for a rapidly
growing population across Clarington. Connection to the broader trail networks will
improve accessibility and recreation opportunities.
4.14 Based on feedback received from the public, commercial/mixed uses were shifted to
lands north of the park as part of the Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan. The design of
the park was modified with a stronger emphasis on the planned waterfront park with its
various amenities. Please refer to Figures 8, 9 and 10 in the attached draft Strategy
(attachment 1) for more information regarding these amenities.
Figure 1. Courtice Waterfront Park Concept
Bowmanville Waterfront
4.15 The draft vision for the Bowmanville Waterfront continues to emphasize the protection
and improvement of the environmentally sensitive landscapes and natural heritage
areas, particularly the Westside Marsh. The vision also includes the improvement of
recreational amenities in both West Beach and East Beach Parks, with a new
pedestrian and bicycle friendly bridge connecting the two areas, which will also improve
the Waterfront Trail experience. See Figure 2.
4.16 New amenities are planned to include a boardwalk, a playground, sport courts and a
small building that could support water sport rentals, a boat launch, and a
gathering/event space and stage, entrenching the Bowmanville destination as the
anchor of the five waterfront experiences. Connections to existing amenities in the area
such as the boat launch, dog park and the Conservation Area will be supported.
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4.17 Based on feedback from the same stakeholders, a bridge connecting the West and East
Beach areas for active transportation uses has been included in the concept. Please
refer to Figures 11 and 12 in the attached Waterfront Strategy for more information
regarding these amenities.
Figure 2. Bowmanville Waterfront Concept.
Newcastle Waterfront
4.18 Similar to Bowmanville, the draft vision for the Newcastle Waterfront includes two
distinct areas. Lakebreeze Park and Bond Head Parkette. Lakebreeze Park is
envisioned to include flexible park space and enhanced trails, while improving natural
defenses against erosion and protecting and promoting biodiversity.
4.19 Due to considerable public concern expressed in the online survey, the vision to
position Bond Head Parkette as a primary boat launch area has been removed. The
existing boat launch area will remain, and enhanced vehicle and trailer parking is
proposed. Please refer to Figures 13 and 14 in the attached draft Strategy (attachment
1) for more information regarding these amenities.
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Figure 3 – Newcastle Waterfront Concept
Agricultural Heritage Area
4.20 The lands along the waterfront between Newcastle and Port Granby are envisioned as
an agricultural heritage area which will be celebrated with agri-tourism opportunities,
continuing environmental stewardship and enhancing natural habitats while respecting
erosion hazards.
4.21 Maintaining active agricultural operations while encouraging them to interact with the
public preserves local traditions and supports local food production as well as public
educational opportunities. It also enhances natural habitats, encouraging biodiversity
and ecological resilience.
4.22 Based on input from the public and from the Steering Committee, the amenities in this
area are proposed to include an enhanced Waterfront Trail and open spaces that are
set back from the bluffs but provide intentional informal views of Lake Ontario, instead
of access points to the shoreline
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Port Granby Nature Reserve (PGNR)
4.23 The PGNR covers 175 hectares of land in the southeast corner of Clarington. Working
in collaboration with local area residents, the Municipalities of Clarington, Port Hope and
the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority a proposal was prepared to create a
nature reserve in the Port Granby area made up of the 175 hectares of surplu s Federal
lands
4.24 The PGNR provides an opportunity for continuing environmental restoration while
providing enhanced education and public access to this natural resource exists where
residents and visitors can experience the beauty of a preserved natural ar ea including
forests, meadows and wetlands through trails and minimal structures to minimize any
adverse environmental impacts.
4.25 Strong support of the vision for the PGNR experience was received from the public,
emphasizing the need for minimal impact to the natural environment. controlled access
and the preservation of ecological integrity.
5. Implementation Plan
5.1 The 12 recommendations within the Implementation Plan section of the draft Strategy
focus on sustainable waterfront planning through ecological and climate adaptation
approaches, while promoting education, community engagement, and Indigenous
participation. The recommendations prioritize phased implementation aligned with
municipal strategic plans, multi-year budgeting, and asset management updates.
5.2 This section also includes 31 actions which implement the 12 recommendations. Key
actions include enhancing and expanding the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, securing
long-term funding, conducting background studies, and adapting plans to climate
impacts. Regular reviews every decade ensure alignment with evolving policies and
successful outcomes.
5.3 Implementation of the Waterfront Strategy is divided into three phases, over a 30 -year
time horizon, each with a specific focus and priority. The phases and timefram es for
each are outlined below:
Phase 1 - Foundational Steps (Years 1 – 5): This phase focuses on actions that set
the groundwork for the Waterfront Strategy. Actions include planning for and completing
‘quick win’ projects, incorporating the Strategy into the Official Plan, undertaking
feasibility studies, establishing a Waterfront Strategy Implementation team, fostering
partnerships and facilitating education. Examples of ‘quick win’ projects could include
trail extensions, basic amenities at lookouts to Lake Ontario, waterfront-specific
wayfinding and signage, and planting and other naturalization initiatives .
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Phase 2 - Keystone Initiatives (Years 6 – 15): This phase involves initiating major
“keystone” projects and launching significant initiatives based on the foundational work
from Phase 1, including the phased construction of all 3 of the urban waterfront parks. It
also includes the development of the waterfront branding and tourism strategy.
Phase 3 – Waterfront Legacy (Years 16 – 30+): This phase focuses on completing the
long-term transformational projects that will define the waterfront’s legacy. This includes
the fulsome connectivity of the Waterfront Trail including the pedestrian bridge
connecting the east and west Bowmanville beach areas an d trails connecting it to the
communities to the north, and the full build out of the five distinct experience
destinations.
5.4 Please note that acquisition, carrying, maintenance and other types of operating costs,
as well as some soft and contingency costs, are not fully considered in the approximate
costs outlined in the draft Strategy.
6. Next Steps
Community Engagement:
6.1 Building on the extensive community consultation already completed, staff will continue
to engage with the community, key stakeholders and Indigenous communities.
6.2 A survey and an Open House/Public Information Centre are being planned to take place
in Winter 2026 to gather information from the community on the draft Waterfront
Strategy.
Prepare and Present the Final Strategy:
6.3 Staff will consider input received from consultation on the draft Strategy and intend to
bring a report with the final Waterfront Strategy to a future Planning and Development
Committee meeting.
7. Financial Considerations
7.1 The Waterfront Strategy was funded by Council in 2022 through resolution #C-124-22
(FSD-020-22 and PDS-026-22.
7.2 Once the final Strategy is approved, staff will report back to Council with an action plan
and any necessary funding for implementation .
8. Strategic Plan
8.1 G.3.3 Enhances Clarington’s Waterfront. The specific action identified to address this
priority includes Completion of the Waterfront Strategy.
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9. Climate Change
9.1 Sustainability and resilience have been identified as a cornerstone of waterfront
planning and development. Sustainable development has been identified in the draft
Vision and several of the draft Guiding Principles including Environmental Stewardship,
Public Access and Enjoyment and Economic Viability.
9.2 A long-term commitment to sustainability with resilient infrastructure was identified as a
priority for the waterfront. A recommended action in the Implementation Plan is to build
sustainability and climate resiliency into the development of all the waterfront lands.
This will be considered throughout the duration of the Implementation Plan.
10. Concurrence
10.1 Development of draft Waterfront Strategy includes staff from across the Corporation.
11. Conclusion
11.1 It is respectfully requested that the recommendations contained in this report be
approved.
Staff Contact: David Perkins, Principal Planner, Community Planning Division, 905-623-3379
ext. 2453 or dperkins@clarington.net; Lisa Backus, Manager, Community Planning Division,
905-623-3379 ext. 2413 or lbackus@clarington.net.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 – Draft Waterfront Strategy
Interested Parties:
List of Interested Parties available from Department.
December 2025
The Corporation of
The Municipality of Clarington
Clarington
Waterfront Strategy
Draft
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Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Acronyms, Abbreviations, Definitions
1.0 Introduction.................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Document Structure ................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Policy Direction and Plans.......................................................................................... 5
1.2.1 Municipality of Clarington Waterfront Study and Land Use Strategy, 1993 ......... 5
1.2.2 Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 ................................................................... 6
1.2.3 Envision Durham: Regional Official Plan, 2024 ................................................... 6
1.2.4 Clarington Official Plan, 1996 (2024 Consolidation) ............................................ 7
1.2.5 Municipality of Clarington Strategic Plan 2024-2027 ........................................... 7
1.2.6 Wilmot Creek Neighbourhood Secondary Plan, 2024 ......................................... 8
1.2.7 Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan (Draft), 2025 .............................................. 8
1.2.8 Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, 2024............................................... 8
1.2.9 Clarington Transportation Master Plan, 2016 ...................................................... 9
1.2.10 Clarington Active Transportation Master Plan (in progress) ................................ 9
1.3 Engagement Highlights ............................................................................................ 10
2.0 Waterfront Lands Analysis ....................................................................................... 12
3.0 One Connected Waterfront, Five Distinct Experiences .......................................... 19
3.1 One Connected Waterfront ...................................................................................... 21
3.2 Guiding Principles .................................................................................................... 24
3.3 Five Distinct Experiences ......................................................................................... 25
3.3.1 Courtice Waterfront Experience......................................................................... 26
3.3.2 Bowmanville Waterfront Experience .................................................................. 37
3.3.3 Newcastle Waterfront Experience ..................................................................... 45
3.3.4 Agricultural Heritage Experience ....................................................................... 51
3.3.5 Port Granby Nature Reserve Experience .......................................................... 55
3.3.6 Waterfront Park Cost Estimates ........................................................................ 60
4.0 Implementation .......................................................................................................... 66
4.1 Implementation Plan ................................................................................................ 69
4.1.1 Phase 1: Foundational Recommendations (Present to 2030) ........................... 70
4.1.2 Phase 2: Keystone Initiatives (2030 to 2040) .................................................... 73
4.1.3 Phase 3: Waterfront Legacy (Beyond 2040) ...................................................... 75DRA
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Figures
Figure 1: Waterfront Lands Boundary .................................................................................. 3
Figure 2 Strategic Direction - Character Areas ................................................................... 15
Figure 3: Strategic Direction - Five Sub-Areas ................................................................... 16
Figure 4 Strategic Direction - Regional Wildlife Habitat Corridor ........................................ 17
Figure 5 Strategic Directions - Identity and Placemaking ................................................... 18
Figure 6: One Connected Waterfront, Five Distinct Experiences ....................................... 22
Figure 7 Courtice Waterfront Park Concept (Draft Courtice Waterfront Park Secondary
Plan, 2025) ......................................................................................................................... 29
Figure 8 Courtice Waterfront Park Vision - West Area (Draft Courtice Waterfront Park
Secondary Plan, 2025) ....................................................................................................... 30
Figure 9 Courtice Waterfront Park Vision - East Area (Draft Courtice Waterfront Park
Secondary Plan, 2025) ....................................................................................................... 31
Figure 10 Courtice Waterfront Park Vision - Additional Potential Park to the North (Draft
Courtice Waterfront Park Secondary Plan, 2025) ............................................................... 32
Figure 11: Bowmanville Waterfront Vision .......................................................................... 36
Figure 12: Bowmanville Parks Concept .............................................................................. 40
Figure 13: Newcastle Waterfront Concept .......................................................................... 44
Figure 14: Newcastle Waterfront Parks Concept................................................................ 48
Figure 15 Port Granby Lands ............................................................................................. 56
Figure 16: Illustrative Concept for Port Granby Nature Reserve, 2010 .............................. 59
Tables
Table 1: Waterfront Lands Analysis Highlights ................................................................... 14
Table 2 Definitions for One Waterfront, Five Distinct Experiences Figure .......................... 23
Table 3 Courtice Waterfront Park Cost Estimate ................................................................ 63
Table 4 Bowmanville Waterfront Parks Cost Estimate ....................................................... 64
Table 5 Newcastle Waterfront Parks Cost Estimate ........................................................... 65
Table 6 Clarington Waterfront Strategy Implementation Phases ........................................ 67
Table 7: Phase 1 Implementation Categories and Actions ................................................. 70
Table 8 Phase 2 Implementation Categories and Actions .................................................. 73
Table 9 Phase 3 Implementation Categories and Actions .................................................. 75
Appendices
Appendix A – Community Engagement Summaries
Appendix B – Waterfront Lands AnalysisDRA
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Acknowledgements
Steering Committee Members
Lisa Backus, Manager, Municipality of Clarington
Alicia Da Silva, Planner, Municipality of Clarington
Jamie Davidson, Director, Watershed Planning and Natural Heritage, Central Lake Ontario
Conservation Authority
Cory Harris, Watershed Services Coordinator, Ganaraska Conservation
Sylvia Jennings, Planner, Municipality of Clarington
Andrei Micu, Parks Design and Development Manager, Municipality of Clarington
Sarem Nejad, Development Planner, Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
Mariano Perini, Director of Public Works and Fire Chief, Municipality of Clarington
David Perkins, Principal Planner, Municipality of Clarington
Jennifer Smith, Manager of Parks Services, Municipality of Clarington
Municipality of Clarington
Kaitlin Keefer, Communications Officer
Melissa Westover, Communications Manager
Leanne Walker, Supervisor, Marketing and Engagement
Consulting Team
Jaysen Ariola, Landscape Architect, Dillon Consulting Limited
Evelyn Babalis, Landscape Planner, Dillon Consulting Limited
Martina Braunstein, Project Lead and Urban Designer, Dillon Consulting Limited
Ian Dance, Landscape Architect, Dillon Consulting Limited
Amy Greenberg, Project Coordinator and Planner, Dillon Consulting Limited
Paddy Kennedy, Project Advisor and Planner, Dillon Consulting Limited
Kristin Lillyman, Engagement Specialist, Dillon Consulting Limited
Paolo Mazza, Geographic Information System Specialist, Dillon Consulting Limited
Eha Naylor, Landscape Architect, Dillon Consulting Limited
Peter Thoma, Economic and Market Analyst, urbanMetricsDRA
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Acronyms, Abbreviations, Definitions
AMP Asset Management Plan
ATMP Active Transportation Master Plan
CLOCA Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
COP Clarington Official Plan
GRCA Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority
MNRF Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
POPS Privately-owned publicly accessible spaces
PPS Provincial Planning Statement
PRC Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan
ROP Regional Official Plan
SMP Shoreline Management Plan
SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats
TMP Transportation Master Plan
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1.0 IntroductionDRA
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Where Clarington meets Lake Ontario, a 34-kilometre shoreline unfolds as a living, thriving
waterfront area with a shared legacy. Valued by Indigenous communities, residents,
visitors, and regional biodiverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, it is among the most
natural waterfronts along Lake Ontario’s shoreline. More than half of the waterfront lands
fall within the Greenbelt’s Protected Countryside and Urban River Valleys, complemented
by provincial parkland, protected natural heritage features, and open spaces.
Clarington’s shoreline also carries deep Indigenous histories and long-standing ties to
agriculture, port and rail activity, and industry—roots that have evolved into today’s
advanced manufacturing and energy sectors. As waterfront places like Courtice,
Bowmanville, and Newcastle provide for planned growth and guided change, the immanent
public access and ecological biodiversity at the water’s edge shape the next chapter of
Clarington’s waterfront. The exchange of knowledges and perspectives, and partnerships
between the Municipality, interest groups, industries, public, First Nations and Indigenous
communities, neighbouring municipalities, the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
(CLOCA) and the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) are critical drivers in
the creation of a more resilient lake’s edge.
The purpose of the Clarington Waterfront Strategy (Strategy) is to weave all valued
components that shape the waterfront lands into a unified vision guiding future
enhancements, parks and recreation, culture, tourism, environmental protection, policy and
land development along Clarington’s shoreline for the next 30 years.
The Strategy builds on the ecosystem approach to land use planning established in the
Municipality’s 1993 Waterfront Study and Land Use Strategy with current planning context,
priorities, best practices and community values.
Land Acknowledgement
The Municipality of Clarington is situated within the traditional and treaty
territory of the Mississaugas and Chippewas of the Anishinabeg, known
today as the Williams Treaties First Nations. Our work on these lands
acknowledges their resilience and their longstanding contributions to the
area now known as the Municipality of Clarington.
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Figure 1: Waterfront Lands Boundary
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Figure 1 illustrates the waterfront lands boundary for the Strategy - they are generally
located south of Highway 401, spanning the full west to east length of the municipal
boundary along Lake Ontario’s shoreline. The urban area boundaries - as set in the
Municipalities land use policies - Courtice, Bowmanville and Newcastle extend south to the
lake, as outlined below in white.
1.1 Document Structure
This document is organized into four key sections.
Section 1.0 Introduction frames the purpose and scope, outlines policy direction across
provincial, regional, and municipal plans, and summarizes engagement highlights.
Section 2.0 Waterfront Lands Analysis documents current conditions, opportunities, and
constraints along the shoreline to ground the vision in evidence.
Section 3.0 One Connected Waterfront, Five Distinct Experiences sets the overarching
vision and guiding principles, then provides place-specific directions for Courtice,
Bowmanville, Newcastle, Agricultural Heritage, and the Port Granby Nature Reserve, along
with high-level cost estimates.
Section 4.0 Implementation translates the vision into a phased action plan—Foundational
(present–2030), Keystone (2030–2040), and Legacy (beyond 2040)—to guide delivery,
partnerships, and priorities.
The following sections provide a high-level overview of the policy
framework and engagement completed to date.Section 1.2 synthesizes
the direction from provincial, regional, and municipal plans that shape
waterfront development and conservation in Clarington.Section 1.3
highlights critical feedback and priorities from residents and stakeholders
that directly informed the Strategy’s key directions, vision and experiences.DRA
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1.2 Policy Direction and Plans
The Strategy is informed by a comprehensive framework of existing policies, plans, and
strategies at the provincial, regional, and municipal levels. These documents help establish
the legislative basis and strategic direction for land use planning, environmental protection,
community development, and public investment along the waterfront. To understand this
direction, the following key documents were reviewed directly shaping the vision,
principles, and recommendations of the Strategy.
Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan (2025 Draft)
Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan (2024), including its Five-Year Action
Plan (Report CAO-015-25, September 2025) and implementation strategy
(Attachment 1 to Report CAO 015-25)
Clarington Official Plan, 1996 (2024 Consolidation)
Envision Durham: Regional Official Plan (2024)
Municipality of Clarington Strategic Plan 2024-2027
Provincial Planning Statement (2024)
Wilmot Creek Neighbourhood Secondary Plan (2024)
Clarington Transportation Master Plan (2016)
Municipality of Clarington Waterfront Study and Land Use Strategy (1993)
Other background documents reviewed in the development of the Strategy, include:
Draft Lake Ontario Shoreline Hazard Summary, Risk Assessment and Management
Plan (2022)
Corporate Climate Action Plan (2021)
Lake Ontario Shoreline Management Plan (2020)
Port Darlington Shore Protection Concepts (2018)
Draft Proposed Port Darlington (West Shore) Shoreline Management Report (2018)
Shoreline Terrestrial Features Background Report for the GRCA Watershed Portion
of Clarington (2018)
Port Granby Nature Reserve: Realizing the Vision (2015)
Port Darlington Neighbourhood Secondary Plan (2014)
Bowmanville and Westside Marshes Conservation Area Management Plan (2006)
Port Darlington Secondary Planning Area Implementation Strategy (1992)
1.2.1 Municipality of Clarington Waterfront Study and Land Use
Strategy, 1993
This foundational document established the first comprehensive, long-term vision for
Clarington’s waterfront, introducing key principles that continue to guide its management.
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The Strategy is built on this strategic document by:
Carrying forward the "ecosystem approach" to land use planning as one of the core
key directions and informing the new Environmental Stewardship and Climate
Resilience Guiding Principle;
Carrying forward and adapting the waterfront character sub-areas, waterfront
greenway, waterfront places and principles to form the new Vision and Guiding
Principles;
Assessing the successes of this strategic document, and updating the planning
context, priorities and community needs; and,
Establishing the implementation plan for the next 30 years.
1.2.2 Provincial Planning Statement, 2024
The 2024 Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) provides overall policy direction on matters
of provincial interest in land use planning. As the primary provincial planning document, all
municipal strategies must be consistent with its direction.
