Durham Region yesterday announced the release of its 2025-2035 Strategic Plan, which aims at expanding affordable housing options near transit.
However, the region statement did not say how. Current development around the proposed Bowmanville and Courtice GO train stations does not appear to have a significant affordable housing component.
The plan outlines key priorities and goals for the next decade. It also calles for enhancing public transit connectivity and reliability, while defining a strategic direction aligning regional infrastructure with projected growth,
Pathways:
- Align regional infrastructure and asset management with projected growth, climate impacts, and community needs.
- Enable a full range of housing options, including housing that is affordable and close to transit.
- Improve public transit system connectivity, reliability, and competitiveness.
- Improve road safety, including the expansion and connection of active transportation networks to enhance the range of safe mobility options.
- Improve digital connectivity and multi-channel access to information, resources, and service navigation.
- Continue to revitalize and transform downtowns into hubs of economic, social, and cultural connection.
- Create accessible, lively, and culturally welcoming public spaces, including opportunities to access nature.
Other strategic directions include:
- Environmental sustainability and climate action
- Healthy people, caring communities
- Resilient local economies
- Strong relationships
“This year, we introduce Durham Region’s 2025 Strategic Plan. This important document will act as a compass to guide the region’s work for the next 10 years,” said Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer John Henry.
The plan was developed through a year-long consultation process, incorporating community feedback. “The Strategic Plan is ambitious. It considers the stories, priorities and voices heard throughout the year-long consultation process that shaped it,” said Henry. “Five strategic directions have been identified to achieve the vision of ‘Connected communities. Connected to you.'”
Henry emphasized the plan’s role in shaping the region’s future, encouraging residents to review it online. “I encourage you to view the new Strategic Plan at durham.ca/StratPlan. We look forward to putting The Plan into action and invite you to join us as we continue to build a better Durham for all.”