The Municipality of Clarington has created a dedicated webpage for updates on CN Whistle Cessation at Bennett Road and Cobbledick Road. For the latest information, please visit www.clarington.net.

Posted on November 18, 2025.
Updated October 1, 2026.

In May 2026, Council heard a presentation from the Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation (DRNPHC) about a potential housing concept to help people experiencing homelessness.

At this time, the Municipality has not received a formal proposal from DRNPHC for this project.

The presentation outlined a concept that would help people move from encampments into safe, private cabins with access to shared washrooms, showers, kitchen and laundry facilities, along with 24-hour wraparound supports. It included 50-unit micro-modular transitional housing cabin community on Maple Grove Road in Bowmanville.

Should DRNPHC decide to pursue a Clarington site, Council passed a motion to support the DRNPHC project by waiving fees for related planning applications (up to a maximum of $5,000) and providing up to $355,000 in infrastructure funding.

Posted on May 27, 2026.

The Municipality of Clarington has created a dedicated webpage for the former Goodyear lands, featuring a detailed history of this evolving situation and updates on ongoing enforcement activities. For the latest information, visit www.clarington.net/GoodyearLands.

No. The Fletcher Tree is a designated heritage feature located at 2 Church Street in Bowmanville. Under this designation, the tree and its root system must be protected in accordance with Clarington’s heritage policies and the Ontario Heritage Act.

Lakeridge Health has proposed a temporary parking lot to support the Lakeridge Health Bowmanville redevelopment project. As part of the ongoing site plan review process, Clarington is working with the property owner to ensure measures are in place to protect the Fletcher Tree and its root system, in keeping with the tree’s heritage designation.

The preliminary work currently underway is covered by a separate site alteration permit. That work is taking place outside of the migratory bird nesting window and will not affect the Fletcher Tree. Fencing will be installed for safety and to protect the Fletcher Tree and its root system as part of the site alteration process. 

Improving access to health-care services is a priority in Clarington’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan. Municipal staff continue to work collaboratively with project partners to help advance the hospital redevelopment while protecting the Fletcher Tree.

Additional questions can be sent to Sarah Gattie, Principal Planner at SGattie@clarington.net.

For more information about the Bowmanville Hospital redevelopment, visit www.lh.ca.

Posted on September 15, 2026.

Vacant properties are generally privately owned. Property owners decide whether and when to sell or redevelop their land, and the Municipality cannot require a property to be developed simply because it is vacant. What the Municipality can do is enforce standards for property maintenance and review redevelopment proposals.  

All properties, including vacant ones, must comply with Clarington's Property Standards By-law. If residents notice excessive debris, overgrown vegetation, unsafe conditions or a property that appears to be falling into disrepair, they can report the concern through the Service Clarington portal. Municipal staff can investigate and, where a property is found to be in violation of the by-law, require the property owner to take corrective action.

If an owner applies to redevelop a vacant property, the proposal must go through the appropriate planning review process. Depending on the applications required, this may include technical studies, review by municipal staff, opportunities for public input, staff recommendation and a Council decision prior to development starting. 

In short, the Municipality can help ensure vacant properties are safe and maintained, but decisions about when and how land is developed remain with the property owner, subject to any required approvals.

Posted September 21, 2026.

With GO service expanding to Courtice and Bowmanville, Clarington is planning ahead to ensure the new stations help support tourism, recreation, local businesses and future growth.

Through several planning initiatives, the Municipality is designing walkable, connected communities around future GO stations that will make it easier for residents and visitors to access shops, restaurants, parks, trails and waterfront destinations.

In Courtice, plans for the future GO Station area and waterfront are designed to improve connections between transit, local businesses, recreational amenities, and a future municipal waterfront park. In Bowmanville, planning is underway for a mixed-use, transit-supportive community featuring new housing, services, open spaces and improved pedestrian and cycling connections around the future station.

Clarington's draft Waterfront Strategy further supports this vision through plans for a more connected and accessible waterfront experience, including one continuous Waterfront Trail, lookouts, seating, washrooms and other visitor amenities stretching from Courtice to Port Granby Nature Reserve.

To support these new opportunities and more, the Municipality has also introduced a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), with revenues reinvested locally to support tourism promotion and enhance visitor experiences.

