After years, Clarington Council has finally approved the Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan.
However, the municipal announcement did not provide any timeline for its development. The municipality has ambitious development plans including Bowmanville East Urban Centre Plan, Bowmanville Zoo lands, Goodyear lands and development of Camp 30, etc., but the timelines are not clear (see below).
The plan envisions a new waterfront community featuring a new municipal park. It will enhance existing trail systems, increase public access to Lake Ontario and protect natural areas associated with Tooley Creek and the shoreline, said a municipal statement.
The mixed-use community will create a variety of housing and commercial amenities such as shopping, dining, and services, it said.
The Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan area covers some 101 hectares. It is generally bound by Darlington Provincial Park to the west, Courtice Shores Drive to the east, Lake Ontario to the south, and Highway 401 to the north.
This area was previously brought forward as part of the Courtice Waterfront and Energy Park Secondary Plan. Following the release of the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 and changes to the Planning Act definition of ’employment area’, the plan boundary was revised to focus solely on the Courtice Waterfront area. The existing Clarington Energy Business Park Secondary Plan will remain in effect, the municipality said.
What’s in the Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan?
The Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan envisions a new 16-hectare (bigger than the former Bowmanville Zoo lands) municipal park situated along Lake Ontario.
Historically, this area of the Courtice waterfront has been privately owned; aside from the small trail network that currently exists to the east. Through the framework of this Secondary Plan, the Courtice Waterfront Park can belong to the community of Clarington, significantly enhancing public access to the water, shoreline, beach and surrounding areas.
This area will be carefully planned with community input as part of the Clarington Waterfront Strategy and future detailed design work.
Protecting natural heritage
The Secondary Plan prioritizes environmental protection for the Lake Ontario shoreline, Tooley Creek valley lands, and other sensitive areas. These lands will promote ecological integrity while providing scenic trails and passive recreation opportunities.
Technical analyses have been completed to guide environmental protection policies. Throughout the process, the Municipality also worked closely with partner agencies, including the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA), Ontario Parks, and the Region of Durham.
Housing and growth
The Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan provides a framework for responsible growth, accommodating approximately 2,500 housing units for about 4,800 residents through a mix of single-detached homes, townhouses, mid‑rise apartments, and mixed‑use buildings with ground‑floor services.
The lands designated Low Density Residential adjacent to Darlington Provincial Park will create a gradual transition to townhouses and three‑ to six‑storey buildings, with a maximum height of 15 storeys in the mixed‑use core—subject to further studies and required approvals.
The community is planned to include a pedestrian-oriented intersection, acting as a focal point for restaurants, cafés, and small shops near the Courtice Waterfront Park. This hub will create a welcoming space for residents and visitors, encouraging social interaction and supporting local businesses.
This new residential area is expected to generate approximately 550 jobs in retail, hospitality, and community services, the municipality said.
Enhanced trail network
An active transportation network will connect the neighbourhood to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Lake Ontario shoreline and Tooley Creek. Multi-use paths, pedestrian bridges, and cycling facilities will make the area walkable and bike-friendly, linking to the broader municipal network and the future Courtice GO Station.
A complete community
With its mix of environmental protection, housing, retail, parks, and cultural amenities, the Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan area has been designed as a complete, sustainable community that celebrates its natural setting while offering modern conveniences, the municipality said.
“We’re truly fortunate to be a waterfront community, stretching along the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario. I’m thrilled we now have a clear and exciting path forward to an amazing, publicly-accessible Courtice waterfront. One with a big new park where folks can walk lakeside trails, enjoy the serenity of Tooley Creek, grab an ice cream cone on a hot summer day, and maybe even find work or put down roots in a new home nearby,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.
“We’ve been refining this plan for years, with help and engagement from thousands of you, for this vibrant waterfront community. I thank everyone who helped shape it: from the technical experts to the environmental authorities and every resident who had their say. There’s still plenty to do, and it’ll take time, but exciting things are on the way.” Mayor Foster added.