The Municipality of Clarington is undertaking a review and update of its Community Improvement Plan (CIP). Since 2005, the Municipality has been implementing CIPs that focus on Commercial Downtown and Main Street Improvements in four CIP areas – Bowmanville, Newcastle, Orono and Courtice. In 2025, Council endorsed the 2025-26 Economic Development Action Plan, which included initiating the review of the CIP as a priority action.

Sierra Planning & Management, in association with MHBC, has been retained by the Municipality of Clarington to review and update Clarington’s existing CIPs, ensuring the program aligns with current legislation, the Municipality’s strategic priorities, and the community's evolving needs.

What is a Community Improvement Plan (CIP)?

A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a tool available to municipalities under Section 28 of the Planning Act. CIPs help facilitate revitalization and redevelopment efforts in defined area(s). To carry out CIPs, municipalities can establish grants, loans, and other programs to encourage private sector investment in development and renovation projects which seek to improve areas in accordance with local goals and priorities.

How can a CIP help business and property owners?

Private property owners and businesses in designated CIP areas can take advantage of financial incentive programs contained in CIPs to achieve a range of community improvement goals such as improving property façades and redeveloping property.

The CIP update will:

• Identify current issues facing Clarington’s business and development community;

• Explore opportunities to consolidate the four existing CIPs into a unified framework;

• Examine the potential expansion of the CIP Area to include the entire Municipality of Clarington;

• Review and adjust existing incentive programs while identifying new ones to support community priorities and emerging sectors; and

• Tailor incentive programs to specific areas such as commercial downtowns, employment areas, rural properties, and purpose-built rental and affordable housing developments.

The CIP review and update will also incorporate concise, user-friendly Design Guidelines to establish clear design direction, support relevant incentive programs, and guide the Municipality in evaluating private projects eligible for CIP incentives. The guidelines will ensure that physical improvements to buildings and/or new signage will align with and contribute positively to the character of Clarington’s communities.

Keep checking this webpage to follow the progress of the project and to see how you can contribute to the development of the CIP by providing your feedback.