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Home My WebLink About2026-02-23Clarington If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Co-ordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 Council Minutes Date: February 23, 2026 Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Council Chambers or Electronic Participation Municipal Administrative Centre 40 Temperance Street, 2nd Floor Bowmanville, Ontario Members Present: Mayor A. Foster, Councillor G. Anderson, Councillor S. Elhajjeh, Councillor L. Rang, Councillor W. Woo, Councillor M. Zwart Absent: Councillor C. Traill Staff Present: M. Dempster, D. Lyons, R. Maciver, J. Mitchell, T. Pinn, J. Gallagher, M. Chambers Other Staff Present: K. Esseghaier, T. Hunt, M. Westover 1. Call to Order Mayor Foster called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Land Acknowledgement Statement Councillor Zwart recited the Land Acknowledgement Statement. 3. Canadian National Anthem 4. Moment of Reflection Councillor Zwart read the meeting in a moment of reflection. 5. Declaration of Interest There were no declarations of pecuniary interest stated at the meeting. 6. Announcements Members of Council announced upcoming community events and matters of community interest. Clar*mn February 23, 2026 Council Minutes 7. Presentations / Delegations 7.1 Presentation to Greg Chan, Theresa Connor -Chan and Penny, the Doberman who was Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show Mayor Foster welcomed Greg Chan, Theresa Connor- Chan, and Penny, the Doberman who won "Best in Show" at the 150th Westminster Dog Show. Councillor Woo noted that Penny secured the top prize while competing against 2,500 dogs and over 200 breeds. Councillor Woo added that a Doberman had not earned this title since 1989 and recognized Andy Linton, Penny's handler, who also served as handler for the Doberman that earned the same title 37 years ago. Councillor Woo stated that this achievement represents excellence within the community and offered congratulations to Penny, Greg Chan, and Theresa Connor- Chan. Mayor Foster noted that friends and neighbours requested Penny's appearance at Council, invited the group for a photo, and presented a certificate. Resolution # C-032-26 Moved by Councillor Zwart Seconded by Councillor Woo Whereas Penny, a 4 1/2 year old Doberman Pinscher, was awarded Best in Show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 3, 2026; And whereas Penny's win marks a historic achievement as the first Doberman Pinscher to earn this title since 1989; And whereas Penny is owned by Francis Sparagna, Diana Sparagna, Theresa Connors -Chan, and Gregory Chan; And whereas Penny was bred and raised in Newtonville, Ontario, by Theresa Connors -Chan and Gregory Chan; And whereas members of Clarington's Agricultural Advisory Committee have indicated support for recognition of Penny; Now therefore be it resolved: 1. That Staff be directed to attach a sign to each of the four gateway signs for Newtonville honouring Penny, the Doberman Pinscher, as the 2026 Best In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show; and 2. That funding for the signs, in the approximate amount of $500 each ($2,000 total), be approved to be spent from the operational account. 2 Clarington February 23, 2026 Council Minutes 3. That Theresa Connors -Chan and Gregory Chan, the breeders and owners of Penny, and any other interested parties, be notified of Council's decision. Yes (6): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Elhajjeh, Councillor Rang, Councillor Woo, and Councillor Zwart Absent (1): Councillor Traill Carried on a recorded vote (6 to 0) 7.2 Delegation by Gord Robinson regarding Report PDS-014-26 - 801 Maple Grove Outdoor Sport Field and Events Complex (Item 6.3 of the General Government Committee Minutes) Gord Robinson was present regarding Report PDS- 014- 26, 801 Maple Grove Outdoor Sport Field. Gord Robinson reminded Members of Council that Clarington does not end at Liberty Street in Bowmanville and requested that considerations be made for upgrades and investments in Ward 4. G. Robinson referred to an Arena Study completed in 2015 for Newcastle, noting that no arena was built and that the existing arenas in Newcastle and Orono were updated instead. Gord Robinson asked about the Newcastle Streetscape improvements approved in 2023 that remain incomplete. G. Robinson questioned why residents of Ward 4 are required to fundraise for facility improvements and upgrades, providing examples such as the air- conditioning at Newcastle Town Hall and the elevator at Orono Town Hall. Gord Robinson asked whether residents of Bowmanville or Courtice have ever been required to undertake similar fundraising efforts. G. Robinson referenced the Veterans Crosswalk and noted that Ward 4 contains three cenotaphs, which should be considered for a future crosswalk location. Gord Robinson asked Members of Council whether the Orono Fairgrounds were considered as a potential site for this outdoor event facility and requested that future consideration be given to Ward 4. G. Robinson responded to questions from Members of Council. 8. Consent Agenda Resolution # C-033-26 Moved by Councillor Rang Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh That all items listed in Section 8, be approved, in accordance with the Agenda. Carried 8.1 Minutes from the regular meeting of Council dated January 26, 2026 Resolution # C-034-26 That this minutes from the regular meeting of Council dated January 26, 2026, be adopted. 3 Clar*mn February 23, 2026 Council Minutes 8.2 Minutes from the General Government Committee Meeting dated February 2, 2026 Resolution # C-035-26 That the minutes from the General Government Committee meeting dated February 3, 2026, be approved. 8.3 Minutes from the Planning and Development Committee Meeting dated February 9, 2026 Resolution # C-036-26 That the minutes from the Planning and Development Committee Meeting dated February 9, 2026, be approved. 8.4 Minutes from the Newcastle Community Hall Board meeting dated January 20, 2026 Resolution # C-037-26 That the minutes from the Newcastle Community Hall Board meeting dated January 20, 2026, be received for information. 8.5 Minutes from the Solina Community Hall Board meeting dated January 28, 2026 Resolution # C-038-26 That the minutes from the Solina Community Hall Board meeting dated January 28, 2026, be received for information. 