The PPS provides the foundational direction for the Strategy, reflecting its mandates by:
Prioritizing resilient design and directing development away from hazardous lands,
particularly shorelines susceptible to flooding, erosion, and dynamic beach hazards,
which is critical for building long-term resilience - this is a cornerstone of the
Strategy’s ‘Environmental Stewardship and Climate Resilience’ Guiding Principle;
Strengthening the protection of natural heritage features and areas for the long
term, including significant wetlands and bluffs, through the Strategy’s overall
ecologically based approach and specifically for the West Beach Area;
Mirroring the promotion of healthy, active communities through the ‘Public Access,
Connection, and Enjoyment’ Guiding Principle, which champions a continuous and
accessible public shoreline (e.g., parks, open spaces, and trails); and,
Incorporating climate change resilience as a core Guiding Principle for
‘Environmental Stewardship and Climate Resilience’, and recommendations for
green infrastructure and adaptive management.
1.2.3 Envision Durham: Regional Official Plan, 2024
The 2024 Regional Official Plan (ROP) sets the broad, high-level vision for growth, land
use, and environmental protection across Durham Region. With the Region’s transition to
an upper-tier municipality without planning responsibilities, Clarington is now empowered
to integrate these regional objectives directly into its local vision.
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The ROP provides the regional direction and context for the Strategy by:
Envisioning Clarington’s ‘Waterfront Areas’ as accessible lake fronting experiences
within a biodiverse ecological system;
Supporting development at the waterfront in Courtice, Bowmanville and Newcastle
as envisioned through the waterfront park concepts in the Strategy;
Supporting the ongoing development of a continuous waterfront trail and
connectivity into the regional-wide trail system, as envisioned through all visionary
concepts for the Strategy.
1.2.4 Clarington Official Plan, 1996 (2024 Consolidation)
The Clarington Official Plan (COP) is the Municipality's primary tool for managing growth
and land use. It translates the broad principles of foundational documents, like the 1993
Waterfront Study and Land Use Strategy, into specific land use designations and policies
that guide the Strategy. The COP provides the most current local planning framework.
The Strategy builds on the COP’s framework by:
Carrying forward the foundational concepts from the 1993 Waterfront Study and
Land Use Strategy, particularly the ‘Waterfront Greenway’ and ‘Waterfront Places’,
through the Strategy’s Vision;
Reinforcing high-quality, mixed-use urban environments for the waterfront
communities of Courtice, Bowmanville (Port Darlington) and Newcastle (Port of
Newcastle) through the Strategy’s Vision;
Adopting the COP’s key objectives to shape the Strategy’s Vision and Guiding
Principles, such that the Strategy's recommendations deliver a waterfront that is
clean, green, connected, open, accessible, useable, diverse, and attractive; and,
Prioritizing the long-term objective of a continuous waterfront trail and the protection
of the Lake Ontario waterfront as an important ecological and cultural heritage
landscape.
1.2.5 Municipality of Clarington Strategic Plan 2024-2027
This is the Municipality's highest-level guiding document, outlining Council's priorities and
linking them directly to the municipal budget and action plans.DRA
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This plan gives the Strategy its direct mandate and ensures its recommendations are
aligned with Council's top priorities by:
Fulfilling the explicit corporate priority to complete Strategy, and providing the
actionable recommendations to begin implementation;
Reinforcing Council’s vision for a "resilient, sustainable, and complete community"
through the Strategy’s Guiding Principles; and,
Aligning the Strategy with a sustainable financial framework for implementation that
meets the Council’s commitment to strategic investment in municipal assets.
1.2.6 Wilmot Creek Neighbourhood Secondary Plan, 2024
The Wilmot Creek Neighbourhood Secondary Plan guides the development of a new
community directly north of the existing Wilmot Creek Adult Lifestyle Community. This
secondary plan provides a framework for land use, environmental protection, and
connectivity that will directly interface with and support the broader waterfront vision.
The Strategy considers this plan by:
Envisioning the future growth and vibrancy of the neighbourhood, as well as
connectivity to the Waterfront Trail.
1.2.7 Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan (Draft), 2025
The Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan provides the detailed planning framework for the
municipally owned lands along the waterfront that are adjacent to Darlington Provincial
Park, setting the stage for a major new park and community.
Key takeaways for the Strategy are to:
Adopting its vision for a mixed-use area and complete waterfront community;
Incorporating the new municipal-wide park as a cornerstone of the entire Strategy,
by positioning it as a regional destination with a range of year-round recreational
and cultural amenities; and,
Helping ensure that recommendations for this area are fully aligned, by creating a
single, unified vision for the future of the Courtice waterfront.
1.2.8 Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, 2024
The Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan (PRC Master Plan) provides a
comprehensive, long-term (15-year) vision for the future of Clarington’s parks, trails,
recreation facilities, and cultural services. It is a foundational document for the Strategy,
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providing recommendations for short, medium, and long-term actions for Clarington’s
waterfront. The Council endorsed a specific 5-Year Action Plan (Report CAO-015-25) that
details the short-term priorities (2024 to 2028), their financial implications, and the staff
resources required to implement them.
The Strategy is built on the PRC Master Plan findings by:
Integrating the key recommendations for the waterfront (e.g., preserving sensitive
areas, enhancing passive recreation and access, and adding amenities) into Vision,
Guiding Principles and concepts;
Implementing the recommended investments, such as public feedback as a clear
mandate for the Strategy's recommended investments; and,
Providing event space, picnic areas, outdoor fitness equipment, and non-motorized
watercraft launches in waterfront park concepts.
1.2.9 Clarington Transportation Master Plan, 2016
The Clarington Transportation Master Plan (TMP) provides a comprehensive assessment
of the Municipality's long-term (to 2031) transportation system needs across all modes,
aiming to guide decisions amidst significant anticipated growth.
The Strategy's recommendations for connectivity are informed by the TMP by:
Proposing an interconnected trail system, including the 'Circle of Green' concept,
that links to the key north-south corridors identified in the TMP (e.g., Nash Road and
Baseline Road); and,
Aligning its destination hubs, such as the Bowmanville Waterfront, with the planned
GO Rail extension to improve transit accessibility.
1.2.10 Clarington Active Transportation Master Plan (in progress)
The Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP) is being developed concurrently with the
Strategy, sharing aspirations for a resilient and sustainable community, a safe and
connected network, and inclusive, accessible and vibrant communities. Key takeaways will
be incorporated into the final Strategy.DRA
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1.3 Engagement Highlights
In providing fair, balanced and ongoing engagement opportunities, the Municipality
deployed a variety of tactics to inform, educate and engage residents, environmental
authorities and interested groups about the Strategy. The community’s values and priorities
were received over multiple phases of the project and build upon prior feedback over time.
Additionally, as part of Clarington’s commitment to strengthen Indigenous partnerships,
First Nations communities have been invited to learn about the project and provide
feedback through dedicated outreach to help shape the Strategy.
Initial engagement, conducted in 2022, included a vision intercept survey, community pop-
ups, and meetings with Councillors and stakeholders to introduce the project and gain
early insights into the waterfront vision and needs. This was complemented by public
consultation on the waterfront lands for the PRC Master Plan where the waterfront was
identified as the top priority for facility investment (e.g., open space, parks, trails) with 85
percent of survey respondents supporting waterfront improvements. Early feedback
indicated that the waterfront is a highly valued asset in Clarington, and that creating a
connected, accessible, and active waterfront with a focus on environmental protection was
important to the community.
In 2025, a robust engagement process was undertaken to ensure the community had
meaningful opportunities to learn about and shape the draft Vision, Guiding Principles, and
concepts that inform the Strategy.
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The key emerging themes from all stages of engagement informing the development of the
Strategy are as follows (note: not listed by any hierarchy or priority):
Strong Public Support for Investment:The waterfront is highly valued, with
strong public support for continued recreation and community use investment in
parks, water play, family-friendly amenities, music venues and gathering spaces.
Environmental Protection is the Top Priority:Protecting and enhancing the
biodiversity, natural habitats, and shoreline integrity received strong support.
An Accessible & Connected Waterfront for All:There is clear enthusiasm to
build a continuous waterfront and trail network that is safe, inclusive, and barrier-
free for people of all ages and abilities.
Community-Focused, All-Season Recreation:The community desires family-
friendly, low-impact, and year-round recreational activities that respect the
waterfront's natural character and well-established communities.
A Scaled Approach to Economic Activity:Support is for small-scale, local
businesses (e.g., cafés, markets), with strong opposition to large-scale
commercial or residential development.
Infrastructure Must Match Growth:Providing adequate infrastructure—
including parking, public transit, and washrooms—to support increased use of
the waterfront.
Preserve the Unique Character and Heritage of the Waterfront:A tailored,
site-specific approach is required to address local community needs and
concerns, while maintaining the waterfront’s peaceful character and protecting
the site’s cultural and Indigenous histories.
Community priorities call for a nature-first approach that avoids over commercialization and
safeguards sensitive ecosystems; a people-centered waterfront that prioritizes inclusive,
accessible public spaces; and a long-term commitment to sustainability, with resilient
infrastructure and active stewardship to benefit future generations.
For a fulsome summary of ‘what we heard’ through engagement, please refer to
Appendix A. Additional public engagement will be rolled out following the presentation to
Clarington Council in early 2026. The feedback from this future engagement will inform the
final Strategy.
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2.0 Waterfront Lands AnalysisDRA
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Over the last 30 years, the Municipality led the implementation of the 1993 Waterfront
Study and Land Use Strategy through the establishment and implementation of COP
policies and land use planning decisions, increasing Municipal land ownership and
waterfront access through the land acquisition strategy, and partnerships with CLOCA and
GRCA to protect the natural heritage system and Lake Ontario shoreline. Further, the
Municipality led the planning and development of waterfront parks and communities,
vehicular and active transportation improvements for the overall connectivity of and to the
waterfront. These remarkable outcomes highlight the Municipality’s leadership and
investment in advancing a connected and accessible waterfront.
In preparing the Strategy, it was important to use a framework to simply organize and
communicate complex information gathered from the background documents and
waterfront lands analysis that spans over a 34 kilometres shoreline – it is referred to as
Strengths,Weaknesses,Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. The SWOT analysis
offers a focused understanding of the current conditions enabling informed decisions on
the future direction for Clarington’s waterfront lands - key feature and vital public resource.
The SWOT was completed at the onset of the project, in 2022, in concert with the
background document review, mapping, and an assessment of the economic opportunities.
Table 1 provides key highlights of the analysis - the detailed SWOT analysis and economic
opportunities assessment are included in Appendix B.
In completing the SWOT and analysis diagrams of Clarington’s waterfront lands (see
Appendix B), four key strategic directions emerged, as shown in Figure 2,Figure 3,
Figure 4, and Figure 5, describing Clarington’s unique context along Lake Ontario and
acting as the impetus for the Vision in Section 3.0.
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Table 1: Waterfront Lands Analysis Highlights
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
Incremental
public waterfront access
since 1993.
Strong policies on
environmental protection
new development directed
away from areas of natural
or human-made hazards.
Diverse existing uses.
Courtice Waterfront and
Wilmot Creek
Neighbourhood secondary
plans, with sustainable
design guidance.
Well established water,
storm sewer and sanitary
sewer networks within
Bowmanville and Newcastle
urbanized areas.
Sanitary sewers located near
or through public lands.
Home to many natural
heritage features and
hydrologically sensitive
features, as well as
endangered species and
threatened species.
Established coastal hazard
mapping, summaries and
recommendations.
Highway 401 and railways as physical
barriers separating terrestrial and
waterfront ecosystems, as well as
vehicular and active transportation
routes.
Irregular access to amenity spaces
enhancing the user experience (e.g.,
signage, seating, shade, washroom
facilities, etc.).
Limited natural land cover within two
kilometres of shoreline, with agriculture
as the dominant land use within the
GRCA watershed.
Transit service gaps.
Existing shoreline development located
within hazardous areas
coastal hazard works due to greater risk
for flooding, erosion and unstable slopes
Lack of urban design guidance and
heritage protection
Port of Newcastle.
Limited public access due to private
ownership (i.e. community, agriculture,
etc.), utility and large industrial lands.
Bowmanville Creek and Graham Creek
channels infilling, limited navigability for
boating.
Future GO Stations and expanded transit services to
Bowmanville waterfront.
Acquisition of additional lands to protect sensitive
areas, ecological approach to shore protection.
Focused public realm improvements around
established waterfront places and future growth areas
including cultural heritage landscape protection.
Established scalable commercial villages in
Bowmanville and Courtice.
Additional waterfront amenities, commercial
incubators, improved seasonal experience, tourism,
placemaking and accessibility.
Integrated and shared marina use with municipal wide
parks, and more suitable boat locations.
Increased public access to ecological, cultural and
recreational areas.
Improved trail linkages, hydro-corridor connections,
off-road Waterfront Trail links, including cycling
infrastructure.
Expansion of open space system, restoration and
increase of natural habitat in Port Granby Nature
Reserve.
Increasing ‘green’ land cover, sustainable
development features, management of invasive
species, etc. to improve the ecological integrity of the
Regional wildlife habitat corridor (2 km) and coastal
habitat.
Reflected history, traditions, stories and heritage on
public lands.
Use of sediment that is hydraulically dredged from
navigational channels to nourish sediment supply on
beaches.
Climate change impacts - warmer water can lead to
increase in winds which leads to an increase in wave
action, impacting coastal vegetation communities,
erosion to bluffs and sensitive bluff vegetation and
animal life.
Undesirable crossings across Highway 401.
Privatization of shoreline access (physical and visual)
and population growth’s recreational demand on the
waterfront lands.
Existing shoreline development located within
hazardous areas and the risk is greater for: low lying
areas more vulnerable to flooding, and development on
bluffs are more vulnerable to erosion and slope stability
issues.
Shoreline hardening (i.e.,
etc.) and sediment deficit in some beaches.
Continual swings in high and low lake levels observed
to continue, potentially impacting increased flood and
erosion risks (e.g., decreased ice cover which exposes
the shoreline to more winter storms, more intense
storms and higher storm surges).
Higher 100-year flood elevation, shoreline bluffs and
beaches eroding (e.g., average annualized recession
rate in portions of the waterfront lands can be as high
as 0.6 metre of erosion/top of bluff loss per year along
the Bond Head bluffs as per the 2020 Lake Ontario
Shoreline Management Plan (Lake Ontario SMP).
Proximity of trail system to the eroding beach and bluff
shorelines, requiring abandonment should erosion
threaten the existing trail.
Rider safety without road shoulders to provide buffer.
Failing infrastructure, structural and property damage.
Cost of implementation.DRA
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Figure 2 Strategic Direction - Character Areas
Figure 2 illustrates two primary character areas along Clarington’s waterfront as urban and
countryside, with unique physical and regulatory requirements.
The ‘urban interface area’ recognizes the urban context, significant natural heritage features and
diverse land uses, linking to the communities of Courtice, Bowmanville and Newcastle north of
Highway 401 and offering direct lake access near historic harbours.
The ‘countryside interface area’ recognizes the predominantly agricultural land use of the area,
natural heritage features, steeper slopes, and the ‘Protected Countryside’ Greenbelt Planning
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Figure 3: Strategic Direction - Five Sub-Areas
Figure 3 illustrates the updated 1993 Waterfront Study and Land Use Strategy landscape sub-
areas - they provide a simplified visual reference for the landscape sub-area characterization of
Clarington’s waterfront based on common land uses, policies and environmental characteristics.
The five landscape sub-areas provide insights into the diverse uses of the waterfront lands,
such as the vast area for conservation lands and resiliency nodes which support the natural
shoreline functions.
Figure 3 figure also highlights the existing landscape-based sub-areas that reflect the large
areas for industrial and residential uses.
Collectively the sub-areas provide an important ecological corridor, although each sub-area
requires a distinct ecologically based approach towards climate resilience with which to inform
the Strategy.DRA
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Figure 4 Strategic Direction - Regional Wildlife Habitat Corridor
Figure 4 illustrates Clarington waterfront’s regional wildlife habitat corridor, which encompasses
the two-kilometre coastal buffer that functions as both the east-west and north-south natural
corridor. It also provides critical staging, breeding, movement and habitat types for both aquatic
and terrestrial communities. In Clarington, this constitutes a high level of biodiversity and
complex ecological functions within the concentrated area. (e.g., the dynamic barrier beaches,
coastal dune and bluff communities, etc.).
The regional wildlife habitat corridor informs the strategic direction for Clarington’s waterfront as
an essential protection of the terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity and habitat.DRA
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Figure 5 Strategic Directions - Identity and Placemaking
Figure 5 provides a simplified illustration of the existing and potential identity and placemaking
nodes that unify Clarington’s 34-kilometre shoreline. The nodes consist of geographically
clustered amenities and landscape features that highlight aspects of historic identity, community
well-being, enjoyment of public space, pride and stewardship, investment and tourism
opportunities.
The strategic connection of the Waterfront Trail across Clarington’s waterfront destinations
connects urban boundaries, publicly owned lands, and natural heritage areas to create a
distinct, comprehensive shoreline identity, while also embracing a series of experiences along
the Lake Ontario shoreline.
In conclusion, the four strategic directions work together as a collective blueprint, illustrating the
framework to create a unified and resilient waterfront through this Strategy. The two character
areas, five landscape sub-areas and regional wildlife habitat corridor focus on the classifications
of land through use and function, while also weaving clusters of waterfront activities. The multi-
layered direction reflects the complex urban, natural and social systems that guide the
development of Clarington’s overall Strategy Vision.DRA
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3.0 One Connected Waterfront,
Five Distinct ExperiencesDRA
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The overall Vision emerged from four strategic directions that were formed through the
synthesis of policy, community feedback and analysis findings presented in Sections 1.0
and 2.0. As a strategic diagrammatic Vision,Figure 6 illustrates the convergence of the
four strategic directions into One Connected Waterfront, Five Distinct Experiences.
The following sections offer a detailed description of the key components
of this Vision.Section 3.1 provides a detailed description for the ‘One
Connected Waterfront’ aspect of Clarington’s Vision, as well as ecological
and adaptation planning approaches.Section 3.2 presents the five (5)
Guiding Principles for the implementation of the Strategy, and Section 3.3
outlines the five (5) distinct experiences in Clarington, including visionary
concepts.
One Connected Waterfront, Five Distinct Experiences
Courtice Waterfront | Bowmanville Waterfront | Newcastle Waterfront
| Agricultural Heritage | Port Granby Nature Reserve
Clarington's waterfront is a publicly accessible space that connects our
community; protects natural systems, climate resilience and biodiversity;
and honours our history and cultural heritage. Our shoreline flourishes
with interconnected trails and diverse recreational opportunities while
placing environmental stewardship at the forefront. We grow our
waterfront sustainably protecting the important coastal functions and
landscapes, while also ensuring public safety and accessibility over time.
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3.1 One Connected Waterfront
Clarington’s waterfront lands will provide a continuous biodiversity and people movement
corridor, in congruence with adjacent geographic boundaries and features. The connected
waterfront will link people and places with a unified and accessible road and active
transportation network, while also supporting wildlife movement, natural coastal processes
(e.g., sediment transport), and ecological and biodiverse systems.
‘One Connected Waterfront’ will be established through ecological and adaptation-based
approaches to land use planning and land management, in recognition of Clarington’s high
shoreline erosion and flooding risks. The approaches, outlined below, will lead future
decision making in the next 30 years, aligning with the 2020 Lake Ontario SMP.
Avoid development within the hazard areas while also acknowledging the community
desire to access the shoreline. This reduces exposure by ensuring that new development
does not occur on hazardous land, recognizing that vulnerability to coastal hazards can
also be significant for legacy developments. Development setbacks for erosion and
flooding embrace the principles of ‘avoid’ and are based on a 100-year planning horizon,
as per PPS. Adopting a longer planning horizon would increase the longevity of the “avoid”
strategy and the overall resilience of the shoreline.
Accommodate allows for continued occupation of coastal properties while changes to
human activities or infrastructure are made to reduce coastal hazards and vulnerability. For
example, raising the foundation of a flood-prone building will reduce vulnerability and may
enable continued occupation of the site. In general, this applies to existing development,
not proposed development.
Retreat decision to withdraw or relocate assets exposed to coastal hazards when the
costs to accommodate or protect are either not affordable, fail to produce a positive
benefit-cost ratio, fail to adequately reduce the risk, or are not permitted due to regulations
or legislation. For this approach to be successful, voluntary property acquisition programs
with participation and contributions from senior levels of government may be required.
Protect people, property, and infrastructure as the traditional approach used in the Great
Lakes and often the first considered. For example, use of grey infrastructure (i.e., armour
stone revetments and seawalls, and nature-based solutions such as building coastal
dunes, planting vegetation or nourishing beaches). For this strategy to be successful it
must be shown that the site-specific risks can be effectively mitigated for the duration of the
planning horizon, as per the PPS. This is costly and should be the last option to be
considered if other strategies cannot be met.
