With plans to further develop Clarington mass transit areas in Courtice and Bowmanville, a study has recommended a management plan for both the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek watersheds.
These are two of the smallest watersheds within the municipality. They are especially vulnerable to the effects of changing land use and the impact of development as they are situated almost completely within the Courtice Urban Area, said a Clarington Council notice.
Courtice, like Bowmanville, will see a GO train station, which has already prompted significant high density development around both the proposed sites. There is also pressure to build more homes quickly under Ontario’s Bill 23.
At a meeting held on April 3, Clarington Council approved Resolution #PD-030-23 to receive Report PDS-024-23.
The resolution indicates that the recommendations in the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed Study be adopted. The resolution supports staff implementing the recommendations of the Robinson Creek and Tooley Creek Subwatershed Study in the Courtice Transit Oriented Community Secondary Plan and the Courtice Waterfront and Energy Park Secondary Plan, said a council notice.
Watershed planning is recognized as one of the most effective mechanisms for the protection, management, and enhancement of the natural environment. It uses a holistic approach to manage all aspects of a watershed, including the natural heritage system (woodlots, wildlife habitat), hydrologic resources (groundwater, streams, wetlands), and the inter-relationships that exist between these resources.