Together, these initiatives will help Clarington make the most of GO expansion by creating vibrant destinations that encourage residents and visitors to explore the community, support local businesses and enjoy our waterfront, parks and trails.

Posted September 21, 2026

Yes! Staff have direction from Council to pursue a dog park in north Bowmanville when an appropriately sized property becomes available as the area is developed in the future.

Updated September 15, 2026.

Summary

The South Bowmanville Recreation Centre (SBRC) will be a modern sports and fitness destination, expanding recreation access for Clarington’s growing population. A hub for activity and connection, it creates a state-of-the-art space for soccer, basketball, tennis, pickleball, volleyball, skating, swimming, fitness classes, recreation programs, and more—encouraging movement, participation, and community spirit. It addresses service gaps, fosters inclusive programming, and delivers new amenities that elevate athletic development and community engagement.

Learn more

Phase 1 is expected to open in 2026 with the following key features:

• The indoor turf dome, including a FIFA-sized field, will be four times larger than the former Bowmanville Indoor Soccer facility, allowing for year-round multi-sport programming and supporting clubs like Darlington Soccer Club and Darby Football Club. Its expanded capacity will strengthen recreational sports opportunities, supporting grassroots programs and community participation while also enabling Clarington to host professional teams, semi-professional leagues, and major tournaments, fostering elite development.

• The dome’s three-lane indoor track provides a safe, accessible space for walking and jogging, two of the most popular recreation activities. It ensures consistent opportunities to stay active, supports dryland training for sports groups, and will be an ideal venue for track programs.

• The fully accessible gymnasium, featuring two FIBA-sized courts, will be more than twice the size of the Diane Hamre Recreation Complex gym. It will provide space for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, tennis, and more, ensuring high-quality recreation opportunities for residents of all abilities while supporting local community sport organizations.

• The outdoor refrigerated skating trail will be the first in Durham Region and one of the longest in Ontario—making it a landmark community feature. Its modified figure-eight layout will span over 850 square metres with a 170-metre length, surpassing Toronto's Barbara Ann Scott Trail and covering more ground than the Bentway Skating Trail. This family-friendly space welcomes all ages and abilities, offering year-round enjoyment. In the winter, its refrigeration system ensures safe, consistent ice, making skating accessible despite fluctuating temperatures. In warmer months, it transforms into a community hub for hosting events, markets, and celebrations.

• The multi-purpose rooms will support day camps, fitness classes, and community programs, providing versatile spaces for structured activities, wellness programs, and social gatherings that promote engagement and lifelong participation.

Phase 2 includes a new Aquatics Centre and more multi-purpose spaces. It will introduce Clarington’s first warm water therapeutic pool alongside a competition-ready lap pool. This aquatic expansion was recommended in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan (PRCMP), which was approved by Council on October 28, 2024, ensuring the facility aligns with the community's evolving recreation needs.

Dive deeper into the decision-making process by reading through reports shared on the project timeline at www.clarington.net/SouthBowmanvilleRec.

Posted on June 6, 2025.

Summary

A skating trail was selected to provide an inclusive, multi-season space for family-friendly recreation. It responds to strong community demand for outdoor skating, as highlighted in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan (PRCMP) community survey. The refrigerated trail ensures consistent ice quality and doubles as a warm-weather venue for markets, events and casual community gatherings.

While the original concept for South Bowmanville Recreation Centre (SBRC) was planned to include an arena, more detailed analysis revealed that the site could not support one with all the other amenities. The site’s topography, elevation changes, proximity to CLOCA-regulated wetlands, and limited parking capacity were all factors considered.

Clarington remains committed to expanding ice as the community continues to grow. The South Courtice Arena has been identified as the preferred location for future ice development to support organized hockey, figure skating and community access.

Learn more

As the first skating trail in Durham Region and one of the longest in Ontario, the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre (SBRC) will feature a modified figure-eight layout will span over 850 square metres with a 170-metre length, surpassing Toronto’s Barbara Ann Scott Trail and covering more ground than the Bentway Skating Trail—making it a landmark community feature.

Outdoor skating has long been a Canadian tradition, bringing people together in winter. In the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan (PRCMP) community survey, 75 per cent of respondents supported outdoor skating rinks, ranking them 6th out of 41 facility types, reinforcing strong community demand. Clarington’s third outdoor refrigerated skating space will offer a safe, climate-controlled environment for family-friendly skating, ensuring consistent ice quality despite fluctuating winter temperatures.