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Figure 6: One Connected Waterfront, Five Distinct Experiences
Experience
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Table 2 Definitions for One Waterfront, Five Distinct Experiences Figure
Legend Reference Definition
Resiliency Nodes Areas prone to flooding due to their environmental
characteristics such as ravines, marshes and Lake Ontario’s
shoreline - they support important aquatic and terrestrial
will require special consideration for habitat protection,
infrastructure upgrades and development buffers.
Waterfront Spaces Both private and publicly owned lands along the waterfront for
residential, commercial and amenity areas, such as parks and
open spaces.
Natural Areas Areas that feature natural heritage features, such as the
Darlington Provincial Park, Bowmanville Westside
Conservation Area, Samuel Wilmot Nature Areas and the
proposed Port Granby Nature Reserve.
Agricultural Lands Lands characterized by their existing agricultural land uses as
well as their relationship with the Greenbelt Planning Area.
Industrial Areas Existing areas which include Darlington Nuclear Generating
Newcastle Industrial Park, and Port Granby Federal site.
These areas have very limited public access.
ANSI Areas Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) are designated
regions of land and water containing important natural
landscape of features.
Circle of Green Trail Conceptual long-term strategic vision for an interconnected
network of green spaces and looped pathways throughout
Bowmanville.
Urban Trail Paved and multi-use path designed for non-motorized travel,
separated from vehicle traffic.
Biodiversity and
People Movement
Two-kilometre coastal edge supporting the east-west and
north-south natural corridors, sediment transport, and staging,
breeding, movement and habitat types for wildlife along the
coastal zone, as well as multi-modal movement of people and
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3.2 Guiding Principles
The following five (5) guiding principles translate the Vision into clear direction for day-to-
day decision making and long-term investments across Clarington’s waterfront. Grounded
in community priorities and aligned with provincial, regional, and municipal policy, these
principles set expectations for climate-resilient stewardship, equitable public access,
community-scale development and sense of place.
The Guiding Principles serve as a practical compass for planning, design, programming,
partnerships, and stewardship, ensuring the vision is consistently advanced from concept
to implementation along the Lake Ontario shoreline.
Environmental Stewardship and Climate Resilience: Protect, restore, and
enhance the natural environment, including the Lake Ontario shoreline,
wetlands, and wildlife habitats, while actively planning for flood and erosion
hazards and climate change adaptation and protecting biodiversity.
Public Access, Connection, and Enjoyment: Ensure equitable, safe, and
inclusive access to the waterfront for all residents and visitors, prioritizing
public ownership and enjoyment of shoreline lands, recognizing the waterfront
as a continuous and integrated corridor that supports ecological connectivity,
including wildlife movement and sediment transport along the nearshore, and
enhances public trail connections that link communities and natural spaces.
Cultural Histories and Traditions:Celebrate the layered cultural histories
and traditions on the waterfront lands through acts of reconciliation, a culture
of inclusiveness and belonging, and through the historic interpretation of
public spaces through design and local stories.
Community-Scaled Economic Viability: Foster a sustainable waterfront
economy that: supports small-scale, local businesses, creates employment
opportunities for the community, and encourages tourism that complements
the natural environment and enhances public enjoyment.
Design Excellence and Community-Centred Planning: Create high-quality
and impactful public and private realms through thoughtful, sustainable design
that reflects the local character and is guided by transparent and meaningful
community engagement.
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3.3 Five Distinct Experiences
The ‘Five Distinct Experiences’ were developed through strategic guidance by the
Strategy’s Vision and Guiding Principles – they are a mosaic of diverse experiences for all,
connected by the waterfront and regional trails and linked through in-between spaces that
provide unique secondary experiences.
Each is envisioned as a distinct experience, as illustrated in the simplified depiction at the
bottom of the Vision in Figure 6. Of these five (5) experiences, three (3) pertain to the
‘urban interface’ and two (2) pertain to the’ countryside interface’ with the Lake Ontario
shoreline.
The three (3) ‘urban interface’ waterfront experiences (i.e., Courtice, Bowmanville and
Newcastle) support the coastal ecology and resiliency of the dynamic shoreline, while
providing direct visual and physical access to the lake, amenities and connections to the
northern urban trails, future GO stations and the historic downtowns.
The two (2) ‘countryside interface’ waterfront experiences (i.e., agricultural heritage and
Port Granby Nature Reserve) also contribute to the protection of the coastal ecology and
dynamic shoreline resilience, while offering visual access to the lake due to the contrasting
topography of the shoreline bluffs and enjoyment through nature-based activities and
programming, and tourism.
Collectively, all five (5) waterfront experiences and their interconnectedness through
movement of people, wildlife and natural processes align with the Guiding Principles.
Next sections explore each location’s waterfront experience and vision, as well as high-
level cost estimates for Courtice, Bowmanville and Newcastle waterfronts.
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3.3.1 Courtice Waterfront Experience
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Note, these images are for illustrative purpose only (from left to right).
1. Betsy Patterson Square, www.mansfieldmdp.org/betsy-paterson-square
2. Assembly Row Urban Plaza Rendering, https://copleywolff1.squarespace.com/all-
projects/assembly-row
3. Lake Wilcox Park Splash Pad, www.vacationnorth.ca/listings/312790
4. Great Divide Nature Interpretation, www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g154912-d1738994-
Reviews-Great_Divide_Nature_Interpretation-Lake_Louise_Banff_National_Park_Alberta.html
5. Nouveaux aménagements à la plage de l’Est, https://estmediamontreal.com/nouveaux-
amenagements-plage-est-pointe-trembles/
6. Park Shelter, https://srpshelter.com/inspirations/sunset-park-id
7.Quai des Cageux (Cageux Wharf) observation tower, Quebec
The future Courtice Waterfront Park is located along the shoreline of Lake Ontario,
between Darlington Provincial Park and Courtice Shores Road. It is a new park that is
planned as part of the Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan. The vision for this area will be
integrated into the Strategy, following its approval by Council.
The new municipal-wide park and secondary plan area is envisioned as a vibrant, family-
friendly destination where residents and visitors alike can spend the day enjoying nature,
recreation, and community connection. With its scenic waterfront setting and integrated
trail network, the new park will support a wide range of passive and active uses—from
walking and cycling to picnicking and educational exploration.
Park programs and design are being confirmed through a parallel design process, with a
strong emphasis on recreation, ecological integrity, inclusive access, and long-term
stewardship of the waterfront landscape.
3.3.1.1 Courtice Waterfront Park Concept
The Courtice Waterfront Park will include areas that support gatherings, commercial uses
and events towards the west, and more naturalized areas for trails, outdoor education, and
accessing the water towards the east. There are also additional lands to the north where
the park may be expanded to include additional natural landscapes east of Tooley Creek.
More detailed descriptions of how the Concept addresses the Guiding Principles is
described below and illustrated in Error! Reference source not found.DRA
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Actively plan for erosion hazards and focus shoreline stability interventions
where a balance between accessibility, safety, environmental integrity, and
cost effectiveness can be achieved. Protect, restore, and enhance the natural
environment, including the shorelines, wetlands, woodlots and areas prone to
flooding. Improve climate resilience and management of the waterfront’s
connected landscape in all areas.
Include significant new segments of the Waterfront Trail connecting to the
Courtice Shores Trail to new communities to the north. New trails bridge the
Tooley Creek valley and connect the park to areas north of the rail line.
Provision of new park recreational amenities that are designed to meet the
needs of a new and diverse community through all seasons of the year.
Town Square, Central Active Zone and Event Pavilion envisioned as a
community gathering hub accommodating small business activities, community
events, picnic pavilions and enhanced waterfront experiences. Street D, as
identified in the secondary plan, provides additional opportunities to blur the
line between commercial retail uses and the park edge. Additional
opportunities at the Nature Hub East where canoe, kayak, and stand-up
paddleboard rentals can be accommodated, as well as concessions.
Create high-quality and impactful public and private realm, through thoughtful,
sustainable design that reflects the local character and is guided by
transparent and meaningful community engagement. Design elements and
materials to be selected for durability and sustainability while contributing to a
high-level of design consciousness.DRA
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Figure 7 Courtice Waterfront Park Concept (Draft Courtice Waterfront Park Secondary Plan, 2025)
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Figure 8 Courtice Waterfront Park Vision - West Area (Draft Courtice Waterfront Park Secondary Plan, 2025)
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Figure 9 Courtice Waterfront Park Vision - East Area (Draft Courtice Waterfront Park Secondary Plan, 2025)
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Figure 10 Courtice Waterfront Park Vision - Additional Potential Park to the North (Draft Courtice Waterfront Park Secondary Plan, 2025)
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3.3.1.2 Courtice Waterfront Specific Recommendations
Village Square
Located at a prominent intersection in the planned Courtice Waterfront neighbourhood
and nestled within the proposed commercial-retail and mixed-use core of the community,
the Village Square is planned to serve as a prominent gateway to the park. The Square
is envisioned as an active programming zone offering opportunities for community
events and gatherings while being well connected to parking, park access points,
gardens and shade tree planting and the linear urban Street D, as per the secondary
plan, promenade.
Village Interface
The street at the northern edge of the park is envisioned as a shared use promenade
that creates a welcoming transition between the proposed mixed use, commercial and
residential uses to the north, and the new waterfront park to the south. This linear
promenade balances urban streetscape uses (vehicle travel, parking, activation areas,
tree planting) while blurring the interface between the street and the park.
Central Active Zone
The Central Active Zone, located at the heart of Courtice Waterfront Park, is designed to
make the park a true destination for visitors. It incorporates active features like a
playground, upland beach, splash pad, fitness hub, and potentially sport courts. The
area is easily accessible from local streets and parking and connects to the Waterfront
Trail. The design incorporates open lawn and picnic spaces throughout, ideal for smaller
events and gatherings. Additional adaptable areas, such as seating nodes, grassy
slopes and open areas provide versatility for seasonal activities and community use.
Event Pavilion and Grassy Slope
The proposed events pavilion and grassy slope takes advantage of naturally existing site
topography. The event pavilion is proposed to include washrooms, a warming feature for
the winter and a shade canopy for the summer. It will be the focus point for special
events and performances throughout the year while providing convenient access to both
the grassy slope and the Central Active Zone.
Flexible Picnic Areas
Flexible use picnic areas are integrated throughout the site to provide the community
opportunities to organize food and celebration-based events within a waterfront park
environment. Picnic areas are proposed to be equipped with barrier free picnic tables,
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BBQ’s, picnic shelters (various sizes) with electrical and water service and fire pits in
some locations.
Nature Hub West
Nature Hub West is located near the centre of the Courtice Waterfront Park, reflecting
the community’s desire for a passive, naturalized space. This area offers opportunities
for relaxation, play, and education, and can be the focus of Indigenous Place Keeping
initiatives. The location adjacent to the Tooley Creek Valley, is beautiful and peaceful,
lending itself to educational, contemplative and spiritual activities. The design of the area
should be developed in collaboration with local First Nations.
The design proposes several gathering nooks with seating and bike parking, all centrally
positioned and connected to the internal trail network and the Waterfront Trail. These
connections provide easy access to the active family zone, the beach access ramp, and
the kayak drop-off point.
Additionally, this space could feature an outdoor classroom for learning activities and
interpretive signage to enhance educational experiences. It is also envisioned as a
potential location for a communal gathering area, such as a fire pit.
Nature Hub East And Beach Access
Nature Hub East and Beach Access Area provide connections to Courtice Shores Road,
the Waterfront Trail and direct access to the beach. The area is proposed to include a
shade structure with winterized washrooms, a small outdoor education/gathering area,
bike parking, drop-off loop, canoe /kayak/ stand-up paddle boarding short term storage,
parking, access to the Waterfront Trail and barrier-free beach access ramp. The area
also includes access to a beach overlook feature.
Potential Municipal Nature Park
North of The Courtice Waterfront Park on the east side, lies a newly identified parcel
envisioned as a potential municipal park as illustrated in Figure 10. The design intent
prioritizes preserving the site’s natural character, ensuring minimal disruption to existing
vegetation and ecological features.
Access and circulation parking is available at both ends of the park, providing convenient
entry points for visitors. From these entrances, a network is proposed of 2.1-meter-wide
limestone trails winding through the landscape, traversing Environmentally Protected
Areas lands and crossing Tooley Creek via a bridge. These trails would connect
seamlessly to Courtice Shores Drive, Street D as per the secondary plan, and theDRA
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regional Waterfront Trail, creating an integrated loop that links the Courtice Waterfront
Park and surrounding areas.
Parking
Parking has been thoughtfully distributed across the entire site. This approach supports
multiple entry points and reduces congestion, making it convenient for families,
pedestrians, and visitors arriving by car. Approximately 170 parking spaces are planned
for, including regular accessible spaces to accommodate daily use and seasonal events.
Lookouts
The bluffs at the shoreline make physical access to the water’s edge very challenging.
Creating visual and barrier-free opportunities for park visitors to engage with Lake
Ontario will be important in enhancing the waterfront park experience. Three lookout
locations are proposed - each with a unique configuration and elevation to provide a
variety of experiences. The lookouts are proposed to be cantilevered overtop the erosion
hazard areas with abutments and other supports being constructed outside of the hazard
affected areas.
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Figure 11: Bowmanville Waterfront Vision
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3.3.2 Bowmanville Waterfront Experience
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Note, these images are for illustrative purpose only (from left to right).
1. Base 31, Dillon Consulting
2. Harish Forest Park, https://landezine.com/the-harish-forest-park-by-bo-landscape-architecture/
3. Rattray Marsh, www.ontarioconservationareas.ca
4. Dundas Place, https://londonlive.ca/tags/Dundas-Place
5. Port Stanley, www.shutterstock.com
6. Kincardine Beach, www.kincardine.ca
7. Lake Wilcox Park, Dillon Consulting
8.Landscape Design,www.nycgovparks.org
The Bowmanville waterfront is located within the valleys of the Soper and Bowmanville
Creeks, nestled within the Bowmanville Marsh with natural heritage links to the
Bowmanville Westside Marsh. Its vision is anchored by three (3) connected public spaces
at the centre of Bowmanville Creek that create an iconic gateway to one of the most unique
experiences along Clarington’s shoreline – an ecological corridor with flourishing
biodiversity, habitat and community connections to the marshes, West Beach Area, East
Beach Area and the bluffs.
The Bowmanville waterfront will be celebrated for its provincially significant coastal natural
heritage area, expansion of the Waterfront Trail, local business village, public boat launch
and connectivity north of Highway 401 – as per Figure 11. Bowmanville’s waterfront
features enhancements to both West Beach Park and East Beach Pars.
More detailed descriptions of how the Concept addresses the Guiding Principles is
described below.
Enhanced naturalization of the dynamic barrier beach, protecting and
restoring the Flood Damage Area resilience to coastal and marsh
flooding, erosion and hazard. Improved climate resilience and
management of the waterfront’s connected landscape in all directions.
New Waterfront Trail at the east edge of Bowmanville Marsh towards the
dynamic barrier beach at Lake Ontario, crossing Bowmanville Creek with
a new pedestrian bridge towards East Beach Park. Connections from
Waterfront Trail to the new Circle of Green trail system across Highway
401. Revitalized waterfront parks with new amenities and facilities
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Rooted in the design and experience of the waterfront lands are the
layered Indigenous voices, knowledge and traditions to be shared
through reconciliation, as well as the site’s working harbour and cottaging
cultural remnants.
Established Local Business Village north of East Beach area supporting
community small-scale commercial activity offering an improved public
and visitor experience of the waterfront. Additional economic viability with
picnic pavilion rentals, boat launch and community events/festivals.
Community-led design process. Invested commitment to design
excellence, place making and sustainable design for waterfront lands.
3.3.2.1 Bowmanville Parks Concept
The Bowmanville Parks Concept, presented in Figure 12, illustrates an ecologically
diverse and climate resilient approach to parks design, while also incorporating spaces for
new programming and improvements to public amenities. These three public spaces
include:
The Bowmanville Marsh is the natural anchor of this portion of the Waterfront. Although
managed by CLOCA, the Municipality will need to coordinate conservation efforts and
partnership opportunities to protect and restore the ecological integrity of the Marsh
overtime. Edge conditions, access by trails and roads, stormwater infrastructure tie-ins,
lighting, boating practices and outdoor storage will all have environmental impacts to the
Marsh. It will be important for the Municipality to address potential adverse impacts to the
Marsh as recommended projects progress as part of the Parks Concept.
The West Beach Area is envisioned as Clarington’s main beach, a restored dynamic
barrier beach, with amenities that support ecologically sensitive park programming and
reflect the cultural histories of the place. The transition to a fully naturalized barrier beach
will be phased over time, honouring the existing cottage lease holders. Waterfront
connectivity will be enhanced by a strategically sited pedestrian/cycling bridge linking West
Beach to East Beach across the harbour outlet.
The East Beach Area and Village is envisioned as a pedestrian-oriented active shoreline
zone with improved park amenities, local-scale commercial area, boating access, parking,
and open space. The East Beach Area Parks will allow for more formal programming for
events and is linked to the boat launch and storage located directly to the north.DRA
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Figure 12: Bowmanville Parks Concept
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3.3.2.2 Bowmanville Parks Specific Recommendations
Pedestrian Circulation and Bridge
In the West Beach area, the Waterfront Trail is designed to extend beside West Beach
Road to the west and along the future service road towards the Waterfront Trail Bridge
Connection to the East Beach area. The bridge unifies the eastern and western park areas,
enabling the west end to support the natural and evolving landscape of the dynamic barrier
beach and hazard lands, and focusing on providing additional amenities in the East Beach
area, outside of the hazard zone. The bridge will be accessible and provide appropriate
height clearance for recreational boating and dredging equipment between the harbour and
Lake Ontario, as determined in future feasibility studies. In the East Beach area, the
Waterfront Trail extends east from the bridge and towards Port Darlington Road.
The meandering boardwalk along the north side of the future access road is designed as
the main pedestrian access to the West Beach from the north and east, with occasional
scenic views to the marsh from seating and lookout areas. As the boardwalk is located
within sensitive and hazard lands, the feasibility of its design will be determined in relation
to all-year public access and safety, environmental impact and engineering, material and
placement considerations. The boardwalk enables educational opportunities for the public
on the biodiversity and functions of the Bowmanville Marsh, an important Provincially
Significant Wetland. An opportunity for a single marsh access point along the boardwalk
should be considered with a seasonal floating dock, offering access to the water with non-
motorized watercraft. A second pedestrian connection is also envisioned along the publicly
accessible areas of the West Beach, looping back to the access road and boardwalk, and
in the long-term planning horizon have a continuous informal path along the beach.
A flexible streetscape along Port Darlington Road, between the commercial village and
East Beach Park, will enable a pedestrian-oriented environment that complements the
scale of the streetscape and weaves the park and vibrant commercial activities. The
flexible streetscape is designed to accommodate pedestrian movement during community
events during peak seasons as a vibrant public space, while lowering traffic speeds and
expanding mobility options.
Lookouts and Open Spaces
A series of lookouts and open spaces are featured, including heritage commons
commemorating the multiple layers of history, traditions and heritage; grassy picnic areas
as overflow parking; open picnic areas at the water’s edge; gathering space with a small
stage; sport courts or flexible active recreational area; picnic pavilions requiring seasonal
facility rental permits, and open area / patios / privately-owned publicly accessible spaces
(POPS) extension to the north of the flexible street.
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The West Beach Area serves as passive recreational space in recognition of the coastal
hazards and protection of the sensitive natural heritage features. No formal gathering or
programmed zones should be encouraged while the existing cottage residential uses
remain as the predominant use of the area.
Within the East Beach Area existing play facilities and new community amenities become
the central focus, creating a recreational waterfront hub appealing to residents and visitors.
Further design of the East Beach area should consider the seasonal day versus peak time
utilization.
Screening planting is features where adjoining private lands to the parkland converge,
featuring a mix of deciduous and coniferous planting species.
Parking
The West Beach Area retains the existing West Beach Road access to the existing
cottages, supporting park operations access and accessible drop off area and parking. The
main and overflow (for seasonal peak demand periods) permeable parking area is
intentionally located at the periphery of the West Beach Area to minimize vehicular traffic
along the southern access road, protecting the dynamic barrier beach landscape and
encouraging pedestrian movement throughout the site.
Parking in the East Beach Area is provided along Port Darlington Road, extending along
the northern edge of the park. The main and overflow (for seasonal peak demand periods)
parking area is intentionally located to the northeast to service the boat launch, local
business village and the East Beach Park – park users can also use this parking to access
the Waterfront Trail Bridge Connection and West Beach Area. The parking locations
encourages pedestrian movement throughout the site.
Note:further study will be required to mitigate impacts of overflow parking in green/open
space areas, specifically related to stormwater runoff and filtration.
