The Courtice waterfront plan is moving forward after Clarington councillors voted to recommend the Secondary Plan for final approval.
At a meeting on Jan. 19, council endorsed the plan, which aims to secure public access to the Lake Ontario shoreline while guiding long-term development in the area.
Municipal officials described the proposal as a rare opportunity to preserve undeveloped waterfront land for public use. The plan includes a 16-hectare public park and approximately 2,500 residential units, ranging from low- and medium-density housing to apartment buildings and mixed-use developments.
“This is really a great opportunity to bring forward a gem for the community,” said Darryl Lyons, Clarington’s deputy chief administrative officer of planning and infrastructure, noting that the land remains undeveloped and therefore more feasible to protect for public access.
Several residents raised concerns during the meeting, citing potential environmental impacts, service capacity, transportation pressures, infrastructure costs, and the lack of affordable housing provisions. Some questioned population projections that estimate nearly 4,800 residents in the area once development is complete.
Municipal staff said the population estimates are based on established planning models and emphasized that extensive studies — including environmental, traffic, noise, and compatibility assessments — have been completed or are nearing completion.
Landowner Kirk Kemp, who is contributing land for the proposed municipal park, told council the waterfront park would span nearly one kilometre of shoreline, offering space for recreation, picnics, and community activities once opened to the public.
Council ultimately voted in favour of recommending the Courtice waterfront plan, with one dissenting vote. The report will now proceed to council for final approval.