The SBRC was initially planned to include an arena in the 2019 Feasibility Study, but after further assessment including community needs, recreation priorities, and rising costs, Clarington Council paused the project in 2023 (Report CAO-006-23). The project was then restarted with a new scope of work (Report FSD-035-23), including an outdoor refrigerated skating trail to provide an inclusive, multi-season space. Unlike arenas, which primarily serve organized hockey and figure skating, skating trails encourage casual, family-friendly participation across all ages and skill levels.

SBRC is a multi-sport destination that responds to our community’s needs and fits the land’s physical realities. In late 2024, an Aquatics Centre was added to the plans, providing residents with access to both swimming and skating—two of Clarington’s most requested recreation experiences.

Posted on June 6, 2025.

Summary

The South Bowmanville Recreation Centre (SBRC) is designed to bring people together through movement and wellness. Instead of an equipment-based gym, it offers spaces for group fitness, wellness programs, and social activities—embracing the shift toward interactive, inclusive recreation. This approach aligns with the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan (PRCMP), which prioritizes group-based exercise over individual weight training.

Learn more

The South Bowmanville Recreation Centre (SBRC) will be a modern sports and fitness destination, offering versatile spaces that support a wide range of recreation opportunities. Instead of an equipment-based gym, SBRC will feature multi-purpose rooms for group fitness, wellness programs, and community activities, creating inclusive spaces for all ages and abilities while fostering social connection and engagement.

The Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan (PRCMP) highlights a shift toward interactive and inclusive fitness, with more residents choosing group-based programs over traditional gym workouts. The PRCMP community survey found that 38 per cent of respondents participated in aerobic, yoga, or fitness programs, while 21 per cent engaged in weight training. Group fitness can boost motivation, mental well-being, and long-term commitment, strengthening community connections in the process.

Approved by Council on October 28, 2024, the PRCMP will guide recreation investments for the next 10 to 15 years, ensuring Clarington’s facilities continue evolving to meet community needs. Clarington is committed to adapting recreation spaces to evolving fitness trends, ensuring access to dynamic, engaging, and accessible wellness options that encourage lifelong participation.

Explore the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan to learn more.

Posted on June 6, 2025.

Summary

Approved in the 2026 Budget Update, Clarington will explore the feasibility of adding two new indoor ice pads at the South Courtice Arena. This work will begin in 2026 and include studies and investigations that assess items such as (but not necessarily limited to): land needs, requirements for site servicing, traffic and parking impacts, and how the expansion could incorporate and integrate indoor and outdoor amenities. A conceptual design will also be prepared to help visualize what the facility could look like, along with high-level cost estimates to guide future decisions. This is the starting point for the project and will help inform the municipality’s capital forecast and position it for potential future funding opportunities.

Right now, Clarington exceeds the benchmark service level with its seven indoor ice pads and continues investing in upgrades to extend the lifespan. Projections suggest two more pads may be required by 2036, so Clarington is planning ahead to meet those future ice needs. It also has two outdoor refrigerated skating rinks, with a third under construction, supporting leisure skating.

Additionally, the Municipality is working with local arena boards and regional partners to maximize ice access for the community.

Learn more

Clarington is a community that loves its ice, and the Municipality is committed to growing responsibly to meet future needs. Long-term projections suggest that two more ice pads may be required by 2036 to support increasing demand, based on findings from the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan (PRCMP), approved by Council on October 28, 2024. The PRCMP community survey confirmed broad community support for investment in arenas (indoor ice), with 68 per cent of respondents supporting additional investment, ranking them 13th out of 41 facility types. Additionally, the survey found that 41 per cent of households actively participate in ice activities.

Looking ahead, Clarington has built flexibility into its arena system. The South Courtice Arena was designed to accommodate two additional ice pads, allowing it to expand into a quad-pad facility when needed. This site has been identified as the preferred location for future expansion, though additional ice pads wouldn’t be required until beyond 2031.

Currently, Clarington has one Olympic-sized and six NHL-sized ice pads across our community, including twin ice pads at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex and South Courtice Arena, a single pad at Darlington Sports Centre, and two municipal-owned ice pads at Orono Arena and Newcastle Memorial Arena, operated independently by local arena boards. Clarington’s arena service level is one ice pad per 15,537 residents, higher than the benchmark average of one per 24,119 residents.

