Major Catalysts for Growth
Ontario Power Generation
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is actively expanding in Clarington to accommodate a high-tech clean energy hub that will support innovation in nuclear technologies, including the building of four small modular reactors (SMRs) at OPG’s Darlington Nuclear Generating Station. The Conference Board of Canada reports that the SMRs will contribute $15.3 billion to Canada’s GDP, create thousands of local jobs, and generate $4.9 billion in tax revenues for the municipal, provincial, and federal governments over 65 years. Eager to embrace a sustainable future, the Municipality is actively cultivating plans for expansion as a leader in clean energy.
Courtice Waterfront and Energy Park Secondary Plan
Several Secondary Plans will shape the future of South Courtice by continuing to support the energy business cluster while creating a new residential neighbourhood, bringing in the Courtice GO Station and an extensive waterfront urban park. The plan will guide the area’s growth as a major employment and business hub while enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Bowmanville Hospital and Downtown Development
The Bowmanville East Urban Centre Secondary Plan offers the opportunity for more than 800 new residential units, including a new mixed-use district with residential, commercial, and community uses and open spaces. The objectives of the redevelopment include improving connections to Bowmanville’s downtown and the nearby creek and the adaptive reuse of the Goodyear property as a commercial activity node and public open space in proximity to existing and planned residential neighbourhoods and the downtown.
The Secondary Plan Area also comprises of the Lakeridge Health Bowmanville Hospital. The facility is home to the Regional Eye Centre and is a full-service community hospital serving people across Durham Region. Redevelopment is underway that includes modernized facilities that will double the footprint of the current hospital. This provides the opportunity to grow the local medical community and support additional growth in the form of attracting small-scale medical and diagnostic laboratories as well as health care professionals.
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park has the potential to become a major event and hospitality asset in the community, having been positioned as the leading racing and automotive performance facility in the country with 500,000 visitors annually. It’s one of only three tracks in the world that has hosted Formula 1, Can-Am, and IndyCar events.
Agricultural Diversification
As with many parts of the province, the Region of Durham has shown considerable interest in facilitating on-farm diversified uses to support the ongoing sustainability of farming and introduce young entrepreneurs to the business and investment opportunities in the region’s rural areas. This shift in thinking also supports the growth of local agritourism opportunities, which helps build a stronger rural economy.
Tourism
Clarington has a thriving visitor economy with local residents and tourists exploring our community’s unique mix of attractions. Clarington is known for its agri-tourism experiences, being the pick-your-own and apple capital of Canada, and offering immersive opportunities to pick apples, pumpkins, potatoes, blueberries, and more. Clarington is also home to major attractions like Darlington Provincial Park, Brimacome Ski Hill and the international race facility, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, which hosts annual NASCAR races.
There is a rich collection of local festivals and events that provide colour and vitality to residents’ quality of life in Clarington; among them are Maplefest and the Orono Fair.
Clarington’s proximity to Toronto and location within Durham Region make it an ideal location for growth in the hospitality industry and is well-positioned for hotel or convention centre expansion.