With population set to explode, Clarington to review Official Plan
Published July 11, 2023 at 12:31 pm
With Clarington’s population expected to more than double in the next quarter-century, the municipality has launched a review of the Official Plan, a document that will guide long-term planning and development, with the Province mandating it be updated every five years.
By 2051, Clarington’s population is forecast to grow from 105,000 to 221,000 and the total employment is expected to grow even faster; from 29,900 to 70,300 jobs – an increase of 135 per cent.
“The Official Plan affects every resident, business, and landowner in Clarington and provides direction on topics that matter to all of us in how we live, work and play in our day-to-day lives,” said Sarah Allin, Planner for Clarington’s Planning and Infrastructure Services Department.
The Clarington Official Plan establishes the long-term vision for the community, manages growth and development and guides capital investment decisions now and into the future. It also helps decide:
- Which forms of housing and densities are appropriate in certain areas.
- How Clarington attracts economic development and generates local jobs.
- How environmental features should be protected.
- How to preserve agricultural land and support local food production.
- How roads can be designed for pedestrians, bicycles, public transit and private vehicles.
- Where parks, trails, and recreation spaces will be located and how they will be connected.
The Clarington Official Plan was last updated in 2018 and is due for review, which will give the Municipality a chance to ensure the vision still meets the community’s needs, conforms to the Region’s own Official Plan and aligns with recent changes in provincial policy and legislation.
Residents are asked to read the Introductory Discussion Paper and share their thoughts and ideas by filling out the Official Plan Review Discussion Questions. For more information, contact Allin (905) 623-3379 ext. 2419 or Lisa Backus, Manager Community Planning, at (905) 623-3379 ext. 2413.