To ensure continued access, Clarington is actively maintaining and enhancing its arena system. The Municipality has invested $3 million in Orono Arena (2024) to add 15 more years to its lifespan, $4 million in Newcastle Memorial Arena (2023) to extend its service life by 20 to 30 years, and $2.2 million in Darlington Sports Centre (2010) to ensure continued operation for years to come. (Report CSD-002-22)

To support immediate needs, the Municipality is maximizing ice time, working with independent arena boards in Newcastle and Orono, and exploring regional partnerships to maintain strong access for local skaters.

Explore the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan (PRCMP) to see the vision for Clarington’s amenities over the next 10 to 15 years and learn how future needs are being addressed.

Posted on June 6, 2025.

Clarington’s Strategic Plan prioritizes building a safe, inclusive, and vibrant community. Gender-specific programming plays a vital role in achieving this goal by removing barriers to increase participation. Recreational opportunities like female-only swims and support for local girls’ sport organizations helps create safe and welcoming spaces for women and girls.

The Parks and Recreation and Culture Master Plan reinforces the importance of inclusive programming, with Recommendation #87 pointing out that strategies are needed to increase participation in recreation and sport among females and those who identify as female, in partnership with Canadian Women & Sport.

The Canadian Women & Sport’s 2024 Rally Report highlights the need for inclusive environments:

• Over 1 million Canadian girls are missing out on the benefits of sport

• Only 63 per cent of girls play organized sports weekly, compared to 68 per cent of boys

• Girls are more likely to drop out by age 16

• 2 in 5 girls say comments about appearance or religious attire impact their willingness to participate

By creating environments where girls feel comfortable and supported, gender-specific programming serves as a stepping stone toward greater inclusion—not a retreat from Canadian values. You can learn more about the importance of building an inclusive community in Clarington by visiting www.clarington.net/BeTheChange.

Posted on July 14, 2025.

The South Bowmanville Recreation Centre (SBRC) project, first approved in 2023, was later expanded in 2024 to include an Aquatics Centre. This addition was consistent with the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan (PRCMP), which identified aquatics as a priority for the growing community. Construction began in May 2025.

As the facility’s design matured to the construction-ready stage, more accurate estimates were prepared. The budget was increased to ensure the project meets expected standards, is delivered on time, maintains fiscal responsibility, and reflects contingency best practices for a project of this size and complexity.

Council approved the increase in September 2025, bringing the total project budget to $121.8 million, as outlined in Council Report PUB-012-25. This added $16.56 million, which includes a contingency of 10 per cent.

Staff remain focused on finding cost-saving opportunities that maintain high standards of quality and functionality.

Learn more:

• Additional funding at construction-ready stage: Report PUB-012-25
  
• Aquatics Facility expansion: Report PUB-011-24
  
• Initial Recreation Centre budget: Report FSD-035-23

Posted on January 12, 2026.

For every property tax dollar, approximately 33 cents funds local programs and services provided by the Municipality of Clarington, including fire and emergency services, road maintenance, parks, recreation facilities, libraries, municipal law enforcement, and more. Clarington continues to rank among Durham Region’s municipalities with the lowest property taxes, maintaining high-quality services while keeping tax rates affordable.

Your total property tax bill is divided into three portions:

• Municipal taxes fund Clarington’s essential services.

• Regional taxes support transit, policing, public health, social services, and other broader programs.

• Education taxes are set by the Province to support local school boards.

Taxes are based on municipal and regional budget needs and your MPAC property assessment, which determines your home’s value. A higher reassessment does not automatically mean higher taxes, as municipalities adjust rates to collect only what is needed for services outlined in the annual budget. Any surplus funds at the end of the year goes into reserve funds to stabilize tax rates, cover unexpected costs, and fund future projects.

Resources to learn more:

• Clarington's 2024-27 Budget
• Durham Region's Budget
• Ontario's Property Tax page
• Municipal Property Assessment Corporation

Posted on June 12, 2025.

Each year, Clarington reviews its budget to ensure community needs are met and tax rates are adjusted accordingly. Property taxes follow a three-step cycle:

• In winter, residents receive an Interim Property Tax Bill, based on the previous year’s estimates.
• In spring, Clarington passes the Final Tax By-Law, officially setting tax rates.
• By May, residents receive their Final Property Tax Bill, reflecting actual taxes owed.

