Clarington has been awarded a $3.2 million grant from the Government of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund: Capital Stream for the design and construction of a new fire training facility in Bowmanville.
Firefighters and other emergency responders in Clarington and across Durham Region will have new opportunities to develop life-saving skills at the facility, according to statements from the province and Clarington.
This facility—which will be the first of its kind in Durham Region—will feature both a drill tower and a live fire training tower, a training compound, large classroom space and a driver training track. It will provide access to leading-edge training for senior fire officials in incident command and emergency management strategies, leadership training for future Fire Chiefs and Deputy Fire Chiefs, fire training certification for volunteer and career firefighters from underrepresented communities, and more.
The funding announcemnt was made by David Piccini, Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, and MPP for Peterborough—Northumberland South.
“Our first responders play a vital role in our community and deserve the finest resources and training,” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. “This investment will ensure Durham remains safe and well-protected for decades to come.”
“Clarington’s firefighters and other first responders will get better training locally, thanks to this significant grant. This facility will be the first of its kind in the region, and its training opportunities will enhance the safety of communities throughout Durham,” said Mayor Adrian Foster. “I am grateful to the Province of Ontario for this generous funding, which will make this facility a reality and support sustainable growth in our community.”
Learn more about Clarington Emergency and Fire Services by visiting www.clarington.net/EFS.
Grant for Hetherington Drive Stormwater Outlet Improvement project
The Municipality of Clarington is receiving funding under the Province of Ontario’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund to upgrade and improve the Hetherington Drive Stormwater Outlet in the Bowmanville Creek valley. The province will fund 73 per cent of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $509,118.
The Hetherington Drive Stormwater Outlet was originally built in 1972. The improvement project, anticipated to begin in late 2025, will introduce several upgrades to support cleaner water in the creek. This includes installing an oil grit separator to filter out pollutants like oil, grit and other debris, and enhancing the existing outlet swale to slow the flow of rainwater, optimize filtration and reduce pollutants before stormwater is released into the creek, said a statement.
“This investment is great news for the growing community of Clarington,” said Todd McCarthy. “By enabling the construction of more than 1,000 housing units, our government is reaffirming its strong commitment to the people of Durham.”
“Homes do not appear overnight – they require the right water and wastewater services that build these homes, and support the communities they’re situated in,” said David Piccini. “Ontario has invested more than $1.8 billion into the Housing-Enabling Water Systems fund that will support building strong communities and helping people realize the dream of homeownership.”
These upgrades are being done to support environmentally responsible redevelopment (926-1,026 units) in the Bowmanville West Major Transit Station Area. The improvements to the stormwater outlet will help manage stormwater runoff from new developments more sustainably.
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