Beach Areas
The West Beach Area is a dynamic barrier beach, and its adaptive management provides
an educational / interpretive opportunity around the natural feature functions and sensitive
landscapes. The dynamic beach is expanded and restored through planting and beach
management best-practices to its natural ecological landscape. The heritage commons,
and West Beach Area in general, feature a culturally significant interpretation of the
Indigenous knowledge, use and traditions on this land, harbour and industrial history, and
use as seasonal cottages. Access to the beach is also provided at the west end by the
parking, with a seasonal watercraft rental facility, and mid-block connections from West
Beach Road. West Beach also features beach volley-ball courts.
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The East Beach Area features a waterfront promenade and lookout, and no access to the
lake.
Gateways
Key gateways provide a welcoming entrance and distinct sense of place to users of the
waterfront, while also contributing to improved wayfinding and navigation along the
waterfront lands. Gateways should be visible and allow for a combination of structure,
wayfinding signage, planting, lighting, low walls, interpretive signage and/or allow for space
for potential public art commissions. Both West and East Beach Areas feature gateways
that are an intersection between park entrances and bridge with Waterfront Trail.
Park Facilities
The West Beach Area includes a seasonal building for watercraft rentals.
Building on the existing facilities in the East Beach Park, the area also features picnic
pavilions and a public boat launch, as well as play fields. The concept for the East Beach
Park also includes an gathering space with a natural informal stage platform for smaller
local events and performances.
Public Boat Launch
A new public boat launch is proposed in the northern portion of the East Beach Area, with
enhanced circulation and parking lot and edge docking along the harbor outlet. The
location of the public boat launch will be determined upon further strategic actions by the
Municipality, discussions with CLOCA, community consultation and feasibility studies.
Note: All proposed elements of the Bowmanville Parks Concept, including the bridge,
parking, public boat launch and rental facilities, are visionary and subject to further detailed
technical studies to confirm feasibility, ensure public safety, and evaluate the significant
long-term investment and maintenance required.DRA
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Figure 13: Newcastle Waterfront Concept
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3.3.3 Newcastle Waterfront Experience
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Note, these images are for illustrative purpose only (from left to right).
1. Vancouver Waterfront Master Plan + Park, www.pwlpartnership.com/projects/vancouver-
waterfront-master-plan-park
2. Cincinnati’s Smale Riverfront Park, https://kzf.com/portfolio/smale-riverfront-park/
3. Intergenerational Playscale at Beverly Park, www.legacyparks.org
4 Outdoor Gym Images, www.pikwizard.com
5. Scenic Fall, www.kincardinewelcomes.ca/scenic-fall
6. Food Truck Evening, www.stockcake.com
7. Destination Ontario, www.ontariobybike.ca/family-fun-bike-rides-exploring-toronto/
The Newcastle Waterfront is nestled in between Wilmot and Graham Creeks. Existing
parks include Lakebreeze Park, Bond Head Parkette and newly acquired lands. The vision
for this area is closely aligned with the Wilmot Creek Neighbourhood Secondary Plan
(2024), which guides development in the adjacent community and emphasizes new trail
connections and view preservation that will integrate with the waterfront.
The Newcastle waterfront will be celebrated as a residential marina village hub, with public
realm access and design excellence:
Lakebreeze Park is envisioned as a resilient shoreline park with flexible park space,
outdoor fitness equipment and naturalization settings.
Bond Head Parkette is envisioned as a community space, integrating the cultural
histories of the place with naturalization.
Newly acquired lands are envisioned as a gateway park with public art, plaza with
mobile food services, and a multi-generational play space.
3.3.3.1 Newcastle Waterfront Parks Concept
The Newcastle waterfront promotes amenities and access to the waterfront with routes for
pedestrians, key gathering and lookout spaces, beach access, park amenities and
enhancements to the public launch facilities. The trail network is envisioned as a loop,
utilizing the hydro corridor for an off-road connection to the north and a southern route
along the waterfront, connecting back up to Toronto Street.
The Bond Head Park offers beach, open space and boating facilities, while areas to the
west include natural meadows, parkland, play areas, an arrival plaza, gathering nodes and
lookout points. Trail routes connect throughout the landscape with links northward to a
connection across the harbor. Public support facilities including parking and washrooms
are proposed on both sides of the waterfront lands.
Figure 13 illustrates the vision for the waterfront lands, with descriptions of the key
features below.
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Transformed Lakebreeze Park into a resilient shoreline park with flexible
passive space and naturalization by enhancing natural defenses against
erosion and flooding while protecting and promoting biodiversity throughout
the creek valleys.
Expanded local trail system, utilizing both the hydro corridor and the
southern waterfront route to better connect the community to the natural
environment. This network will also integrate various amenities, including
beach access, a public boat launch, and key gathering and lookout spaces.
Continually explore ways to highlight Indigenous history through the
Waterfront amenities, particularly in the harbour and marina, as well as
community based cultural acknowledgement of the lands surrounding the
shoreline.
Fostered sustainable waterfront economy by activating the newly acquired
lands as a gateway park featuring a plaza with a mobile food service area,
creating small-scale, local economic opportunities and encourage tourism
that complements the natural and recreational assets of the marina village.
Created high-quality and impactful public and private realm reflecting the
character of a residential marina village. All design elements, from the arrival
plaza and park amenities to the trail links, will be guided by transparent and
meaningful community engagement to ensure design excellence.
3.3.3.2 Newcastle Waterfront Parks Concept
Newcastle waterfront surrounding Bond Head Park will build upon its current programming
and site amenities to become an enhanced gathering space along the shoreline. This
section of the waterfront will be oriented to community amenity enhancement and
improvement of the coastal landscape. Improvements should support the continued
operations of the marina, as illustrated in Figure 14.
The Newcastle Waterfront Parks Concept features light-touch improvements and
naturalization to Lakebreeze Park to the west, and a new park with mobile food services,
multi-generational playgrounds, flexible open space and washroom facilities south of the
marina with planting screening and landscape buffer. The Bond Head Park features
improvements to the Waterfront Promenade and path system, lookout areas, shaded
central plaza, building with washrooms facilities and food services, and naturalized
shoreline. Improved access and gateway features along Boulton Street will create a
heighted sense of place along the eastern side of the waterway.
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Figure 14: Newcastle Waterfront Parks Concept
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3.3.3.3 Newcastle Waterfront Specific Recommendations
Bond Head Park Enhancements
The Bond Head Park provides a waterfront park with enhanced naturalized park areas and
access to a small beach. The small beach is protected with shoreline improvements and an
enhanced waterfront promenade with a defined edge of shoreline naturalization.
The western portion of the park will continue to support a public boat launch with enhanced
circulation and parking for car and trailer movement. Shoreline docking along the harbour
outlet supports the launch facilities with several spaces for mooring.
Lakebreeze Park Naturalization
The western portion of Lakbreeze Park, located on sensitive erosion hazard lands, features
a restored landscape (e.g., meadow) and no-mow zones following best management
practices to create habitat for biodiversity, including migratory pollinator pathways. The low
meadow landscape maintains views from the residential lands, as well as from the
Waterfront Trail and lookouts to Lake Ontario. The meadow landscape once established
will be a low maintenance area with occasional management. The long grasses will also
assist the landscape in up taking runoff and reducing edge erosion.
Integrated along the Waterfront Trail is a natural outdoor fitness station that offers a range
of exercise options along the meadow setting, to be applied further west along Lakebreeze
Park.
Parking
On the west end, a drop off loop and roadside parking along Lakebreeze Drive supports
community access to the western Waterfront Trail, new park and its shoreline amenities.
The Bond Head Parkette includes public parking as part of the boat launch, as well as
layby parking along Boulton Street.
Lookouts and Open Spaces
At the south end of the Lakebreeze Drive roundabout, a small plaza area is included to
support programmed activities, gathering area and location for mobile food services, with
nearby new washroom facilities. An overhead trellis is proposed to provide pedestrian
comfort and gateway into the lake. Additionally, pockets of natural seating are included just
south of the multi-generational play area.
At the east end, Bond Head Park features an enhanced waterfront promenade, extending
eastward that terminates in a gathering plaza with a shade trellis structure, seating and
cultural interpretive signage. This lookout along the outlet provides view over to Bond Head
Park and will offer some of the most unobstructed views of the eastern shoreline and Lake
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Ontario. Additionally, the park features a lookout at the base of the eastern pier with
seating and shade offering protected views of Lake Ontario, and a smaller lookout on the
east side of the park.
Gateways
Two key gateways in the western area are located at pedestrian intersections at
Lakebreeze Drive and Shipway Avenue providing links northward into the community and
to the Waterfront Trail to the east. These locations also act as visual portals to the trail and
Lake Ontario.
Along the eastward trail an open space is provided for picnicking and informal recreation.
The trail also includes access to playgrounds, seating nodes, and interpretive information
on the heritage of the Newcastle Waterfront.
Note: All proposed elements of the Newcastle Parks Concept, including the washroom
facilities, enhanced parking, outdoor fitness, and lookouts, are visionary and subject to
further detailed technical studies to confirm feasibility, ensure public safety, and evaluate
the significant long-term investment and maintenance required.
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3.3.4 Agricultural Heritage Experience
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Note, these images are for illustrative purpose only (from left to right).
1. Clarington shoreline, Municipality of Clarington
2. Tourism Association, https://buchung.urlaub-hamburg-altesland.de/de/719038/rad-touren-
altes-land
3. Ocean Beach Esplanade, https://onetreewellness.ca/yoga
4 Cycling Safety, www.escarpmentmagazine.ca/recreation/cycling-safety/
5. Cycling View, urbanMetrics
6.Picnicking, https://conservationhamilton.ca/activities/picnicking/
Most of the waterfront lands east of Newcastle towards Port Granby represent a unique
and sensitive interface between a dynamic natural environment and shoreline, and a
productive agricultural landscape. Characterized by agricultural heritage—vast, active
farming operations that define the local identity and economy—the lands require careful
stewardship towards adaptation and resilience.
As this area falls within the Protected Countryside Greenbelt Planning Area, and due to the
inherent hazards of the eroding shoreline and bluffs, long-term investment into the
waterfront public space amenities is not recommended within the erosion hazard limits.
The strategic intent for the agricultural heritage waterfront lands is to provide low-key open
spaces and rest-stops along the on-road countryside Waterfront Trail network and visual
access to Lake Ontario.
The overall strategy is defined by a commitment to resilience, passive use, and tourism
through existing agricultural practices. Access is defined by maximizing the enjoyment of
open spaces through environmentally sustainable design, while explicitly avoiding new
structural investment that conflicts with the area's sensitive ecology and increasing erosion
of the bluff shoreline, and planning for potential future abandonment of established natural
amenities.
Very natural and low-impact interventions on such public waterfront lands can integrate the
multi-layered cultural heritage, histories and traditions of the region.
Outlined below is a set of Guiding Principles that maximize public benefit through passive
access while respecting the physical constraints and cultural values of the land.DRA
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A long-term adaptation approach to help recognize the need for a public
safety buffer along the erosive bluff shoreline, suggesting flexible
decommissioning of paths rather than hard infrastructural protection.
Education and partnership with local landowners on agricultural best practices
and working with Conservation Authorities to identify and close gaps in the
regional wildlife habitat corridor.
Strategic, safe, and publicly accessible rest stops along the Waterfront Trail
and lookouts that are set back well beyond the hazard line of the sensitive
bluffs. No water access.
Rooted in the experience of the waterfront lands are the layered Indigenous
voices, knowledge and traditions to be shared through reconciliation, as well
as the countryside interface area’s blended and preserved local tradition and
food production communities.
Celebrated as an agricultural heritage hub. Agri-tourism (i.e. cidery, spirits,
apple-picking routes, permitted open spaces with views, etc.) opportunities
and tourism. Passive use of space, no new structural investment.
Environmentally sustainable products to support shorter life-cycles of features
proposed to support the passive use of these public lands.
Pedestrian Circulation and Cycling
Lakeshore Road is as a multimodal road active transportation and maximizing the user
experience within its physical parameters. It serves as a vital on-road section of the Great
Lakes Waterfront Trail cycle route, accommodating cyclists, as well as potential walking
and jogging pedestrians, while supporting essential access for interspersed properties.
Future active transportation networks along the rural roads feature separated lane road
profile and/or visibly marked shared roads to prioritize user safety.
Open Spaces and Lookouts
To support the cycling routes and passive enjoyment of the agricultural landscape and
viewsheds to Lake Ontario, the public lands feature nature-based seating (e.g.
armourstone, wood and grass) and enhanced open spaces that are set-back from bluffs,
the plan will provide intentional, informal view nodes of Lake Ontario. These stops are
designed for cyclists and pedestrians to pause and gather briefly, maximizing public benefit
while strategically avoiding costly, high-impact infrastructure in the sensitive, eroding area.
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Parking
Despite the prominent cycle route and significant vistas, public parking is intentionally
avoided along Lakeshore Road due to the dominant agricultural land use provides minimal
demand, and the rapidly eroding bluffs prevent the safe development of other features that
would deem parking necessary.
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3.3.5 Port Granby Nature Reserve Experience
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Note, these images are for illustrative purpose only (from left to right).
1. Ontario Hiking, https://ontariohiking.com/island-lake-conservation-area/
2. Tourism Association, https://buchung.urlaub-hamburg-altesland.de/de/719038/rad-touren-
altes-land
3. Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail, https://ontariohiking.com/island-lake-conservation-area/
https://bestrussm.click/product_details/38439887.html
4 and 5. Picnicking, https://conservationhamilton.ca/activities/picnicking/
5. Forest School by Pinar.Alt.Un https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj3X_o 1Lbbh/
Figure 15 Port Granby Lands
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The Port Granby Nature Reserve is a vast expanse of federal lands established because of
a collaboration between the Municipalities of Clarington and Port Hope, the GRCA and the
Port Granby community. It is a proposal to the Government of Canada to transfer
ownership of federally owned lands surplus to the Port Granby Project to local agencies for
ecological restoration and preservation. These surplus lands represent the Port Granby
Nature Reserve and are located in the southeast corner of Clarington at the boundary with
Port Hope.
The surplus federal reserve lands have an established concept plan previously endorsed
by Council. The lands represent a unique opportunity for environmental restoration,
education and public access. This remains a significant, long-term project that will be a
significant public asset once larger conversations regarding final ownership and
management are complete and the lands are made accessible.
The description of each feature and how it falls within the Guiding Principles is outlined
below.
Large nature reserve along Clarington’s waterfront. Natural oasis and public
education site that highlights sensitive environmental characteristics of the
site, including enhanced wetlands, forests, meadows, agricultural pastures
and trails.
Publicly accessible as a destination, and a rest stops along the Waterfront
Trail with lookouts that are set back well beyond the hazard line. No lake
water access.
Rooted in the experience of the waterfront lands are the layered Indigenous
voices, knowledge and traditions to be shared through reconciliation, as well
as location’s legacy of past practices and clean-up initiatives.
A trail and other physical structures will promote passive recreation and
encourage eco-tourism.
Trail design outside of hazard and erosion areas but still providing view of
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Trails
The Port Granby Nature Reserve will connect to the Waterfront Trail along Lakeshore
Road. Additionally, the nature reserve will feature primary accessible trails and a
secondary more advance trail network through the various proposed landscape ecologies.
Open Spaces and Lookouts
Open spaces will feature interpretive signage and designated day-time picnic shelter areas
for daily enjoyment and organized educational groups/sessions. Topographical mounds will
feature elevated lookout points to Lake Ontario, and the surrounding context.
Access, Gateway and Parking
Access to the Port Granby Nature Reserve, from Lakeshore Road, will feature a gateway
and parking lot to safely welcome visitors. The size and location of the parking lot will be
determined based on forecasted visitor demand. The design of the parking lot should
feature Low Impact Development features, with planting enhancements to minimize urban
heat island effect and loss of natural cover.
The gateway should accommodate a rest -stop for cyclists on Lakeshore Road and be
designed as an important marker of arrival to the nature reserve.
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Figure 16: Illustrative Concept for Port Granby Nature Reserve, 2010
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3.3.6 Waterfront Park Cost Estimates
Cost estimates were prepared for Bowmanville and Newcastle waterfront parks using a
comparative value for waterfront parks. Park improvements and enhancements in existing
parks (i.e., Bond Head Park, Lakebreeze Park, etc.) are itemized in the tables below, and
new parks feature both itemized features and allowances for park areas that maintain a
high-level of conceptual design - new park construction was prepared with a per acre cost.
Both costing approaches are based on 2025 construction and supplier costs, and cost
estimates for comparable waterfront park improvements in other Ontario municipalities.
A detailed cost estimate will be determined upon further site investigation, such as
servicing, geotechnical, natural environment assessments, waterway bathymetry and
fluvial geomorphology and topographic surveys.
Cost estimate exclusions and assumptions are presented below.
3.3.6.1 Cost Estimate Exclusions and Assumptions
The itemized cost estimate for Bowmanville and Newcastle excludes the following items:
1.Soft costs (i.e., consulting services from landscape architecture, engineering,
etc. professions);
2.Site assessments (i.e., survey, geotechnical, site security, vegetation inventory,
etc.);
3.Site servicing to proposed facilities (i.e., water, sewer, electrical, etc.);
4.Permitting/approval costs (i.e., CLOCA, GRCA, Fisheries and Oceans Canada,
Species at Risk Act, permit to work, etc.)
5.Stakeholder, community and Indigenous engagement;
6.Disposal of soils/contaminated soils and associated reporting; and,
7.Contract administration and site observation of construction works;DRA
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Bowmanville Waterfront Parks Concept – Park Specific Assumptions
1.Gateway features are assumed to be two (2) masonry clad concrete masonry
unit columns, footings and excavations.
2.Lookout features are assumed to be a maximum of 60 squared metres, made of
lumber with guard rails, post and footings and associated excavations.
3.Boardwalks are assumed to be a raised lumber deck, without guard rails.
Includes post and footings and associated excavations.
4.Washroom facilities are assumed to be one (1) floor when determining square
footage. Includes interior mechanical work, foundation walls, but does not
include site utilities (assuming water/sewer/electrical will be tied into an existing
on-site source)
5.Heritage Commons unit rate per acre is based on the average per acre cost of
multiple destination park developments.
6.Beach volleyball cost is based on the average cost of multiple volleyball court
installations, includes sand, edging, base material, nets and posts, concrete and
excavation.
7.Waterfront Trail bridge is based on previous pedestrian bridge costs, plus a
factor of 3x to account for the extended approach slab and raised height to allow
passage of motorized water vehicles. Includes trail tie-in, approach slabs,
railings, bridge abutments, retaining elements, bridge superstructure,
excavations and de-watering.
8.Natural restoration assumes the upper end cost of wild seed mix, topsoil and fine
grading only.
9.Plaza/patio cost assumes a large, custom semi-circular shade structure, footings
and patterned concrete and excavations.
10.Sports courts assume an average per meter unit rate of $168, based on the
average cost of other, similar court installations. Assumes topsoil and fine
grading, turf, line painting and associated equipment (i.e., nets, etc.)
11.Boat launch costs assume a concrete ramp and prefabricated, floating dock,
excavations, shoring piles, trail tie-in and rough grading. Does not include any
retaining wall/shore break elements.DRA
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Newcastle Waterfront Parks Concept
1.Outdoor fitness assumes multiple fitness stations, no moving parts. This includes
the equipment, surfacing, subsurface drainage within the fitness area footprint,
curbs and associated excavations.
2.Plaza/gathering space in Bond Head Park assumes the cost of paving and
associated excavations only. All other features (i.e., washroom, lookout) are
accounted for in other line items.
3.3.6.2 Courtice Waterfront Park Cost Estimate
Cost estimate will be included in the final Strategy.
3.3.6.3 Bowmanville Parks Concepts Cost Estimate
A rough order of magnitude cost estimate for Bowmanville Waterfront Parks is $19.5
million, representing the approximate construction costs to implement the vision as
illustrated in Figure 12. It factors featured areas within West Beach, East Beach, new boat
launch and parking, and new local business village – this totals a park improvement area of
approximately 17.4 acres.
3.3.6.4 Newcastle Park Concept Cost Estimate
A rough order of magnitude cost estimate for Newcastle Waterfront Parks is $6.5 million,
representing the approximate construction costs to implement the vision, as illustrated in
Figure 14. It factors in the proposed areas within Lakebreeze Park, new parkland and
Bond Head Parkette – this totals a park improvement area of approximately 7.84 acres.DRA
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Table 3 Courtice Waterfront Park Cost Estimate
Description Qty.Unit Unit Amount Combined Total
Cost estimate will be included in the final Strategy.