Property taxes are paid in four instalments—February, April, June, and September. Clarington offers flexible payment options, including pre-authorized payments, online or telephone banking, in-person payments, and mail-in cheques. For a paperless experience, residents can sign up for eBilling at www.clarington.net/eBilling, making tax bills easily accessible online. Pre-authorized payments provide a convenient way to manage taxes, with monthly or instalment-based schedules. Learn more and enroll at www.clarington.net/PAP.

Posted on June 12, 2025.

A tax levy is the total amount of money the Municipality collects through property taxes.

The 3 per cent tax levy increase approved by Council for 2026 is accurate and refers to the overall increase in municipal property tax revenue collected in Clarington.

That levy is divided across properties based on a number of factors, including each property's assessed value, the total taxable assessment in the municipality, property tax classes, and realized growth.

As a result, not every property owner will see the same percentage change on their tax bill.

Learn more about your tax bill by using the Property Tax Breakdown Calculator and www.clarington.net/Budget.

Posted on August 21, 2026.

Clarington is ready to respond to emergencies across our community with the people, stations, vehicles and specialized equipment needed today, while planning responsibly for the needs of tomorrow. Clarington Emergency and Fire Services (CEFS) is supported by full-time and volunteer firefighters, five strategically located fire stations, a comprehensive fleet of emergency vehicles and ongoing training to prepare for changing community needs, including taller buildings and new types of development.

Recent investments include the expansion of Fire Station 1 in Bowmanville to support two full-time firefighting crews, the addition of a new heavy-duty rescue truck and two new supertankers, and new equipment to support firefighter health and safety. CEFS also recently completed one of its largest recruitment efforts in years, with 20 volunteer firefighters moving into full-time roles and 19 new volunteer firefighters joining the service, with additional volunteer recruitment underway. Clarington is continuing to modernize critical technology, including recent investments in the fire dispatch system that gets crews moving quickly when emergencies happen.

Planning for emergency services is based on more than population growth alone. Clarington also looks at development activity, call volumes, staffing, equipment, facilities and response coverage to guide responsible, needs-based investments. By using data to identify trends, anticipate risks and understand where resources are needed most, Clarington’s firefighters can make informed decisions that help protect public safety as the community grows. Learn more at www.clarington.net/firesafety.

Posted on July 30, 2026.

Telecommunication towers and antenna systems are regulated exclusively by Federal Legislation under the Federal Radiocommunication Act administered by the department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). However, the Municipality of Clarington recognizes the critical importance of ensuring our residents have reliable cellular service across our community—so we’re stepping up.

In October 2024, Council approved a report directing staff to partner with Shared Tower Inc. to explore municipally owned locations to build cellular infrastructure. Since then, Clarington has worked with Shared Tower to explore the construction and operation of telecommunications antennas and tower systems on five municipal properties:

• Fire Station 1 (Bowmanville)
• South Courtice Arena
• Middle Park (Bowmanville)
• Fire Station 3 (Orono)
• Mearns Avenue in Bowmanville (Municipally owned lands north of CPKC Rail)

Shared Tower will lead the detailed design, permitting and public consultation processes for these areas.

Visit www.clarington.net/CellTower to learn more!

Posted on June 6, 2025.

If you live in a Residential Hamlet (RH), Rural Cluster (RC), or the Village of Orono, you’re now welcome to keep 2 to 4 hens for fresh eggs right at home. No roosters, no meat production, no egg sales—just a great way to support local food and sustainable living.

Clarington listened to residents and revised its rules in October 2024 with By-law 2024-044, supported by Council Report LGS-032-24. By focusing on zones with larger lots and more space between homes, the update helps create the right conditions for keeping hens in a safe, neighbour-friendly way. It offers residents a chance to explore small-scale food practices in a responsible way, while supporting wellness and sustainability across the community.

Here’s what to know:

• Hens must be at least 4 months old
• You’ll need a coop—max 10m² and 2m high, in your backyard only
• Coops must close from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  
• Keep it neighbour-friendly: 2m from property lines, 10m from nearby homes
  
• Owners must live on-site and care for feed, waste, and overall hen health

Want to learn more or get started? Visit Clarington’s Animal By-Laws page.

Posted on July 3, 2025.

