A new walkable community, complete with shops, schools, parks and trails will be coming to Bowmanville.
Clarington Council, in this election year, has approved the Soper Hills Secondary Plan. However, no funding or timeline details were released.
Covering some 193 hectares, Soper Hills will guide the development “over time” of a mix of housing types, new elementary schools, a central neighbourhood centre, and a connected network of streets, sidewalks, trails, and parks designed to support everyday living, said a municipal announcement.
It will have a strong focus on walkability, cycling, transit access, and the protection of natural features and green spaces.
To Accommodate 13,000 Residents
The community will have a range of housing to support a growing population.
With an estimated population of about 13,000 residents, the Secondary Plan supports the development of some 5,900 dwelling units with a mix of housing types from low-density homes to medium- and higher-density residential buildings.
A centrally located neighbourhood centre is envisioned along Concession Street East. Designed to be pedestrian-friendly, the Secondary Plan outlines a mix of shops, services, and offices to support daily needs and foster local connection within walking distance of nearby homes.
Schools, Parks And Trails
The Secondary Plan includes space for new elementary schools located next to neighbourhood parks or parkettes that can be safely and conveniently accessed by walking and cycling.
Parks and open spaces are outlined as a defining feature of Soper Hills. The Secondary Plan includes neighbourhood parks and smaller parkettes woven throughout the community, with locations to be refined as development progresses.
A larger‑than‑usual neighbourhood park is planned south of Concession Street East to preserve the topography of the area and offer a variety of recreational spaces. A connected network of sidewalks, trails, and multi-use paths will link homes with parks, schools, local destinations and the surrounding natural environment.
Looking Ahead
With the Soper Hills Secondary Plan approved, future development will move forward through separate planning applications, such as plans of subdivision and site plans, supported by detailed technical studies. Development will occur gradually over time, guided by the vision set out in the Secondary Plan.
“Planning like this is essential to make sure our community grows responsibly into our vision for the future of Clarington. The Soper Hills Secondary Plan is how we encourage development that builds walkable neighbourhoods with lots of different types of housing, new schools, and central shops. Over time, this area will become a compact, lively, connected community for its residents,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.
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