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Table 4 Bowmanville Waterfront Parks Cost Estimate
Description Qty.Unit Unit Amount Combined Total
West Beach Area
Gateways 2 each $25,000.00 $50,000.00
$10,477,604.00
Lookout 1 each $40,000.00 $40,000.00
Trail (3 m wide)213 linear metre $500.00 $106,500.00
Boardwalk (5 m wide)2154 m2 $2,500.00 $5,385,000.00
Dock 1 lump sum $30,000.00 $30,000.00
Washrooms/ Rental Facility 1 lump sum $475,000.00 $475,000.00
Gravel Parking 882 metre squared $75.00 $66,150.00
Open Parking 882 metre squared $65.00 $57,330.00
Heritage Commons (allowance)2 acre $928,186 $2,285,193.93
Beach volleyball 2 each.$300,000.00 $600,000.00
Restoration 21874 metre squared $20.00 $437,480.00
Tree plantings / Screening 1114 metre squared $175.00 $194,950.00
Waterfront Trail Bridge 1 Lump sum $750,000.00 $750,000.00
East Beach Area
Gateway 2 each $25,000.00 $50,000.00
$5,809,190.00
Lookout 2 each $40,000.00 $80,000.00
Trail (3 m wide)950 linear metre $500.00 $475,000.00
Boardwalk (5 m wide)1395 metre squared $800.00 $3,487,500.00
Boat Launch 1 lump sum $250,000.00 $250,000.00
Gravel Parking 2398 metre squared $75.00 $179,850.00
Open Parking 2176 metre squared $65.00 $141,440.00
Sports Courts 2 each.$185,000.00 $370,000.00
Plaza / Patios 1 Lump sum $210,000.00 $210,000.00
Tree plantings / Screening 2088 metre squared $175.00 $365,400.00
Natural Restoration 10000 metre squared $20.00 $200,000.00
Sub-Total $16,286,794.00
Contingency (20%)$3,257,359.00
Total $19,544,153.00DRA
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Table 5 Newcastle Waterfront Parks Cost Estimate
Description Qty.Unit Unit Amount Combined Total
Lakebreeze Park
$466,250.00
Gateway features 1 each $ 25,000.00 $ 25,000.00
Lookout seating 6 each $ 2,500.00 $ 15,000.00
Lookouts 3 each $ 40,000.00 $ 120,000.00
Outdoor fitness station 1 lump sum $ 85,000.00 $ 85,000.00
Tree planting 15 each $ 750.00 $ 11,250.00
Natural Restoration 10500 squared metre $ 20.00 $ 210,000.00
New Park
Open Space restoration (allowance)2.524 ac. $ 928,186 $ 2,342,742.00 $2,417,742.00Gateway features 3 each $ 25,000.00 $ 75,000.00
Bond Head Park
Gateway features 1 each $ 25,000.00 $ 25,000.00
$2,561,475.00
Boardwalk 455 squared metre $ ,500.00 $ 1,137,500.00
Lookouts 2 each $ 40,000.00 $ 80,000.00
Parking 1220 squared metre $ 75.00 $ 91,500.00
Washrooms/food services 1 lump sum $ 850,000.00 $ 850,000.00
Plaza/gathering space 1 lump sum $ 60,000.00 $ 60,000.00
Natural Restoration 2705 squared metre $ 20.00 $ 54,100.00
Tree planting/landscaping 1505 squared metre $ 175.00 $ 263,375.00
Sub-Total 5,445,467.00
Contingency (20%)$1,089,093.00
Total $6,534,560.00DRA
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4.0 ImplementationDRA
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Over the next 30 years, Clarington’s waterfront will thrive as One Connected Waterfront,
Five Distinct Experiences (see Section 3.0) – a publicly-accessible and ecologically
nurturing waterfront that leads to quality-of-life improvements, scalable economic growth,
tourism, and assessment values while generating social, inclusionary, health,
environmental and community benefits.
Table 6 Clarington Waterfront Strategy Implementation Phases
Phase 1: Foundational
Recommendations
(Present to 2030)
Focused on actions that
set the groundwork for
the Strategy and
completing ‘quick win’
projects on Municipal
lands.
Phase 2: Keystone
Initiatives
(2030 to 2040)
Focused on completing
high-impact public
projects within the five
distinct waterfront
experiences in
Clarington.
Phase 3: Waterfront
Legacy
(Beyond 2040)
Focused on completing
transformational projects
that unify and achieve
the full Vision for
Clarington’s waterfront.DRA
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The implementation of the Strategy is structured around an incremental three-phase
process, each with a specific focus and priority level, as described in Table 6, and
associated actions in Section 4.1. The actions are aligned with the Vision and Guiding
Principles of this Strategy (see Section 3.0) and provide the road map to the Municipal
staff, Council, community and its partners. They are organized into the following five
categories to facilitate easier navigation and tracking of the implementation:
1.Capital Projects, Infrastructure and Funding
2.Policy, Zoning, and Regulatory Requirements
3.Studies, Master Planning, and Design
4.Internal Processes and Programs
5.Partnerships
The following section provides the implementation plan for the Strategy
within three (3) phases and organized into the five categories discussed
above. Phase 1 implementation is presented in Section 4.1.1. Phase 2
implementation is presented in Section 4.1.2. Phase 3 implementation is
presented in Section 4.1.3.DRA
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4.1 Implementation Plan
The following section outlines general recommendations and 31 actions within a three-
phased timeline to implement the Strategy.
Adopt ecological and adaptation (i.e., avoid, accommodate, retreat and protect)
approaches to longer-range waterfront planning and land management
Create educational materials for school boards, researchers and visitors to
continuously promote and advance evolving trail system, health, ecological and
environmental impacts to the community.
Continuously engage with the community and stakeholders to help prioritize
implementation of the park, and to advance detail design for the Courtice,
Bowmanville and Newcastle park concepts;
Ensure that Indigenous interests are provided an opportunity to engage with the
Municipality on all work involving the waterfront lands. Safeguard processes towards
the Municipality’s reconciliation goals and actions with Indigenous communities
through the implementation of the Strategy.
Determine priorities for the implementation of the Strategy for all future
Municipality’s Strategic Plans, supported by multi-year budget process;
Update cost estimate and associate capital budget planning for park enhancements
and new park projects as they get defined through future feasibility studies,
servicing needs, master planning and detailed design;
Promote the Waterfront Trail and actively enhance and expand the trail system in
partnership and alignment with the Waterfront Regeneration Trust plans.
Secure a long-term funding source for ongoing waterfront maintenance and
programming.
Update Asset Management Plan (AMP) to include new waterfront assets and
evaluate the condition of existing assets. Also, update core and non-core asset
conditions and priorities on the waterfront lands, aligning implementation of key
projects with the replacement/ repairs needs;
Complete background studies (i.e., survey existing site conditions, soils stability,
contamination, servicing,etc.) for actions in each phase of implementation;
Adapt and reprioritize uncompleted actions at the start of each implementation
phase in response to changing erosion, flood and other unforeseen climate impacts,
and update funding strategy in accordance with next phases of the Strategy; and,
Review the Strategy after every 10 years of implementation to confirm alignment
with the planning and policy frameworks and regulations at the time, and successes
to date.
Note, numbered actions do not imply importance of one action over the other.
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4.1.1 Phase 1: Foundational Recommendations (Present to 2030)
Table 7: Phase 1 Implementation Categories and Actions
Recommended Action
Capital Projects, Infrastructure and Funding
1.Plan (i.e., capital planning, funding, partnerships, etc.) and complete ‘quick-win’
projects listed below to kick-off the implementation of the Strategy:
a. Establish ‘no-mow’ zones and naturalization of linear waterfront edge
parks (e.g., Lakebreeze Park and Lakebreeze Waterfront Park), with
shaded tree lookouts, seating and natural outdoor fitness equipment.
b. Extend Waterfront Trail south to Courtice Shore Drive and p
parking lot and trail access connecting to Courtice Shores Trail.
c. Provide waterfront lookout areas on existing countryside public lands with
appropriate setbacks, restoration planting, natural materials and low-
maintenance features.
d. Expand waterfront-specific wayfinding at key entry points and decision-
making locations, ensuring consistency with the overall municipal
wayfinding system, in alignment with the Wayfinding System Strategy.
e. Engage in naturalization and habitat restoration projects in partnership
with CLOCA and GRCA for the non-occupied cottage parcels in West
Beach and formalizing natural paths and signage to the dynamic beach.
f. Implement priority action(s) from the new ATMP, enhancing the east-west
and north-south connectivity and access to the waterfront.
2.Prepare a multi-year capital plan and various funding sources for the Courtice,
Bowmanville and Newcastle park concepts to guide large investments at each
location.
3.Develop a funding strategy, and secure funding opportunities to advance
Courtice, Bowmanville and Newcastle waterfront park priorities to detailed design
development and construction:
a. Provincial and Federal government funding, and in partnership with local
conservation authorities;
b. Joint venture partnerships with local private sector partners for the
financing, design and construction of commercial space in Bowmanville;
c. Corporate and personal sponsorship for supporting new investment and
promotion of tourism/economic development on Clarington’s waterfront
lands (e.g., recreational facilities, signage, etc.); and,
d. Recognize that fundraising and stewardship programs are continually
changing.
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Recommended Action
Policy, Zoning, and Regulatory Requirements
4.Implement the Strategy into the COP.
5.Consider zoning classifications and specific regulations for the public waterfront
lands during the comprehensive review of the Municipality’s zoning by-law.
6.Undertake feasibility studies for a washroom facility, parking, north waterfront
promenade and boat dock, new boat launch location and pedestrian bridge for
the implementation of the Bowmanville Waterfront Parks Concept.
7.Build sustainability and climate resiliency into development of all waterfront lands
to support the ecological and adaptation planning approaches. Secondary plans
for waterfront lands have established sustainability guidance.
Studies, Master Planning, and Design
8.Formally coordinate the Vision and implementation actions (i.e., studies, capital
projects, etc.) stemming from this Strategy with the concurrent implementation,
capital priorities and recommendations of other plans and master plans (e.g.,
PRC Master Plan, Active Transportation Master Plan, Transportation Master
Plan, Transit Master Plan, etc.).
9.Create (or update existing) timeline for the implementation of the Port Granby
Nature Reserve project, in alignment with the Strategy.
10.Update the Municipality’s 2018 Urban Forest Strategy to establish baseline and
target canopy cover for the urban interface and countryside interface waterfront
lands as they require different approaches (e.g., street tree planting and closing
wildlife corridor gaps). This will allow the Municipality, in partnership with others,
to apply for tree planting funding.
11.In partnership with CLOCA and GRCA, use best management practices and
update standards with new adaptation-based approaches (i.e., abandoning a
trail, etc.) and preparedness for climate resilience (i.e., natural buffers), including
rest area intervals, emergency preparedness, lighting, waste management and
shoreline safety. These will guide the detailed design and construction of all the
future improvements in the waterfront, as well as operations and maintenance.
12.Conduct operational feasibility studies for establishing small-scale, seasonal
commercial opportunities (e.g., watercraft rental building) as part of the strategy
for all five (5) distinct waterfront experiences.DRA
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Recommended Action
Internal Processes and Programs
13.Establish a dedicated, multi-departmental Waterfront Implementation Team to
champion, coordinate, and report on the implementation of the Strategy. This
team will be the central point of accountability.
14.Land acquisition as outlined within the Waterfront Strategy will be supported by
the updated COP’s objectives to improve and create new open spaces through
parkland dedication. This would highlight protection of Lake Ontario shoreline,
creating a continuous trail system and public realm improvements (i.e., lookouts,
parks, public amenities, natural areas).
15.Prepare a monitoring plan for the Strategy to allow the Waterfront
Implementation Team to periodically measure and track the success of the
overall implementation, in concert with the local CLOCA and GRCA watershed
monitoring and protection efforts and standardized watershed report cards.
Partnerships
16.Establish connections for new off-road Waterfront Trail routes in utility corridors,
in collaboration with Hydro One, and other private easements to improve overall
connectivity. Provide acknowledgement of advancement of trail networks through
shared infrastructure and agency partnerships.
17.Continue to collaborate with adjacent municipalities on enhanced trail system
connections. Provide signage and wayfinding to raise awareness of extent of trail
system.
18.Build new (or strengthen existing) partnerships with key partners to help
implement the Strategy, including community groups, key stakeholders, Region
of Durham, conservation authorities for joint habitat restoration and shoreline
management projects, and Indigenous communities towards co-stewardship
and place-keeping along the waterfront lands.DRA
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4.1.2 Phase 2: Keystone Initiatives (2030 to 2040)
Table 8 Phase 2 Implementation Categories and Actions
Recommended Action
Capital Projects, Infrastructure and Funding
1.Begin phased construction of the Bowmanville Waterfront improvements,
focusing on the West Beach enhancements, trail connections, and initial park
amenities.
2.Begin phased construction of the Newcastle Waterfront improvements, focusing
on the new park along Lakebreeze Drive and Bond Head Park enhancements.
3.Establish and complete phased construction the Courtice Waterfront Park in line
with the approved Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan and detailed design.
Policy, Zoning, and Regulatory Requirements
4.Initiate a Cultural Heritage Landscape study of the waterfront lands to identify,
protect, and celebrate significant tangible and intangible elements, building on
the COP direction.
Studies, Master Planning, and Design
5.Prepare and implement a waterfront branding and tourism strategy that:
a. builds upon existing municipal strategies by creating a unified brand
identity for the ‘One Connected Waterfront, Five Distinct Experiences' that
aligns with the broader municipal brand;
b. promotes the waterfront as a tourism destination, with a focus on the
unique experiences of the five distinct destination areas in the
Municipality’s tourism materials; and,
c. Includes programming for waterfront events and festivals to help establish
vibrancy and locally scaled attractions to the waterfront lands.
6.Evaluate the market, economic and community needs for boating, docks and
marine facilities with environmental regulations, and their ownership and
operation models.
7.Advance next steps in the implementation of the Port Granby Nature Reserve
project, in alignment with the Strategy, including partnerships and funding
opportunities.DRA
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Recommended Action
Partnerships
8.Partner with local Indigenous communities to co-develop and install interpretive
signage and public art that shares their history and stories related to the
waterfront.
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4.1.3 Phase 3: Waterfront Legacy (Beyond 2040)
Table 9 Phase 3 Implementation Categories and Actions
Recommended Action
Capital Projects, Infrastructure and Funding
1.Complete the construction of the Waterfront Trail Bridge in Bowmanville, which
requires significant studies and funding.
2.Construct any remaining phases or elements of the five (5) distinct waterfront
experiences.
3.In partnership with federal agencies, facilitate the public opening of the Port
Granby Nature Reserve with its trail network and interpretive program.
Policy, Zoning, and Regulatory Requirements
4.Update the Strategy to align with the future COP policies, regulatory frameworks,
economic drivers, waterfront study area conditions, funding opportunities, and
science on climate change and shoreline resilience.
Partnerships
5.Establish a permanent Waterfront Trust or foundation to oversee long-term
stewardship, programming, and fundraising for waterfront enhancement projects.
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Appendix A
B Community Engagement Summaries
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THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
Clarington Waterfront Round 1
Engagement Summary
Updated April 2025 – 22-4327
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Table of Contents i
The Municipality of Clarington
Clarington Waterfront Round 1 Engagement Summary
Updated April 2025 – 22-4327
Table of Contents
Execuve Summary
1.0 Introducon 1
2.0 Engagement Acvies 2
2.1 Engagement Acvies ......................................................................................................2
3.0 What We Heard 4
3.1 Council Interviews ............................................................................................................5
3.2 Visioning Workshops ........................................................................................................5
3.3 Online Survey ...................................................................................................................8
3.4 Community Pop-ups .........................................................................................................9
3.5 Stakeholder Meengs .....................................................................................................10
3.6 Targeted Youth Engagement ..........................................................................................10
3.7 Parks, Recreaon and Culture Plan (2024) ......................................................................10
4.0 Next Steps 11
Tables
Table 2-0 Engagement Activities ........................................................................................................ 2
Table 3-0 Engagement Summary ....................................................................................................... 4
Table 3-1 Mural Board Summary ....................................................................................................... 6
Table 3-2 Mentimeter Summary ........................................................................................................ 7
Table 3-3 Online Survey Summary ..................................................................................................... 8DRA
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Executive Summary ii
The Municipality of Clarington
Clarington Waterfront Round 1 Engagement Summary
Updated April 2025 – 22-4327
Execuve Summary
The Municipality of Clarington (the Municipality) is developing the Clarington Waterfront Strategy (the
strategy) with a renewed vision for the 34-kilometre stretch along Lake Ontario. Dillon Consulting
Limited (Dillon) and urbanMetrics Inc. have been retained by the Municipality, to assist in the
preparation of the strategy. This new strategy builds on past successes and aligns with key plans such as
the Clarington Strategic Plan, Official Plan, the 2020 Lake Ontario Shoreline Management Plan, Parks,
Recreation and Culture Master Plan (2024), and active transportation initiatives.
The approach is guided by fundamental principles rooted in Clarington’s 1992 Waterfront Strategy and
the Crombie Commission. The focus is on providing diverse and usable spaces that are safe and inclusive
for people of all ages and abilities while ensuring efficient use of resources. Building on Clarington’s
cultural and natural heritage assets and previous planning initiatives, the Municipality aims to
understand the needs and desires of the community and stakeholders for the waterfront.
Clarington’s expansive shoreline, with its diverse and evolving land uses, can support a range of
experiences and flourish as a regional destination along the waterfront. To enable the alignment of
social, environmental, cultural, and economic values, extensive engagement has been carried out with
residents, stakeholders, visitors, businesses, and other interested parties.
During the first round of engagement in 2022, a variety of in-person and online activities were
conducted to share information and gather input. Engagement activities included two stakeholder
visioning workshops, a youth engagement activity, interviews with the Mayor and Council, additional
stakeholder meetings, and Indigenous outreach. To gather feedback from the broader public, online
methods of engagement were utilized, including creating a project website, social media posts, and an
intercept survey. Community pop-ups at key locations were held along the waterfront to build project
awareness, engage directly with participants, and advertise the online survey.
Through the engagement activities and events with the public and stakeholders, several key themes
emerged. These themes were deduced from the valuable insights gathered during the interactions and
reflect the primary concerns, interests, and ideas shared by participants and include:
Increasing accessibility and connecvity across and to the waterfront.
Safety for trail users and traffic calming measures.
Commercial development including restaurants and retail.
Creang a desnaon on the waterfront to aract visitors and residents.
Waterfront infrastructure and amenies to support recreaon such as bike parking, equipment
rentals, and washrooms.
Trail improvements such as year-round maintenance and wayfinding.
Opportunies for paid parking for visitors and potenally residents.
Waterfront recreaon opportunies including passive and acve recreaon.
Preserving green spaces, protecng natural heritage and wildlife habitats.
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Executive Summary iii
The Municipality of Clarington
Clarington Waterfront Round 1 Engagement Summary
Updated April 2025 – 22-4327
The project was paused in November 2022 and has since been reinitiated in early 2025. The updated
schedule for the project reinitiation will be presented to Council on May 12thth, 2025, including key
strategy elements such as the draft vision, proposed “big moves”, and community input to date.
Additionally, public consultation on the strategy will resume in spring/summer 2025, focusing on
gathering feedback on the vision and “big moves”.
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1.0 Introduction 1
The Municipality of Clarington
Clarington Waterfront Round 1 Engagement Summary
Updated April 2025 – 22-4327
1.0 Introducon
The Municipality of Clarington (the Municipality) is currently undertaking the development of the
Clarington Waterfront Strategy (the strategy). The strategy is the first comprehensive update since 1992
and builds on Clarington’s successes while aligning with other relevant plans including the Clarington
Strategic Plan, Official Plan, the 2020 Lake Ontario Shoreline Management Plan, Parks, Recreation and
Culture Master Plan (2024), and active transportation initiatives.
To accomplish the Municipality’s desired objectives and outcomes, there are fundamental principles and
best practices that guide the approach, these principles are shaped by Clarington’s original 1992
Waterfront Strategy and the Crombie Commission:
Clean: Posively contribute to a healthy environment.
Green: Protect and enhance natural, cultural and built heritage features.
Connected: Create a network of linkages for people to enjoy the waterfront.
Open: Frame waterfront views and vistas.
Accessible: Priorize safe and publicly accessible design for people of all ages and abilies.
Usable: Ensure supporve and compable public and private uses.
Diverse: Ensure an offering varied opportunies for residents and visitors are available.
Affordable: Make efficient use of public and private sector resources for all.
Aracve : Strive for excellence in design.
