Clarington’s total population is forecast to grow from 105,000 to 221,000 (an increase of 110 per cent) by 2051, said the municipality yesterday.
The total employment base for Clarington is forecast to grow from 29,900 jobs to 70,300 jobs (an increase of 135 per cent), it added.
Clarington launched a review of the official plan at a special council meeting on June 27, which will guide the municipality as it grows.
“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 plan review process allows the community and council to engage in topics like how to address quality of development, environmental protection, parks and trails, traffic, and affordable housing, said the statement.
It directs:
- Which forms of housing and densities are appropriate in certain areas.
- How we attract economic development and generate local jobs.
- How environmental features should be protected.
- How we preserve our 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 province mandates that municipalities must update their official plans every five years. The Clarington Official Plan was last updated in 2018 and is due for review.