Clarington Approves the Courtice Waterfront – A Bold Vision for a Thriving Lake Ontario Community
Community News | Public Meetings & Notices
After years of technical studies, environmental review, and extensive public consultation, Clarington Council has officially approved the Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan. This transformative long-term framework paves the way for a vibrant, sustainable, and publicly accessible waterfront community that blends environmental protection, residential development, recreation, and thoughtfully designed commercial spaces along Lake Ontario.
This milestone not only shapes the future of Courtice’s waterfront—it also represents a significant opportunity for local real estate, impacting property values, development potential, buyer demand, and long-term investment appeal across Courtice and surrounding communities.
Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster captured the excitement around the project, sharing:
"We’re incredibly fortunate to be a waterfront community. This plan creates an exciting path forward for a beautiful, accessible Courtice waterfront—featuring lakeside trails, serene natural spaces, new parks, gathering places, and opportunities to live, work, and connect. Years of collaboration and community input have shaped this vision, and while there’s more work ahead, truly exciting things are coming."
What’s Included in the Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan?
A Landmark Waterfront Park – Boosting Lifestyle Appeal & Property Values
At the heart of the plan is a spectacular 16-hectare municipal waterfront park, larger than the former Bowmanville Zoo lands. Previously inaccessible to the public, this shoreline will now become a major lifestyle destination featuring lakeside trails, green spaces, recreation areas, and scenic gathering spots.
Real estate impact: Proximity to waterfront parks and trails consistently enhances buyer demand, resale value, and long-term price stability. Homes near major green spaces and water access historically command stronger market interest and premium pricing, benefiting both homeowners and investors.
Environmental Protection – Preserving Long-Term Value
The plan places strong emphasis on protecting the Lake Ontario shoreline, Tooley Creek valleylands, and other environmentally sensitive areas. Through extensive studies and collaboration with agencies such as CLOCA, Ontario Parks, and the Region of Durham, development will prioritize ecological integrity alongside community access.
Real estate impact: Protected natural spaces preserve scenic views, lifestyle quality, and long-term desirability, safeguarding property values and reducing overdevelopment risks that can negatively impact neighbourhood appeal.
Smart Growth & Housing Diversity – Expanding Buyer Options
The Secondary Plan provides for approximately 2,500 residential units accommodating nearly 4,800 residents, featuring a diverse mix of housing:
Single-family homes
Townhouses
Mid-rise apartments
Mixed-use buildings with street-level retail
Development will transition gradually in height, maintaining harmony with Darlington Provincial Park and surrounding areas, while introducing a vibrant mixed-use core with buildings up to 15 storeys, subject to further approvals.
Real estate impact: This diversity supports strong absorption rates, creates opportunity for first-time buyers, move-up buyers, downsizers, and investors, and drives sustained housing demand across multiple price points.
Vibrant Mixed-Use Core – Strengthening Community Value
A central pedestrian-friendly hub will feature cafés, restaurants, boutique retail, and community spaces adjacent to the waterfront park, generating approximately 550 local jobs.
Real estate impact: Walkable neighbourhoods with retail and dining consistently outperform traditional subdivisions, increasing buyer appeal, lifestyle convenience, and resale performance.
Enhanced Trails & Transit Connectivity – A Major Market Advantage
A robust active transportation network will link residents to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Lake Ontario shoreline, Tooley Creek, and the future Courtice GO Station, making commuting, cycling, and walking more convenient.
Real estate impact: Transit-oriented development and trail connectivity are proven drivers of buyer interest, rental demand, and long-term appreciation, particularly for commuters and younger demographics.
What This Means for Real Estate in Courtice & Clarington
The approval of the Courtice Waterfront Secondary Plan represents a major catalyst for real estate growth in the region. Over time, this development is expected to:
Increase buyer demand across Courtice and surrounding communities
Support long-term property value appreciation
Attract investors seeking stable, high-growth locations
Create new housing opportunities for a wide range of lifestyles
Strengthen Courtice’s position as one of Durham Region’s most desirable emerging waterfront communities
As infrastructure, parks, retail, and transit connections come online, this area is poised to become one of Clarington’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.