The Municipality is looking to build upon its cultural and natural heritage assets, planning successes and
relationships with the community and key stakeholders, while recognizing the existing and future needs
of a growing and aging community, Indigenous peoples, and visitors to Clarington.
Clarington’s long shoreline with adjacent mixed and evolving land uses needs to support diverse
experiences and thrive as regional destinations along the waterfront - the social, environmental, cultural
and economic values need to align. To confirm the alignment of these values, extensive engagement in
Round 1 has been conducted with area residents, stakeholders, businesses, and interested parties.
This first round of engagement was conducted in June to October 2022 before the pause to the project;
as of January 2025, the project has been reinitiated. Since 2022, several other projects have gathered
input related to the waterfront, including the Active Transportation Master Plan (in progress), 2024-
2027 Strategic Plan, and the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Plan (2024). The feedback received through
these initiatives will be considered for the development of the waterfront strategy.
The following summary looks at what has been completed so far in Round 1 of engagement and the key
themes of feedback.DRA
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2.0 Engagement Activities 2
The Municipality of Clarington
Clarington Waterfront Round 1 Engagement Summary
Updated April 2025 – 22-4327
2.0 Engagement Acvies
A series of activities to support public and stakeholder engagement were held throughout Round 1. The
activities were designed to provide multiple opportunities to gather feedback on various aspects of the
project. The following section provides a table with a synopsis of the approaches used to gather input in
round 1 of engagement. The input received from the activities below is summarized in Section 3.0 What
We Heard.
2.1 Engagement Acvies
Table 2-0:Engagement Acvies
Engagement Activity Summary
Project Introduction and
Website Update
June 2022
The project was formally launched to build awareness and notify interested parties.
This included a website update with project information and how to get involved.
Stakeholders were also informed of the project, and how to sign up for updates.
Communications
June – October 2022
In addition to the website, additional communications included:
Social Media: Posts on social media directed people to the website, online
survey, and promoted the community pop-ups.
Coroplast Signs: Signs were posted along the waterfront and included a QR code
to direct users to the online survey.
Informaon Sheet: A handout with a summary of the strategy purpose and
engagement opportunies was available.
Postcard: A handout created to raise awareness and direct to project website.
Indigenous Communities
Outreach and Engagement
August -October 2022
Outreach to Indigenous communities was to introduce the project and the vision,
build relationships, and to understand how communities wanted to be engaged.
Council Interviews #1
July - August 2022
The 2022 Council and Mayor were interviewed to introduce the project, and seek
input on the vision, strategy, and engagement activities.
Visioning Workshops with
Steering Committee,
Agencies, Community
Stakeholders (virtual)
October 6th, 2022
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
seek input on vision, priorities, opportunities and constraints. Workshop attendees
included:
Municipality of Clarington (Infrastructure Engineering – Capital Works, Public
Works – Parks and Cemeteries, Tourism, Planning – Policy and Secondary Plans,
Municipal By-Law Enforcement)
Waterfront Regeneraon Trust
Ontario Power Generaon
Region of Durham – Planning and Works
Ministry of the Environment, Conservaon and Parks - Ontario Parks
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2.0 Engagement Activities 3
The Municipality of Clarington
Clarington Waterfront Round 1 Engagement Summary
Updated April 2025 – 22-4327
Engagement Activity Summary
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
St Mary’s Cement
Clarington Board of Trade
Region of Durham – Economic Development
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
Ganaraska Region Conservaon Authority
Intercept Online Survey
August 22 – October 3, 2022
An online survey was conducted to understand the community’s collective vision,
priorities, and the opportunities along the waterfront. Questions sought to gain
insight into the public’s current use of the waterfront, preferences for the future of
the waterfront, and top priorities for the updated Clarington Waterfront Strategy. In
total, 419 people answered the survey and the open-ended questions each received
between 105 and 134 responses.
Five Community Pop-Ups
August – September, 2022
The following community pop-ups were held to introduce the project, raise
awareness, and advertise the online survey, answer questions, and seek input on
the strategy.
Port Darlington East Beach – August 24, 2022
Cource Shores Rd (Trailhead) – August 27, 2022
Bond Head Parkee – August 27, 2022
Chronicle Brewery – September 17, 2022
Newcastle Harvest Fesval – October 1, 2022
Stakeholder Meetings
July – September, 2022
The following stakeholder meetings were held to inform participants and gather
input:
Parks Ontario / Ministry of Environment, Conservaon and Parks (re: Darlington
Provincial Park) – June 27, 2022
Ontario Power Generaon – July 12, 2022
Waterfront Regeneraon Trust – July 12, 2022
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (re: Wilmot Creek Crown Lands) –
July 14, 2022
Clarington Acve Transportaon and Safe Roads Advisory Commiee –
September 7, 2022
Accessibility Advisory Commiee – September 7, 2022
Samuel Wilmot Natura Area Management Advisory Commiee – August 9, 2022
Diversity Advisory Commiee – September 22, 2022
Targeted Youth Engagement
Activity #1
August 1, 2022
A targeted youth engagement activity was held through the Clarington Summer
Camps to introduce the project and seek input from youth. An activity ‘Drawing the
Waterfront’ aimed to understand what participants would like to see developed at a
future waterfront destination.DRA
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3.0 What We Heard 4
The Municipality of Clarington
Clarington Waterfront Round 1 Engagement Summary
Updated April 2025 – 22-4327
3.0 What We Heard
The following sections provide a summary of what we heard through each of the various engagement
activities in Round 1. The table below provides a high-level summary of the key takeaways and themes
from the input received from all the variety of engagement activities:
Table 3-0:Engagement Summary
Key Themes Takeaways
Increasing Accessibility and
Connectivity
The importance of an accessible, public-oriented waterfront. Accessibility
was identified as a challenge on the waterfront and ideas included a
wheelchair accessible beach access point and trail system. There was desire
for safe active transportation and transit options to access the waterfront.
Safety Safety was a major concern across the waterfront, with a particular focus
on improving pedestrian access through better sidewalks and off-road
options. Additionally, traffic calming measures are needed to address
speeding in high-traffic areas and shared road locations.
Commercial Development There was support for commercial businesses along the waterfront,
especially in Bowmanville. Seasonal ventures like food trucks, paddleboard
rentals, small retail shops, a cidery, and restaurants are seen as acceptable,
with a particular desire for more food and beverage options, such as hot
dog and ice cream stands.
Destination Nodes & Placemaking The primary focus for the next five years should be on Bowmanville, with
efforts directed towards positioning it as a key tourism destination. As
parks become more crowded, there is also a demand for additional
waterfront destinations, and Clarington could look to other municipalities
for inspiration in developing a "destination" waterfront.
Waterfront Infrastructure Support for a boat launch if it is economically viable and, in the meantime,
space for boat launches for non-motorized vessels. Other infrastructure to
support the waterfront included access to washrooms, bike parking, rental
equipment options, and other basic amenities.
Trail Improvements There should be more all-season trails, where the community supports
them. The location of the waterfront trail during the OPG New Build was a
key topic, with an emphasis on improving accessibility and signage. Safety
for trail users, especially on shared road sections, is a major concern across
the waterfront.
Parking There is support for charging non-locals for parking, with some desire for
charging locals as well. Parking was noted as a challenge for the waterfront.DRA
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3.0 What We Heard 5
The Municipality of Clarington
Clarington Waterfront Round 1 Engagement Summary
Updated April 2025 – 22-4327
Key Themes Takeaways
Waterfront Recreation Opportunities There is value in both active and passive recreation opportunities along the
waterfront, such as non-motorized watercrafts, playgrounds, birding,
pathways, and benches. A desire for better beach access and designated
swimming areas.
Natural Environment Preservation Preserve natural wildlife habitats along the waterfront. Desire for
protecting and enhancing existing natural areas and the opportunity to
educate through signage. Minimize development to protect natural areas
and green spaces.
3.1 Council Interviews
Key themes from the interviews with the Mayor and 2022 Council included the following:
Emphasized an accessible, public-focused waterfront with focus on projects that benefit all.
More commercial business should be supported at the waterfront, parcularly at Bowmanville.
Seasonal commercial enterprises such as food trucks, paddleboard rentals, small retail, cidery or
restaurants are acceptable.
The biggest focus should be on Bowmanville for the next 5 years.
Should be the “desnaon” focus, tourism node, focus on trails.
More all-season trails, but only in targeted places that the community supports.
There is support for charging non-locals for parking, some support for charging locals.
Support having a boat launch if economically feasible and support boat launches for non-motorized
in the meanme.
Recognion that the Bowmanville Pier needs serious work, but challenge is financing.
No support for the Municipality owning/operang a marina, unless it generates revenue.
3.2 Visioning Workshops
The following charts are summaries of the two visioning workshops with stakeholders that were held to
confirm the strategy principles, review the existing conditions, identify opportunities and challenges,
and gather input to inform the development of a vision for the waterfront.
The following chart is a summary of what participants said for each identified sub area that was
gathered through a Mural Board activity, followed by results from Mentimeter polling questions.DRA
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3.0 What We Heard 6
The Municipality of Clarington
Clarington Waterfront Round 1 Engagement Summary
Updated April 2025 – 22-4327
Table 3-1:Mural Board Summary
Sub-Area Opportunities Challenges Vision Ideas
Waterfront
Spaces
Samuel Wilmot Nature Area (SWNA): Commercial opportunies/aracons,
parking
Year-round acvies and year-round public washrooms
Garden Tourism
Protected natural space along waterfront
Create natural beach area
Compeve cycling hub
o Dining by the water
o Downtown connecon
o Green building design
o Ecosystem based approach to planning
o Connuous hiking trail
Planning around CN rail and 401 highway
Maintaining bond head parkee
Increased traffic causing erosion/damage
Keeping everyone safe around traffic
Balancing economic development with environment
Erosion and flooding safety
Ensuring there is adequate public land and shoreline access for the future
Avoid losing heritage
Getting to waterfront without driving, restaurants, open space, event
space, beach volleyball courts, historical interpretive displays, extend
waterfront trail, water related recreation opportunities, inclusive and
accessible washrooms, robust connected wildlife corridor, enough
amenities to spend a day: food, exercise activities, bike lockups
waterfront rentals.
Lands
Natural garden development
Ecotourism
Increased signage/wayfinding
Recreaon opportunies (e.g. birding, photography, geocaching)
Restrict areas for natural development
Interpreve displays with natural & cultural info
Expand conservaon land sub areas
Idenfy areas of wildlife movement and protect/enhance
Parking
Invasive plant species
Maintaining wildlife populaon with increased human traffic
Bluff safety
Increased potenal for polluon
Protecng natural environment
Integraon with provincial park
Preserve migratory habitat, variety of trails, limit human access in
some areas, make provincial park more accessible to areas residents,
promote indigenous culture, and expand natural areas.
Resiliency
Nodes
Public educaon: on connected watershed, invasive species and spring
flooding levels
Indigenous uses of land perspecves
Highlight natural areas along waterfront with educaon signage
Increase awareness of hazards and direct development away from hazards
Priorize land acquision where appropriate
Assess climate vulnerability and target restoraon
Appropriate public uses like trails
Control of contaminants
Waterfront bluff erosion
Ensure system is resilient to climate change
Overcome invasive species with integrated strategy, balance nature
and humans, promote indigenous history and culture.
Industrial
Areas
Aract business to the community
Engage industry stakeholders, influence their community stewardship
programs
Plant more trees
Create marine conservaon area
Provide beer transit/acve mobility access to area employment
Promote green roofs with bird/pollinator friendly plants
Screen development from adjacent areas
Make hydro one corridors linear trails
Reducing industrial polluon
Maintaining east west connecvity
Land use compability
Screening industrial areas from recreaon uses
Limit/eliminate industrial by the waterfront, more naturalized space
near developments, recognize industry is important to the
community.DRA
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3.0 What We Heard 7
The Municipality of Clarington
Clarington Waterfront Round 1 Engagement Summary
Updated April 2025 – 22-4327
Sub-Area Opportunities Challenges Vision Ideas
Agricultural
Lands
More support for farmers
Dark night sky areas for migratory species
Preserve these areas as natural buffers
Agri-tourism
Allow farmers to vercally integrate their farms
Require low light polluon
Orchard camping
Incenvize parcular agricultural land uses
Apple picking
Create public hiking trail based on European models
Ensure farming methods don’t damage adjacent areas
Liming amount of ferlizer/pescides that leach into water
Protecng lands from development
Lack of public amenies in these areas
Keeping people away from damaging agricultural lands
Erosion in Bond Head Bluffs area
Farm to table agribusiness, preserve agriculture, allow some return to
natural meadows, use land to increase local food source,
maintaining/establishing natural setbacks from the lake.
Table 3-2:Menmeter Summary
Question 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Session 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Session (top 3 results)
Where are you participating from today (top 3 results)Outside of Clarington: 10
Bowmanville: 4
Courtice: 2
Bowmanville: 4
Outside of Clarington: 3
Newcastle: 2
What type of organization are you representing (top 3 results)Municipal/Regional Government: 9
Other: 5
Provincial Government & Conservation authority: 3
Ratepayers Association: 3
Advisory Committee of Council: 3
Environmental Interest group & Other community group: 2
Are you familiar with the Clarington Waterfront Strategy (top 3 results)Somewhat familiar: 12
Very familiar: 5
Familiar: 4
Somewhat familiar: 5
Very familiar: 4
Familiar: 2
Top 3 words to describe your vision for the Clarington Waterfront (top 3 results)Recreation, accessible, connected Biodiversity, natural, access
Top priority you want addressed in the Clarington Waterfront Strategy (top 3 results)Green- protects and enhances natural, cultural and built heritage features: 36%
Connected- creates a network of linkages for people who enjoy the waterfront: 32%
Accessible- safe and publicly accessible for all & Usable- supportive and compatible
public and private uses: 14%
Connected- creates a network of linkages for people who enjoy the
waterfront: 42%
Green- protects and enhances natural, cultural and built heritage
features: 25%
Diverse- offering varied opportunities for residents and visitors: 17%
Do you think the 1992 principles are still relevant today (top 3 results)Somewhat agree: 15
Neutral: 4
Strongly agree: 3
Somewhat agree: 9
Strongly agree: 2
Neutral: 2
Do you the presented commercial business opportunities reflect what you would like to see on
waterfront lands (yes/no)
Yes: 14
No: 5
Yes: 7
No: 5
Which business opportunities would be the most exciting to experience in Clarington’s waterfront
(top 3 results)
Canoe, kayak, paddleboard rentals: 5
Agri-tourism (e.g. apple picking): 5
Destination cycling: 4
Accommodation/retreat venue: 3
Canoe, kayak, paddleboard rentals: 2
Bike and mobility supportive businesses: 2
Share one word for what you think will be the biggest challenge facing the waterfront over the
next 30 years
Accessibility, climate, urbanization Erosion, keeping it natural, parking
Share one word for what you think will be the biggest opportunity for the waterfront over the
next 30 years
Tourism, restoration, recreation Tourism, diversified uses, attractive spaceDRA
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3.0 What We Heard 8
The Municipality of Clarington
Clarington Waterfront Round 1 Engagement Summary
Updated April 2025 – 22-4327
3.3 Online Survey
An intercept public survey was available between August 22nd and October 3rd, 2022. Questions sought
to gain insight into the public’s current use of the waterfront, preferences for the future of the
waterfront, and top priorities for the updated Clarington Waterfront Strategy.
Key themes and main takeaways from the survey include the following:
Table 3-3:Online Survey Summary
Key Themes Feedback Raised
Demographics Of the 419 people surveyed, a majority are visitors to the waterfront area, either
from other parts of Clarington or from outside the Municipality. A notable number
of respondents were also local residents.
General Feedback Respondents’ top priories for the updated strategy were that it be clean, green,
and connected.
Most respondents expressed a desire to improve the exisng features of the
waterfront rather than make drasc changes.
Many respondents were against the idea of addional housing by the water, as it
appeared to privaze the waterfront.
A few respondents strongly advocated for the reopening of the Bowmanville
Marina.
There were repeated requests for clearer boundaries between public and private
property on Port Darlington West Beach.
Recreation The waterfront’s most popular features are its natural beauty, the Great Lakes
Waterfront Trail, hiking or walking opportunies, and the beaches.
While respondents generally wanted most areas to remain natural, there was a
strong desire for dining opons. Specifically, there was interest in a restaurant with
a waterfront pao in Bowmanville or possibly Cource, as well as small-scale
opons like an ice cream truck at Bond Head.
Many respondents menoned that they enjoy non-motorized watersports and
expressed a desire for more locaons to parcipate in these acvies, as well as
more places to rent equipment.
Some respondents expressed a desire for a more vibrant waterfront, featuring
beachside retail, sports facilies (such as tennis courts and skateparks), and other
waterfront aracons.
There were requests for more spaces where people could enjoy the natural beauty
of the waterfront, such as areas for picnics.
Maintenance Many respondents expressed a desire for enhanced beach areas, including more
frequent clean-ups and possibly using beach combing to remove rocks and create
sandy areas.
There was interest in enhancing basic amenies along the waterfront, including
more frequent garbage pick-up.DRA
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3.0 What We Heard 9
The Municipality of Clarington
Clarington Waterfront Round 1 Engagement Summary
Updated April 2025 – 22-4327
Key Themes Feedback Raised
Circulation & Ease of
Access
Parcipants expressed desire for safe and accessible opons for acve
transportaon. This included improved and more visible connecons along the
waterfront, as well as enhanced links between downtown areas and the waterfront
to allow easier access to the lake without the need for driving.
The need for increased parking was not a major concern. While respondents
preferred not to pay for parking, they were open to the idea of non-residents
paying for parking.
A few respondents requested the addion of wheelchair-accessible beaches, trails,
and playground equipment.
There was a request for improved acve transportaon access, parcularly in
Cource, with a priority on creang a cross beneath the 401.
Safety Parking and boang areas should be disnct from spaces for children and acve
transportaon to enhance safety. The congeson at Bond Head was frequently
highlighted as a safety concern.
A few parcipants strongly supported the idea of increased enforcement regarding
parking, speeding, trespassing, and overall patrolling.
There were requests for traffic calming measures near East Beach and Bond Head.
Natural Preservation The tranquility and serenity of the waterfront are among its most valued qualies.
While respondents are open to some development, preserving the natural green
spaces is their top priority.
Most parcipants preferred green areas to remain natural, with minimal
development. Only a few respondents expressed interest in having the green space
more manicured and landscaped.
3.4 Community Pop-ups
Key themes from input provided at the community pop-ups included the following:
Safety was a key concern across the waterfront.
Safer pedestrian access is needed including beer sidewalks and off-road opons.
Measures to reduce speeding at high traffic areas are needed.
Access to the waterfront is difficult: limited parking, lack of safe acve transportaon routes, and a
lack of transit.
More waterfront desnaons are desired as parks are geng busier.
More commercial expansion is desired, especially food and beverage opons.
More boat launches should be a priority.
Clarington could follow the examples of other municipalies to create a “desnaon” waterfront.DRA
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3.0 What We Heard 10
The Municipality of Clarington
Clarington Waterfront Round 1 Engagement Summary
Updated April 2025 – 22-4327
3.5 Stakeholder Meengs
Key themes from input received through the various stakeholder meetings included the following:
Waterfront trail locaon during the OPG New Build was a key topic.
Mulple stakeholders voiced the need for beer north-south waterfront connecons both for
recreaon and wildlife, especially in Cource.
Stakeholders appreciated informaon and look forward to connued involvement in the consultaon
process.
Beer accessibility and signage on trails would be appreciated.
Safety for trail users, especially shared road secons, a concern across the waterfront.
3.6 Targeted Youth Engagement
Key themes from the input provided through the Clarington Camp activity included the following:
Valued both acve and passive recreaon opportunies at the water, including playgrounds, paths,
and benches.
More opons for food such as hot dog and ice cream stands.
More access to the beach and places to swim.
No menon of water sports or sports fields.
3.7 Parks, Recreaon and Culture Plan (2024)
Feedback from the Parks, Recreation and Culture Plan included that the Municipality’s waterfront is
highly valued by the community and there is potential for enhancement to encourage greater use such
as passive recreation opportunities, including trails and outdoor spaces for special events, performing
arts, and more.
Public input related to enhancing the waterfront included the following:
Build upon the trail network, including connecons to exisng trail systems and the greater acve
transportaon system, as well as public waterfront access points (parcularly in Cource).
Provide space for picnics and special events, cultural acvies such as performing arts, outdoor
skang, personal watercra launch, public art, and parking.
Establish a greater commercial presence such as retail and restaurants.
