The Municipality of Clarington is inviting residents to share their Public Feedback on a proposed $65-million waterfront strategy aimed at improving public access and connecting key lakeshore areas across the community.
The draft strategy, presented during a planning meeting on March 9, outlines a long-term vision to enhance the Lake Ontario shoreline in Courtice, Bowmanville and Newcastle, while also linking these waterfront locations through a network of parks, trails and natural spaces stretching to Port Granby.
Municipal officials say the strategy focuses on creating five distinct waterfront experiences while maintaining environmental protection and recreational access for residents and visitors.
According to Martina Braunstein of Dillon Consulting, the firm that prepared the draft strategy, the long-term goal is to build a connected waterfront system over the next several decades.
“The vision for 30 years from now is one connected waterfront with five distinct experiences,” Braunstein explained, noting that the plan includes parks in Courtice, Bowmanville and Newcastle, along with an agricultural heritage area and the Port Granby Nature Reserve.
The proposal includes several major waterfront park projects, each designed to offer unique recreational opportunities.
In Courtice, the strategy proposes a vibrant, family-friendly waterfront park estimated to cost $39 million. The park could include features such as a playground, spray pad, picnic shelters, gardens, sports courts, lookout points, a natural play area and beach access.
In Bowmanville, the plan calls for a gateway waterfront park connecting marshland and lakefront areas through ecological corridors. The estimated $20-million project could include a waterfront promenade, boardwalk, pedestrian bridge linking the east and west beaches, sport courts, picnic areas and a boat launch.
Meanwhile, the Newcastle waterfront would be developed into a residential marina village hub, with improvements such as a waterfront promenade, natural restoration areas, playground spaces, a boat launch and designated areas for food trucks. This portion of the plan is estimated to cost $6.5 million.
The strategy also highlights an agricultural heritage corridor stretching from Newcastle to Port Granby. This section would celebrate the region’s farming history with passive trails and opportunities for agri-tourism.
At Port Granby, the vision focuses on preserving the natural landscape by creating an environmental education space featuring wetlands, meadows, forests and walking trails.
While many residents support the idea of improved waterfront access, some homeowners expressed concerns about how the strategy could impact private properties along the shoreline.
Members of the Port Darlington Community Association asked the municipality to ensure that residents are properly consulted before final decisions are made.
Local resident Susie Plumpton said waterfront homeowners could provide valuable insight into how the shoreline is currently used.
Another resident, Sarto Provenzano, raised concerns about a proposed boardwalk shown on the draft plan that appears to cross his private property.
Municipal officials say the draft strategy is still in its early stages and that public consultation will play a key role in shaping the final plan.
Darryl Lyons, Clarington’s deputy CAO of planning and infrastructure, confirmed that feedback from residents will be carefully reviewed as part of the planning process.
Council has now voted to move forward with the draft strategy, allowing the municipality to begin public engagement efforts. A public information centre is expected to be scheduled soon to gather community feedback before the strategy returns to council for final approval.
The project timeline stretches through 2040, with early initiatives such as trail improvements expected to begin before 2030.