Beginning in fall 2026, short-term stabilization and hazardous materials abatement (safe removal) will take place at the Camp 30 cafeteria building. While not a permanent solution, this work is intended to address immediate safety risks and help prevent further deterioration.

Funded by the Jury Lands Foundation and overseen by the Municipality of Clarington, the work will include:

• Removal and salvage of the existing chimney

• Stabilization of the east wall using scaffolding, including brick removal

• Safe removal of hazardous materials

Please visit jurylandsfoundation.com for more information.

Background:

In January 2026, Council received a report from staff seeking direction on next steps for the cafeteria building at Camp 30. The cafeteria, which is the only building owned by the Municipality of Clarington within the Jury Lands, requires a significant financial investment to stabilize, partially retain, or demolish due to its poor condition.

Following a delegation from the Jury Lands Foundation, Clarington Council gave the Foundation until the end of 2026 to secure additional funding to stabilize the deteriorating Camp 30 Cafeteria Building. Citing years of municipal investment, volunteer efforts, and escalating potential costs for broader restoration, Council reaffirmed that no additional municipal financial support will be provided beyond fencing and security.

Staff will continue coordinating with the Jury Lands Foundation to meet safety requirements, and, should funding be secured, oversee the restoration project.

Read the full report.

Posted on December 17, 2025.
Last updated on September 21, 2026.

The Toronto–Québec City High-Speed Rail Network (Alto) is a federal initiative that proposes to build approximately 1,000 kilometres of dedicated, electrified passenger rail linking Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois‑Rivières and Québec City.

Alto is still in the early stages of planning. At this point, a broad study corridor – about 10 kilometres wide – has been identified that stretches the full distance between Québec City and Toronto.

Within Clarington, the current study corridor includes rural areas along the municipality’s northern limits. This corridor is meant to guide early technical work and does not represent a finalized route, as further studies are required.

More information can be found on Alto’s consultation page.

Posted on March 30, 2026.

As of June 30, 2026, the Municipality has found no evidence of any illegal abattoirs (slaughterhouses) operating in Clarington.

While several properties have recently been discussed on social media, Municipal Law Enforcement received formal complaints about a single property and conducted an investigation. The investigation found no evidence of an abattoir operating on the property. Building Division inspectors identified Building Code matters unrelated to meat processing; no evidence has been confirmed to support claims of illegal meat processing.

To date, Clarington has not received any other substantive complaints about any other properties.

Clarington's Municipal Law Enforcement Division investigates concerns submitted through the Municipality's by-law complaint process. We conduct investigations and prosecutions based on evidence, not rumours and innuendo. Enforcement Officers follow the rule of law and the Municipality’s Enforcement Policy to ensure our investigations are legal, fair, impartial, consistent, and free from political interference. Each complaint is carefully reviewed to determine the appropriate response under Council-approved by-laws. Our investigations are also governed by human rights and privacy laws to respect the dignity of every resident.

Municipal Law Enforcement Officers are Provincial Offences Officers and carry out their duties independently under applicable legislation and municipal policy, free from political interference. Council’s role is to establish by-laws and policies; enforcement staff are responsible for applying them through a fair, evidence-based process.

By-law enforcement in Clarington is complaint-based, which means any member of the public may submit a complaint if they believe there is a contravention of a municipal by-law. Submit a complaint online at any time through the Service Clarington portal, or by phone at 905-623-3379 ext. 2105.

Thank you for helping us maintain a respectful, informed and responsible community.

Posted June 30, 2026.

In Ontario, reports of animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, or animals in distress are investigated by Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS). PAWS is responsible for enforcing the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act and conducting animal welfare investigations. Residents with animal welfare concerns should contact PAWS directly at 1-833-9ANIMAL.

Clarington Animal Services and Municipal Law Enforcement have a different focus than PAWS. Through local by-laws the Municipality regulates pet ownership, exotic animals, and dog kennels, and provides services including the animal shelter, pet licensing, lost-and-found pet services, and adoptions. The Municipality is not authorized to investigate or enforce the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, nor do we seize animals in distress, such as animals in hot vehicles. These powers are exclusively assigned to Animal Welfare Services inspectors and police officers. If a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer encounters an animal that we suspect is being mistreated, our procedure is to contact PAWS and/or the Durham Regional Police Service as the agencies responsible.

Posted July 8, 2026.