Protect and preserve the environment along the waterfront.DRA
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4.0 Next Steps 11
The Municipality of Clarington
Clarington Waterfront Round 1 Engagement Summary
Updated April 2025 – 22-4327
4.0 Next Steps
The Municipality and Dillon will prepare and present an update and revised project schedule for the
project reinitiation to Council on May 12, 2025. The Council will provide direction on moving forward
with the strategy and public consultation. Public consultation is anticipated for spring/summer 2025 and
will include virtual and in person opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement. For more
information on project development and next steps, please visit:Clarington Waterfront Strategy -
Clarington
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Municipality of Clarington
Phase 2 Community Engagement Summary Report
Clarington Waterfront Strategy
August 2025
Table of Contents
Background of Engagement Strategy ......................................................................... 2
Overview ................................................................................................................. 2
Tactics and Timelines ............................................................................................. 3
Response Rates ...................................................................................................... 3
Best Practices - Surveys .......................................................................................... 4
Survey Results
The Vision ............................................................................................................... 5
Themes ................................................................................................................... 6
The Guiding Principles .......................................................................................... 8
Environmental Stewardship - Rating ........................................................................ 8
Economic Viability - Rating ...................................................................................... 9
Public Access, Connection and Enjoyment - Rating .............................................. 10
Design Excellence and Cultural Heritage - Rating ................................................. 11
Guiding Principles - Themes ................................................................................. 12
What Principle is Missing? .................................................................................... 14
The Five Distinct Experiences ............................................................................ 16
Courtice Waterfront Park - Rating and Themes .................................................... 16
Development to Support a Park - Rating and Themes .......................................... 19
Bowmanville Waterfront - Rating and Themes ...................................................... 21
Newcastle Waterfront - Rating and Themes ......................................................... 24
Agricultural Heritage .............................................................................................. 27
Port Granby Nature Reserve - Rating and Themes .............................................. 30
Additional Feedback ............................................................................................ 32
Themes: thoughts, ideas or feedback about the Waterfront Strategy ................... 32
Demographics ...................................................................................................... 34
What area of Clarington do you live in? ................................................................ 34
How long have you lived in Clarington? ................................................................. 35
Age group ............................................................................................................. 36 DRA
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Page 2
Engagement Strategy Background
Overview
The renewed Clarington Waterfront Strategy will serve as a bold, long-term vision that
builds on the foundation of the original 1992 strategy and sets the course for the next 30
years. Early stages of the project included a vision intercept survey, community pop-
ups, Councillor interviews, and stakeholder meetings beginning in 2022.
In 2025, a robust engagement process was undertaken to ensure the community had
meaningful opportunities to learn about and shape the draft Vision, Guiding Principles,
and Five Distinct Experiences that will inform the draft Waterfront Strategy. This
document provides an overview of the input received during this second phase of
community engagement. Additional efforts to solicit feedback will be made once the
draft Waterfront Strategy has been developed to receive community input prior to
finalization.
The information and suggestions included in this report should not be interpreted as
recommendations. Ratings and themes based on community input have not been
altered even in instances where comments incorrectly reflect the Municipality of
Clarington’s actual policies, practices or levels of provision. It should also be recognized
that the requests and suggestions expressed by residents, stakeholders and staff may
not result in recommendations within the Waterfront Strategy. The comments collected
from these community engagement efforts will be considered in other inputs, including
analysis that will be undertaken in the next phase to identify community needs related to
the Waterfront Strategy.
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Tactics and Timelines:
To ensure broad and meaningful participation in shaping the renewed Clarington
Waterfront Strategy, a community feedback survey was made available both online
at www.clarington.net/WaterfrontStrategy and in person at Clarington Connected kiosks
located in municipal recreational facilities, community complexes, and administrative
centres.
Following a public presentation of the draft Vision, Guiding Principles, and Five Distinct
Experiences in May 2025, the survey ran from June 25 to July 30, 2025—strategically
timed to coincide with the summer season, when lakefront recreation is top -of-mind for
many residents.
To reach as many people as possible, the following tactics were deployed:
•Press release distributed to Clarington.net subscribers and local media outlets.
•Survey promotion featured in the Summer 2025 Clarington
Connected newsletter, mailed to every household in Clarington.
•Social media campaign shared via Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn (paid and
unpaid).
•Advertisements displayed on all digital reach screens in the Municipal
Administrative Centre, recreational complexes, and community centres.
•H-frame signage installed along the Waterfront Trail in five distinct areas.
•Posters and postcards distributed in libraries, recreational complexes, and
community centres; also provided to Councillors for optional constituent
distribution.
•18 radio ads aired across KX96, The Rock, and CKDO.
•Survey featured as the lead banner on the Clarington.net homepage.
•Direct emails sent to the Interested Parties List for the Courtice Waterfront,
Energy Park Secondary Plan, and Waterfront Strategy projects .
•Survey available in-person at all Clarington Connected kiosks located in
municipal facilities.
•Google Ads campaign launched targeting Clarington residents searching for
waterfront activities.
•Lead story featured in the June edition of Growing Clarington
Together newsletter.
•Email invitation sent to registered ActiveNet users.
Response Rates:
•From June 25 – July 30, 2025, more than 4,700 people visited
www.clarington.net/WaterfrontSurvey webpage.
•602 people filled out the survey (making it Clarington’s second-highest survey for
responses to date).
Best Practices (Surveys):
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Several tactics were deployed to ensure that Clarington solicited quality feedback from
a high number of respondents, including:
•Asking respondents to register for Clarington Connected to participate in the
survey. This additional step helps eliminate “AI bots” that seek and fill out online
surveys that offer incentives and prizes. This also ensured respondents could
only submit feedback once, which eliminates multiple responses from the same
person or IP address, providing more reliable data.
•Offering a modest, neutral incentive ($250 VISA gift card) to solicit feedback.
This common practice is used by many municipalities and researchers for a few
reasons:
o Increased response rates: Research on best practices for survey design
and distribution shows that incentives and lotteries contingent on
completion of surveys provide a higher response rate by providing
additional motivation to complete the survey.
o Diverse respondent pool: Research shows that providing incentives can
impact the demographic composition of the completed survey sample, by
encouraging more people to participate. The use of gift cards, which can
be used by everyone, helps to reach a wider range of participants and
ensures a more varied, unbiased pool of respondents.
▪For example: prizes like recreational passes can reduce interest
from respondents who either already have access to Clarington’s
recreational facilities or aren’t interested in recreational incentives.
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Survey Results
The Vision – Ratings and Themes
A clear vision is essential, as it sets the long-term direction and unites around a shared
purpose. It inspires action, guides priorities and ensures that all decisions contribute to
a cohesive, future-focused outcome.
The Vision: Clarington’s waterfront is a vibrant, accessible destination where
community, nature, parks, and heritage meet. Our shoreline thrives through ecological
resilience, connected trails, diverse recreation, and economic vitality. By focusing on
sustainable growth, cultural preservation, and public access, we’re creating a legacy
that enriches the lives of residents, captivates visitors and establishes a legacy of
stewardship for generations to come.
Q.1: How much do you agree with the overall vision for the Clarington
waterfront?
On a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), respondents rated the
overall Vision for Clarington’s waterfront 3.84.
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Q2: What aspects of the Clarington waterfront vision do you find most appealing
or concerning, and why?
The community envisions Clarington’s waterfront as a publicly accessible, ecologically
resilient, and culturally respectful space that prioritizes nature preservation, connected
trails, and inclusive recreation over intensive residential or commercial development.
Residents overwhelmingly support a vision that enhances quality of life through
sustainable growth, while expressing concerns about overdevelopment and the loss of
natural and community character.
Key Themes
Environmental Stewardship & Ecological Resilience
•Strong support for preserving natural habitats, biodiversity, and shoreline
integrity.
•Calls for prioritizing “natural assets” as critical infrastructure.
•Concerns about environmental degradation from increased traffic, boating, and
development.
Connected Trails & Public Access
•Widespread enthusiasm for expanding and connecting trails for walking, biking,
and recreation.
•Emphasis on accessibility for all ages and abilities, including shaded areas,
seating, and safe crossings.
•Desire for year-round use and improved connectivity between communities.
Recreation & Community Use
•Support for parks, splash pads, music venues, and family-friendly amenities.
•Interest in community gathering spaces and sm all-scale local businesses (e.g.,
cafés, markets).
•Preference for low-impact enhancements that maintain the waterfront’s peaceful
character.
Concerns About Residential Development
•Strong opposition to waterfront housing, especially high-density or luxury
developments.
•Fears of increased traffic, noise, pollution, and strain on infrastructure and
services.
•Desire to preserve small-town charm and avoid turning natural areas into service
corridors.
Bond Head Boat Launch Concerns
•Resistance to designating Bond Head Parkette as a primary boat launch.
•Infrastructure limitations, environmental risks, and community disruption cited.
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• Suggestions to relocate boat launch to better-equipped areas like Bowmanville
Marina.
Cultural Preservation & Heritage
• Mixed views on cultural preservation; some see it as vague or underprioritized.
• Requests to protect historic cottages and integrate Indigenous and local history
meaningfully.
Community Priorities
• Preserve nature first: Avoid over-commercialization and protect ecosystems.
• Build for people, not profit: Focus on inclusive, accessible public spaces.
• Think long-term: Ensure sustainable infrastructure and stewardship for future
generations.
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The Guiding Principles – Ratings and Themes
To support the implementation of this draft Waterfront Vision, four guiding principles
have been developed to establish a framework and set priorities for future decision -
making. They include:
• Environmental Stewardship: Protect and enhance the natural environment,
including the Lake Ontario shoreline, wetlands, and wildlife habitats.
• Economic Viability: Foster a vibrant and sustainable waterfront economy that
supports local businesses, attracts investment and tourism, and creates
employment opportunities.
• Public Access, Connection and Enjoyment: Ensure equitable, safe and
inclusive access to the waterfront for all residents and visitors.
• Design Excellence and Cultural Heritage Preservation: Create high-quality
and impactful public and private realm, while also recognizing, protecting, and
celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the waterfront.
Q.3: How much do you agree or disagree with the draft guiding principle of
Environmental Stewardship?
On a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), respondents rated the
Guiding Principle of Environmental Stewardship 4.37.
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Q.4: How much do you agree or disagree with the draft guiding principle of
Economic Viability?
On a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), respondents rated the
Guiding Principle of Economic Viability 3.73.
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Q.5: How much do you agree or disagree with the draft guiding principle of Public
Access, Connection and Enjoyment?
On a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), respondents rated the
Guiding Principle of Public Access, Connection and Enjoyment 4.29.
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Q.6: How much do you agree or disagree with the draft guiding principle of
Design Excellence and Cultural Heritage Preservation?
On a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), respondents rated the
Guiding Principle of Design Excellence and Cultural Heritage Preservation 3.88.
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Q.7: What aspects of the draft guiding principles do you find the most appealing
or concerning, and why?
Residents broadly support the guiding principles of Clarington’s waterfront strategy,
especially those emphasizing environmental stewardship, public access, and inclusive
design. However, there is concern that economic development and residential
expansion could undermine the natural character, accessibility, and long-term
sustainability of the waterfront.
Key Themes
Environmental Stewardship
•Most widely supported principle.
•Residents want strong protections for wetlands, wildlife habitats, and shoreline
ecosystems.
•Concerns about habitat loss, pollution, and erosion due to overdevelopment and
increased traffic.
Public Access, Connection & Enjoyment
•Strong desire for safe, inclusive, and barrier-free access to trails, beaches, and
green spaces.
•Emphasis on accessibility for all ages and abilities, including washrooms, shaded
areas, and mobility-friendly paths.
•Public access must remain a priority over privatization or exclusive development.
Cultural Heritage Preservation
•Mixed reactions: some support celebrating Indigenous and local history, while
others question vague or performative approaches.
•Calls for authentic storytelling, Indigenous consultation, and preservation of
historic sites like West Beach cottages.
Economic Viability
•Support for small-scale, local businesses (e.g., cafés, markets, rentals) that
complement public use.
•Strong opposition to large-scale commercial or residential development,
especially condos and high-rises.
•Concerns about increased traffic, loss of green space, and strain on
infrastructure.
Design Excellence
•Support for thoughtful, sustainable design that enhances natural beauty and
community use.
•Desire for charming, well-integrated spaces—not overbuilt or overly
commercialized environments.
Community Priorities
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• Preserve nature first: Environmental protection must guide all decisions.
• Access for all: Ensure equitable, safe, and inclusive public use.
• Limit commercialization: Focus on community benefit, not profit.
• Celebrate heritage meaningfully: Engage Indigenous voices and protect
historic character.
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Q.8: What principles do you think might be missing from the current draft?
While the current draft guiding principles are broadly supported, residents identified
gaps to be addressed to ensure the waterfront strategy is inclusive, sustainable, and
community driven. These missing principles reflect a desire for stronger environmental
protections, Indigenous engagement, infrastructure planning, and long-term
stewardship.
Key Themes
Climate Resilience & Environmental Integrity
•Calls to expand environmental stewardship to include climate adaptation, erosion
control, and protection of biodiversity.
•Emphasis on natural assets as essential infrastructure.
•Strong opposition to overdevelopment and privatization of green space.
Indigenous Engagement & Cultural Inclusion
•Requests for explicit inclusion of Indigenous voices, history, and stewardship.
•Desire for co-design, land acknowledgment, and cultural education.
Community-Centered Planning
•Principle of resident-first development: protect existing communities, avoid one-
size-fits-all approaches.
•Need for community trust, transparency, and ongoing engagement in decision -
making.
•Concerns about displacement, gentrification, and lack of consultation.
Infrastructure & Accessibility
•Missing focus on transit integration, safe bike/pedestrian access, and parking.
•Suggestions for universal design, shaded areas, washrooms, and year-round
usability.
•Calls for safety measures like lighting, emergency access, and enforcement.
Local Economic Support
•Support for small-scale, local businesses over large commercial ventures.
•Requests for year-round economic viability through tourism, recreation, and
community events.
Youth & Education
•Desire for child-friendly spaces, youth engagement, and educational
programming.
•Suggestions for school partnerships, nature education, and interactive learning
zones.
Community Priorities
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• Protect nature and heritage: Avoid irreversible damage to ecosystems and
historic sites.
• Include all voices: Indigenous, youth, seniors, and residents must be part of the
process.
• Plan realistically: Infrastructure, safety, and accessibility must match growth.
• Keep it public: Guard against privatization and ensure equitable access for all.
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One Connected Waterfront – Five Distinct Experiences:
Courtice Waterfront Park
The vision: a new waterfront community featuring a prestigious (min) 16-hectare/39-
acre Courtice Waterfront Park – bigger than the former Bowmanville Zoo lands. The
park would significantly increase public access to Lake Ontario, offer year -round
recreational opportunities, preserve the entire shoreline, and enhance the existing trail
network.
Q.9: How much do you agree or disagree with the vision for the Courtice
Waterfront Park?
On a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), respondents rated the
vision for the Courtice Waterfront Park 4.03.
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Q.10: What aspects of the Courtice Waterfront do you find most appealing or
concerning, and why?
The Courtice Waterfront is seen as a rare and valuable opportunity to create a landmark
public space that balances environmental preservation, recreational access, and
community well-being. While many residents are excited about the potential for trails,
year-round activities, and shoreline protection, there are concerns about
overdevelopment, infrastructure strain, and the loss of natural character.
Key Themes
Environmental Preservation
•Widespread support for preserving the shoreline, protecting habitats, and
enhancing natural features.
•Concerns about loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and
greenwashing.
•Desire for naturalized landscapes, shade, and minimal interference with existing
nature.
Public Access & Recreation
•Enthusiasm for year-round recreational opportunities, including trails, splash
pads, and family-friendly amenities.
•Calls for safe, inclusive access via walking, biking, and transit—especially across
barriers like Hwy 401 and rail lines.
•Interest in connecting Courtice to broader trail networks and waterfront
destinations.
Opposition to Housing & Overdevelopment
•Strong resistance to high-density housing, condos, and commercial sprawl near
the waterfront.
•Fears of traffic congestion, infrastructure overload, and loss of peace and quiet.
•Preference for parks over residential expansion, especially south of Hwy 401.
Balanced Economic Activity
•Support for small-scale, local businesses (e.g., cafés, ice cream shops) that
complement public use.
•Concerns about over-commercialization and prioritizing profit over public benefit.
Community Priorities
•Preserve nature first: Protect shoreline and ecosystems from overuse.
•Build for people, not profit: Prioritize public access and recreation.
•Design for long-term use: Ensure infrastructure supports growth sustainably.
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Making the Courtice Waterfront Park a Reality
The Clarington Waterfront Strategy is a long-term vision, but some key decisions are
already on the horizon—like the draft Courtice Waterfront and Energy Park Secondary
Plan. The draft plan includes the creation of the prestigious 16-hectare/39-acre Courtice
Waterfront Park noted in the previous question. To bring this park to life, a new
residential neighbourhood (2,500 residential units for 4,800 residents) would need to be
developed – similar to how other waterfront parks in Clarington were made possible.
Why? Only a small portion of the Courtice waterfront is publicly owned. The rest is
privately held, and the municipality cannot afford to purchase the land outright without
placing a significant financial burden on taxpayers. However, through the development
of a new neighbourhood, Clarington would be able to:
• Secure the Courtice waterfront and protect the environmentally sensitive lands
• Create a vibrant waterfront park and expand the trail network
• Support essential infrastructure, including transportation and sewer/water
upgrades
New communities help fund the parks, trails, infrastructure, and public spaces that
improve the quality of life for everyone.
Q.11: How much do you support or oppose the creation of a new residential
community (including shopping, dining, and services) to help fund and acquire
land for the 16-hectare/39-acre Courtice Waterfront Park?
On a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), respondents rated
support for the development of a new residential community 3.36.
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Q.12: What factors influenced your level of support or opposition to this
proposal?
Residents are divided on the proposal to fund the 16-hectare Courtice Waterfront Park
through the creation of a new residential community. While the majority support the idea
in principle—recognizing the need for funding and infrastructure—others express strong
opposition due to concerns about environmental impact, overdevelopment, and loss of
public access.
Key Themes
Support for the Park, Caution About the Trade-Off
• Broad support for the Courtice Waterfront Park itself—especially its potential for
public access, recreation, and shoreline preservation.
• Many residents are willing to accept development if it guarantees the park’s
creation and protects sensitive lands.
• Others feel the park should not be contingent on residential growth, especially
near the shoreline.
Concerns About Residential Development
• Strong opposition to high-density housing, especially condos and tall buildings
near the waterfront.
• Fears of loss of natural character, increased traffic, and strain on infrastructure
(schools, healthcare, roads).
• Worries that development will privatize access or prioritize profit over public
benefit.
Mixed Views on Shopping & Dining
• Some support small-scale, local businesses that enhance the park experience.
• Others oppose commercialization, preferring nature-focused amenities and quiet
public spaces.
Environmental & Infrastructure Priorities
• Calls for strong environmental safeguards, including habitat protection and
sustainable design.
• Emphasis on phased infrastructure delivery—schools, transit, and services must
come first.
• Desire for transparent planning, community oversight, and enforceable
commitments from developers.
Community Priorities
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• Park First: Guarantee the waterfront park before any residential development.
• Protect Nature: Preserve shoreline, wetlands, and wildlife habitats.
• Build Responsibly: Ensure infrastructure matches growth and avoids
overburdening services.
• Keep It Public: Maintain open access and avoid exclusive or gated
communities.
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Bowmanville Waterfront
The vision for the Bowmanville waterfront includes three key elements:
• Protect and improve environmentally sensitive landscapes and natural heritage
areas, including the Bowmanville Westside Marshes Conservation Area.
• Position Port Darlington West Beach Park as Clarington's main beach, with
excellent access to the water and passive/active onsite programs and amenities
(i.e. beach volleyball, boardwalks, playground).
• Reimagine Port Darlington East Beach Park as an enhanced and accessible
waterfront park.
Q.13: How much do you agree or disagree with the vision for Bowmanville
waterfront?
On a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), respondents rated the
vision for the Bowmanville Waterfront 3.98.
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Q.14: What aspects of the Bowmanville waterfront vision do you find most
appealing or concerning, and why?
The Bowmanville waterfront vision is widely supported for its emphasis
on environmental protection, improved public access, and recreational amenities.
However, residents raised critical concerns about infrastructure limitations,
environmental risks, and the need for clearer planning and community consultation.
Key Themes
Environmental Protection
•Strong support for protecting the Bowmanville Westside Marshes Conservation
Area and other sensitive landscapes.
•Concerns about erosion, habitat disruption, and the impact of increased human
activity.
•Calls for naturalized design, shoreline restoration, and restrictions on motorized
watercraft.