8.6 Minutes from the Anti -Black Racism Advisory Committee meeting dated February 5, 2026 Resolution # C-039-26 That the minutes from the Anti -Black Racism Advisory Committee meeting dated February 5, 2026, be received for information. 8.7 Minutes from the Newcastle Arena Board meeting dated February 10, 2026 Resolution # C-040-26 That the minutes from the Newcastle Arena Board meeting dated February 10, 2026, be received for information. 8.8 Minutes from the Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) meeting dated February 12, 2026 Resolution # C-041-26 That the minutes from the Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) meeting dated February 12, 2026, be received for information. 4 Clar*mn February 23, 2026 Council Minutes 8.9 Minutes from the Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade Committee meeting dated February 13, 2026 Resolution # C-042-26 That the minutes from the Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade Committee meeting dated February 13, 2026, be received for information. 8.10 Report FSD-010-26 - Single Source Hemson Consulting for Fiscal Impact Assessments Resolution # C-043-26 That Report FSD-010-26, be received for information. 8.11 By-law 2026-010 - Being a By-law to exempt Lots 86, 87, and 89; and Blocks 150, 151, and 154, Registered Plan 40M-2784 from Part Lot Control Resolution # C-044-26 That By-law Number 2026-010, be approved. 8.12 By-law 2026-011 - Being a By-law to amend By-law 84-63, the Comprehensive Zoning By-law for the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington. Resolution # C-045-26 That By-law Number 2026-011, be approved. 8.13 Minutes from the Clarington Heritage Committee meetings dated December 16, 2025, and January 20, 2026 That the minutes from the Clarington Heritage Committee meetings dated December 16, 2025, and January 20, 2026, be received for information. 9. Items for Separate Discussion 9.1 Report PDS-002-26 - Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan Recommendation Report (Referred from the January 26, 2026, Council Meeting) Resolution # C-047-26 Moved by Councillor Anderson Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh That Report PDS-002-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That Clarington Official Plan Amendment 131 and Durham Region Official Plan Amendment 2, attached to Report PDS-002-26, for the Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan be approved; 5 Clarington February 23, 2026 Council Minutes That Clarington Official Plan Amendment 146, attached to Report PDS-002-26, for the Clarington Energy Business Park Secondary Plan be approved; That the Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan be implemented through the annual capital budgeting process; That the Urban Design and Sustainability Guidelines appended to the Secondary Plan be approved and be used by staff to guide development applications and public projects; That the Deputy CAO, Planning and Infrastructure Services be authorized to finalize the Transportation Impact Study in support of the Secondary Plan; That Council request Durham Region Transit to provide transit service to connect the Energy Business Park, future residential development and the Courtice Waterfront Park to the future Courtice GO Station; That Council direct staff to undertake a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment to determine transportation improvements that may be required to facilitate access to the Courtice Waterfront Park and to unlock housing, subject to the Minister approving use of funding for this project through Clarington's 2024 Build Faster Fund allocation up to $500,000; That the Deputy CAO, Planning and Infrastructure Services be authorized to execute any agreements to implement the Secondary Plan once approved by Council; and That all interested parties listed in Report PDS-002-26 and any delegations be advised of Council's decision. Yes (6): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Elhajjeh, Councillor Rang, Councillor Woo, and Councillor Zwart Absent (1): Councillor Traill Carried on a recorded vote (6 to 0) 9.1.1 Correspondence from Joe Neal regarding Report PDS-002-26 - Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan Recommendation Report Item 9.1.1 was considered during Item 9.1 - Report PDS-002-26 - Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan Recommendation Report. 6 Clarington 9.2 School Board Trustees Suspend the Rules Resolution # C-048-26 Moved by Councillor Zwart Seconded by Councillor Woo February 23, 2026 Council Minutes That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to add an additional item regarding School Board Trustees, to the Agenda. Carried Resolution # C-049-26 Moved by Councillor Zwart Seconded by Councillor Woo Whereas locally elected trustees provide essential community representation; And whereas all communities rely on trustees to reflect local priorities, ensure accountability, and advocate for students; And whereas proposed changes may reduce or eliminate locally elected trustees; Now therefore be it resolved: 1. That Clarington Council affirms support for maintaining elected trustees; and 2. That the Premier and Minister of Education be encouraged to pause on this issue and asks the government to commit to a full-scale, transparent, and province -wide consultation on school board governance models. 3. That the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA), Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), and local MPP(s) be advised of Council's decision. Yes (6): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Elhajjeh, Councillor Rang, Councillor Woo, and Councillor Zwart Absent (1): Councillor Traill Carried on a recorded vote 10. Confidential Items 7 Clar*mn February 23, 2026 Council Minutes 11. Confirming By -Law Resolution # C-050-26 Moved by Councillor Woo Seconded by Councillor Anderson That By-law 2026-012 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Municipality of Clarington at a regular meeting held on February 23, 2026, be approved. Carried 12. Adjournment Resolution # C-051-26 Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh Seconded by Councillor Rang That the meeting adjourn at 7:42 p.m Carried