Clarington is launching a comprehensive review of its Community Improvement Plan, aiming to revitalize downtown areas across Bowmanville, Newcastle, Orono, and Courtice with updated incentives and design standards.
The municipality has retained Sierra Planning and Management, in partnership with MHBC, to evaluate and modernize the existing Community Improvement Plans that apply to each of the four designated downtown zones. The initiative follows council’s endorsement of the 2025-26 Economic Development Action Plan, which identified the CIP review as a priority action item.
A Community Improvement Plan is a tool available under Section 28 of the Ontario Planning Act that allows municipalities to establish grants, loans, and other financial incentive programs. These programs encourage private sector investment in development and renovation projects that align with local revitalization goals. Property owners and businesses within designated CIP areas can access funding for improvements such as building facade upgrades, signage enhancements, and property redevelopment.
The updated Clarington downtown improvement plan will focus on several key objectives. It will identify current challenges facing the local business and development community, explore the possibility of consolidating the four separate CIPs into a single unified framework, and examine expanding the program boundary to encompass the entire municipality.
The review will also assess existing incentive programs while introducing new ones tailored to specific areas including commercial downtowns, employment lands, rural properties, and affordable housing developments. Design guidelines will be incorporated to ensure that physical improvements contribute positively to the character of each community.
Clarington’s downtown cores have experienced varying levels of investment in recent years, with Bowmanville seeing the most significant growth due to ongoing residential development and transit expansion along the GO train corridor. Newcastle and Orono have maintained their small-town charm while seeking ways to attract new businesses, and Courtice continues to evolve as a growing residential community with commercial potential along Highway 2.
The consolidation approach could streamline the application process for businesses operating in multiple areas and create a more consistent set of standards across the municipality. It may also allow the municipality to allocate resources more efficiently and respond to emerging priorities such as purpose-built rental housing and affordable housing initiatives.
Residents and business owners will have an opportunity to provide input at a public meeting scheduled for Monday, June 15 at 6:30 pm. The session will be held both online and in person at Council Chambers in the Municipal Administrative Centre at 40 Temperance Street in Bowmanville. Municipal officials are encouraging broad participation to ensure the updated plan reflects the needs and aspirations of all four communities.
The current CIP framework has been in place for several years, and municipal staff have acknowledged that updates are needed to align with recent changes to provincial legislation, shifting market conditions, and the municipality’s evolving strategic priorities. Businesses interested in learning more about existing incentive programs or the upcoming review can contact the Clarington Economic Development office or visit the municipality’s website for additional details.
The review process is expected to take several months, with a final updated Community Improvement Plan anticipated for council consideration later this year. In the meantime, existing incentive programs remain available to eligible property owners and businesses within the current designated areas.