Beach & Recreation Enhancements
•Enthusiasm for making Port Darlington West Beach Clarington’s main beach,
with amenities like boardwalks, volleyball courts, and playgrounds.
•Support for reimagining East Beach as a more accessible and inclusive space.
•Suggestions for year-round programming, food vendors, and family-friendly
features.
Marina & Boat Launch
•Many residents want the Bowmanville Marina revitalized and a primary boat
launch located here instead of Newcastle.
•Concerns about the decrepit state of the marina, lack of dredging, and missed
opportunities for waterfront tourism.
Infrastructure & Accessibility
•Repeated concerns about limited road access, parking, and traffic congestion,
especially at West Beach.
•Calls for sidewalks, bike paths, public transit, and improved signage.
•Emphasis on accessibility for seniors, children, and people with disabilities.
Community Impact & Preservation
•Mixed views on development—some support small businesses and amenities,
others oppose commercialization or displacement of residents.
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•Strong desire to preserve heritage cottages, maintain quiet natural areas, and
avoid over-tourism.
Community Priorities
•Protect nature first: Marshes, wetlands, and shoreline must be preserved.
•Make it usable: Clean beaches, safe access, and inclusive amenities.
•Revitalize smartly: Restore the marina, improve infrastructure, and avoid
overbuilding.
•Respect residents: Engage locals, preserve heritage, and balance tourism with
livability.
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Newcastle Waterfront
Newcastle waterfront's vision includes a vibrant marina village with waterfront living and
enhanced public spaces:
•Create a municipal-wide gateway park to the waterfront, featuring public art
installations, a boardwalk, food services, passive/active water programs.
•Position the Port of Newcastle Park on Lakebreeze Drive as a resilient shoreline
park with flexible program spaces (i.e. outdoor fitness areas).
•Position Bond Head Park as a primary boat launch area.
Q.15: How much do you agree or disagree with the vision for Newcastle
waterfront?
On a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), respondents rated the
vision for the Newcastle Waterfront 3.76.
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Q.16: What aspects of the Newcastle waterfront vision do you find most
appealing or concerning, and why?
The Newcastle waterfront vision—featuring a gateway park, resilient shoreline, and
primary boat launch—has sparked both enthusiasm and concern. While many residents
support improved public spaces and amenities, there is strong opposition to
designating Bond Head Parkette as a primary boat launch due to its size, infrastructure
limitations, and impact on the local community.
Key Themes
Public Space & Recreation
• Broad support for a municipal-wide gateway park with boardwalks, public art,
food services, and water programs.
• Interest in outdoor fitness areas, splash pads, and family-friendly amenities.
• Desire for connectivity between waterfront areas via trails and boardwalks.
Bond Head Parkette Concerns
• There is opposition to making Bond Head Parkette a primary boat launch:
• Too small to accommodate increased traffic and trailers.
• Limited parking, narrow roads, and no sewage infrastructure.
• Environmental risks to mature trees, wildlife habitats, and shoreline.
• Loss of community character and peaceful atmosphere.
• Safety concerns due to speeding, congestion, and lack of enforcement.
Local Economy & Amenities
• Support for small-scale commercial development (e.g., cafés, restaurants,
shops).
• Calls for revitalizing the marina, improving boat docking, and adding waterfront
dining.
• Concerns about over-commercialization and preserving Newcastle’s small-town
charm.
Environmental Stewardship
• Emphasis on resilient shoreline design, erosion control, and habitat protection.
• Requests for clean beaches, better waste management, and ecological
education.
• Calls to preserve natural areas and avoid excessive development.
Infrastructure & Accessibility
• Concerns about parking shortages, traffic, and lack of public transit.
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•Need for accessible washrooms, seating, and senior-friendly design.
•Suggestions for bike paths, pedestrian bridges, and trail connectivity.
Community Priorities
•Protect Bond Head: Preserve its heritage, peace, and ecological integrity.
•Build smartly: Ensure infrastructure matches growth and avoids overburdening
services.
•Enhance public use: Focus on inclusive, nature-friendly recreation.
•Respect residents: Engage locals, avoid displacement, and maintain livability.
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Agricultural Heritage
The waterfront lands between Newcastle and Port Granby are envisioned as a
celebrated agricultural heritage hub with preserved food production traditions,
opportunities for agri-tourism, continued environmental stewardship and public access
to the waterfront.
New access points to the shoreline will include enhanced and accessible waterfront
trails, rest stops, lookouts, public event spaces and passive activities to enjoy the scenic
beauty of the Lake Ontario shoreline.
Q.17: How much do you agree or disagree with the vision for an Agricultural
Heritage area?
On a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), respondents rated the
vision for the Agricultural Heritage area 4.01.
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Q.18: What aspects of the Agricultural Heritage vision do you find most appealing
or concerning, and why?
Position Statement
The vision to celebrate Clarington’s agricultural heritage along the waterfront is widely
supported, especially for its focus on preserving farmland, enhancing public access, and
promoting environmental stewardship. However, residents expressed a need for clarity,
balance, and protection—ensuring that development does not compromise the area's
rural character or ecological integrity.
Key Themes
Preservation of Farmland & Food Traditions
•Strong support for protecting fertile farmland and maintaining local food
production.
•Calls to prevent urban sprawl and subdivision development on agricultural lands.
•Interest in educational opportunities, such as farm tours, signage, and community
gardens.
Public Access & Trails
•Enthusiasm for accessible waterfront trails, lookouts, and rest stops.
•Desire for passive recreation that respects the natural landscape.
•Suggestions for bike paths, shade structures, and washroom facilities.
Agri-Tourism & Local Economy
•Support for farmers markets, local food vendors, and seasonal events.
•Interest in celebrating agricultural diversity and connecting urban residents to
rural traditions.
•Concerns about over-commercialization and ensuring affordability and
authenticity.
Environmental Stewardship
•Emphasis on protecting natural habitats, shoreline resilience, and biodiversity.
•Requests for native plantings, wildflower gardens, and low-impact design.
•Concerns about pollution, erosion, and impact on Port Granby Nature Reserve.
Concerns & Considerations
•Need for clearer definitions of “agricultural heritage hub” and “agri-tourism.”
•Worries about traffic, parking, and garbage in rural areas.
•Calls for community consultation, especially with local farmers and residents.
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Community Priorities
•Preserve farmland and protect food-producing landscapes.
•Enhance access through trails and scenic lookouts, not large-scale development.
•Support local agriculture through markets and education.
•Respect nature and rural character—avoid overbuilding or disrupting
ecosystems.
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Port Granby Nature Reserve
Through the previously endorsed Port Granby Nature Reserve Concept Plan, there are
opportunities for continued environmental restoration, education and public access to
this natural area.
Here, residents can experience the beauty of a nature reserve through protected and
preserved forests, meadows, wetlands, pastures and trails.
Q.19: How much do you agree or disagree with the vision for Port Granby Nature
Reserve?
On a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), respondents rated the
vision for the Port Granby Nature Reserve 4.14.
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Q. 20: What aspects of the Port Granby Nature Reserve vision do you find most
appealing or concerning, and why?
Position Statement
The Port Granby Nature Reserve vision—focused on environmental restoration,
education, and public access—is widely supported. Residents value the opportunity to
experience protected natural landscapes, but many emphasize the need for minimal
impact, controlled access, and preservation of ecological integrity.
Key Themes
Environmental Restoration & Protection
•Strong support for preserving forests, wetlands, meadows, and pastures.
•Emphasis on restoration of previously contaminated lands and ongoing
monitoring.
•Calls to avoid overdevelopment and maintain the area’s wild, untouched
character.
Public Access & Trails
•Enthusiasm for low-impact trails, lookouts, and quiet nature experiences.
•Support for educational signage, birdwatching, and passive recreation.
•Concerns about garbage, vandalism, and overuse if access is not well-managed.
Education & Stewardship
•Interest in environmental education, especially for youth and schools.
•Suggestions for Indigenous-led programming and interpretive features.
•Desire for community involvement in stewardship and conservation efforts.
Concerns & Considerations
•Worries about public access compromising ecological restoration.
•Requests for clear boundaries, limited infrastructure, and no commercial
development.
•Need for accessibility features for seniors and people with disabilities.
Community Priorities
•Preserve nature first: Restoration and protection must remain the top priority.
•Limit impact: Trails and access should be light-touch and respectful of wildlife.
•Educate & engage: Use the reserve as a platform for learning and stewardship.
•Keep it quiet: Avoid turning the reserve into a busy recreational or tourist hub.
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Final Thoughts
Q.21: What thoughts, ideas, or feedback would you like to share about the overall
Waterfront Strategy?
The overall Waterfront Strategy is met with enthusiasm and cautious optimism.
Residents appreciate the vision for connected, accessible, and environmentally
responsible waterfronts, but stress the importance of preserving nature, limiting
overdevelopment, and ensuring community-driven planning.
Key Themes
Environmental Protection First
• Strong calls to prioritize nature, protect wetlands, forests, and wildlife.
• Concerns about residential development, especially near sensitive areas like
Courtice and Bond Head.
• Emphasis on climate resilience, shoreline restoration, and green infrastructure.
Public Access & Recreation
• Support for trails, boardwalks, rest stops, and waterfront parks.
• Desire for year-round amenities like splash pads, skating rinks, and outdoor
fitness.
• Requests for accessible design for seniors, children, and people with disabilities.
Community Engagement & Equity
• Calls for ongoing public consultation, especially with waterfront residents and
Indigenous communities.
• Emphasis on inclusive spaces for families, youth, and diverse cultural groups.
• Concerns about over-tourism, affordability, and preserving local character.
Development & Infrastructure
• Mixed views on housing—some support smart growth, others oppose waterfront
residential expansion.
• Need for better infrastructure: parking, transit, washrooms, and traffic
management.
• Suggestions for small businesses, farmers markets, and local economic
opportunities.
Connectivity & Vision
• Strong support for a connected waterfront trail linking Courtice, Bowmanville, and
Newcastle.
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•Desire for distinct experiences across districts, unified by a shared identity.
•Calls for bold, creative planning that reflects Clarington’s unique landscape and
heritage.
Community Priorities
•Protect nature before expanding access or development.
•Design for people: safe, inclusive, and accessible public spaces.
•Think long-term: sustainable growth, climate adaptation, and cultural
preservation.
•Listen to residents: meaningful engagement, transparency, and responsiveness.
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Demographics:
Q.22: What area of Clarington do you live in?
Most respondents reside in Bowmanville (37%), followed by Courtice (30%),
Newcastle (23%), rural (4%), and Orono (1%). 4% of respondents reside outside of
Clarington.
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Q.23: How long have you lived in Clarington?
Most respondents are long-term residents that have lived in Clarington for 25+ years
(30%), followed by 5-14 years (30%), and 15-24 years (20%).
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Q.24: Age Group
The survey collected feedback from a wide range of age groups: from 15 years old to
85+. Most respondents fell between 30-49 years old.
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Appendix B
C Waterfront Lands Analysis
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The Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington
Clarington Waterfront Strategy
2022 SWOT and Land Analysis
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Waterfront Strategy Study Area
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Clarington Waterfront Strategy
Achievements
1992 2022
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Clarington Waterfront Strategy
Achievements
1992 20222022
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Bridging the Strategy
Carry Forward
•Ecosystem approach to land
use planning (principles)
•Identifying waterfront character
sub-areas
Update Content
•Study area boundary
•Purpose
•Planning context
•Vision & priorities
•Context & profile
•Goals & objectives
•Greenway system
•Park & tourism focal nodes
•Trails
New Content
•Summary of 1992 waterfront strategy outcomes
•SWOT analysis
•Key strategic directions
•Three waterfront place conceptual designs
•Design guidelines & standards
•Cost estimate & phasing
•Recommended strategies & policy directions
•Implementation plan
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•Ecosystem land use planning approach
•Principles
1.Clean – natural processes
2.Green – healthy ecosystem
3.Connected - greenways
4.Open - views
5.Accessible – nodes and areas
6.Useable – public/private sector mix
7.Diverse – landscape and land uses
8.Affordable – all opportunities and facilities
9.Attractive – experiences
Clarington Waterfront Strategy
1992 Waterfront Strategy
Principles
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Existing Uses
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Clarington Waterfront Strategy
SWOT Analysis – Policy & Land Use Planning
•Strong policies on
ecological landscape
approach and vision
•Waterfront Places as
Priority Intensification
Areas
•Cultural Heritage
Landscape
Importance
•Courtice Waterfront
and Energy Park
Secondary Plan
•Lack of design
guidelines (Port
Darlington and
Courtice)
•Some residential
development subject
to significant erosion
and flood hazards
•Insufficient hazard
mapping in Official
Plan
•Strengthened policies
on the high quality
public realm, tourism
node, continuous
open space system,
•Implementation of
Secondary Plans
•Port Granby Nature
Reserve proposal
•Lack of urban design
guidance
•Regulatory Shoreline
Area subject to natural
hazards
•Potential land use
compatibility issues with
waste / wastewater
infrastructure
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
S W O T
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Natural Heritage System
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Clarington Waterfront Strategy
SWOT Analysis – Natural Heritage System
•Protection and
conservation of the
Lake Ontario
Shoreline
•Protection of Natural
Heritage features and
sustaining ecological
health
•Protection of
Provincially
Significant Wetlands
and ANSIs
•Highway 401 and
railways as physical
barriers separating
terrestrial and
waterfront
ecosystems
•Lack of natural land
cover
•Impacts of
agriculture and
urban land uses
•Restoration of the
surplus Federal lands
at Port Granby
•Investment in
wildlife/people
movement corridors
to Lake across
physical barriers
•Regional wildlife
habitat corridor (2 km)
and coastal habitat
improvements
•Diverse land use and
recreational uses
impact coastal
wetlands, habitat,
vegetation and beach
communities
•Development of
Energy Park may
impact wildlife
corridor
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
S W O T
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Coastal Functions
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Clarington Waterfront Strategy
SWOT Analysis – Coastal Functions
•Lake Ontario
Shoreline
Management Plan
(2020) - coastal
hazard mapping,
summaries and
recommendations for
each Reach within
Clarington
•Shoreline
development located
within hazardous
areas, greater risk for
flooding, erosion and
unstable slopes
•Individual coastal
hazard works
•Failing infrastructure
•Channels infilling
•Restricting
development and
shoreline hardening
•Avoid >
Accommodate>
Retreat > Protect
•Public education and
building resiliency
•Continual swings in
high and low lake
levels observed;
higher 100 year flood
elevation
•Higher erosion and
flood limits
•Failing infrastructure
•Structural and
property damage
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
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Parks, Open Space & Placemaking
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Clarington Waterfront Strategy
SWOT Analysis – Parks, Open Space and Placemaking
•Increase in municipal
waterfront lands
•Proposed Port
Granby Nature
Reserve - expansion
of open space system
•Allocation of park
lands in waterfront
urban areas
•Limited navigability of
channels in
Bowmanville Creek
and Graham Creek
•Limited public access
around large
industrial / utility
waterfront facilities
•Lack of
transportation, parks
development and
parking strategy
•More suitable boat
launch location(s)
•Acquisition of
additional lands
•Placemaking and
visitor amenities at
key destinations
•Improving physical
accessibility, telling
the indigenous
history, and signage
•Privatization of
shoreline access
(physical and visual)
•Natural hazard impact
on public spaces and
park infrastructure
•Population growth
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
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Cultural Heritage Resources
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Clarington Waterfront Strategy
SWOT Analysis – Cultural Heritage Resources
•Listed built heritage
resources,
cemeteries and
archaeological sites
•Significant indigenous
history
•Lack of guidance and
protection for Port
Granby, Port
Darlington and Port of
Newcastle, significant
waterfront landscapes
and views to Lake
Ontario
•Lack of awareness of
indigenous
knowledge and
historical waterfront
uses
•Recommendations on
strengthening
protection of
Clarington’s cultural
heritage resources
•Interpretation and
education on
waterfront’s history
•New development or
redevelopment of
significant waterfront
landscapes
•Loss of cultural
heritage resources
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
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Vehicular Access
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Transit Access
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Clarington Waterfront Strategy
SWOT Analysis – Vehicular & Transit
•Future connections to
the GO Stations
(Courtice Rd. and
Bowmanville Ave.)
•Expanded transit
services to growth
area in Bowmanville
towards the
waterfront
•Numerous Highway
401 road crossings
•Highway 401 and
railways are a
physical barrier
•Transit service gaps
•Resolution of
Highway 401 conflicts
conceptually at
Courtice Waterfront
and Energy Park
•Establishment of
transit routes to
gateway nodes
•At-grade crossings
with the CN Rail
•Single lane
underpasses (CN
Rail)
•Narrow underpasses
(Highway 401))
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
S W O T
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Active Mobility
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Clarington Waterfront Strategy
SWOT Analysis – Active Mobility
•Part of larger vision
for the Great Lakes
Waterfront Trail
(GLWT)
•Continuous west-east
GLWT, with three
connections to the
Regional Cycling
Network
•Recent north-south
connection via
Bowmanville Creek
Valley
•Limited access for
a continuous
GLWT along the
shoreline
•Limited north-
south and off-road
trail connections
•Irregular access to
amenity spaces
•Additional north-south
trail linkages
•Improvement to
signage and use
safety
•Hydro One Corridor
trail and park
connections
•Improved experience
•Rider safety without
road shoulders to
provide buffer
•Proximity of trail
system to the eroding
beach and bluff
shorelines
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
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Servicing Infrastructure
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Clarington Waterfront Strategy
SWOT Analysis – Servicing Infrastructure
•Independent stormwater
management facilities
located in existing
developments
•Well established water
sewer and sanitary
sewer networks within
Bowmanville and
Newcastle urbanized
areas
•Sanitary sewers located
near or through public
lands
•Little to no urban
storm sewer network
•Increased complexity
with infrastructure
crossing over
Highway 401 and
railway lines
•Low Impact
Development;
stormwater viewed as
a resource
•Run water network
along publically
owned land to make it
easier to tie into
existing networks
•Challenges related to
coordination with
other landowners for
water and sanitary
servicing
•Impacts to Species at
Risk for new or
expanding
developments
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
S W O T
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Economic Opportunities
Assessment (draft)
October 4,2022DRA
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Guiding
Principles
of this
Assignment
Identify Market Opportunities
Establish Key Activity Nodes
Stimulate DiscussionDRA
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A unique
waterfront that
reflects the
needs of
Clarington
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Opportunity Incubators
Existing components of Clarington’s Waterfront have the potential to be kernels for developing
landmark destinations within the municipality’s waterfront plan.
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Opportunity Incubators
Future growth in the south-end of Clarington will generate public demand for additional amenities
along the municipality’s waterfront.
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COMMERCIAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
SOURCE: Region of Durham
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Clarington’s waterfront has a foundation of recreation trails that are already used for biking activity. On-going
investments that improve the municipality’s trail network, particularly along the waterfront would increase visitor
traffic, stimulate active transportation and expand the profile of cycling-oriented tourism.
Cycling Tourism
SOURCE: Canadian Cycling Magazine DRA
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Cycling Market
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Bike Supportive Businesses
•SOURCE: Bicycling.com DRA
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Apple Orchards
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Hard Cidery / Hard Cider Mill
Ontario is one of the largest craft cider-producing provinces in Canada. There is an absence of a dedicated Hard
Cidery in Clarington.
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Mobile Food Services (Food Trucks)
Mobile food services can be used to help fill the void in areas that are not well -served by restaurants. Working in
partnership or under a co-ordinated umbrella, they provide a unique and scalable destination point.
•Future South Courtice Village Core
•Port Darlington Road Vacant Lands
•Food Truck Alley, Bowmanville
•181 King Street East, Bowmanville
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RECREATIONAL NODES
SOURCE: Municipality of Dysart et al.
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Water Activities
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Focus on select areas along the Clarington Waterfront that allow the public to safely access Lake Ontario. Provide
opportunities to host activities and diversify offerings available for visitors to the area, transient boaters and other more
occasional users.
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Garden Tourism
Garden tourism continues to be a popular travel segment.It involves visits or travel to gardens, places or events
which celebrate excellence in horticultural practices. It can provide opportunities to leverage the attraction of a
garden experience, product, festival or event, raising the profile of an area as a destination.
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MARINA OPERATIONS & FACILITIES
SOURCE: Google Earth Imagery
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Marina, Boat Charters & Waterfront Experiences
The Clarington Waterfront caters to seasonal boaters but could benefit from more diverse offerings for other visitors.
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A variety of distinct activities or special events can also provide an opportunity for municipal revenue
generation but also create an opportunity to attract people to the waterfront through a featured
experience. There are numerous events and facilities the municipality could offer to generate and draw
individuals to the waterfront.
Other Commercial Opportunities
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