Clarington council approves Soper Hills Secondary Plan for east Bowmanville

Clarington council approved the Soper Hills Secondary Plan for the east side of Bowmanville on May 26, adopting a planning framework intended to guide future development in the area.

Secondary plans set out land uses and community features—such as housing, schools, parks, and transportation connections—that are intended to shape later development applications and infrastructure decisions.

The secondary plan area covers about 193 hectares, according to the municipality’s announcement.

The plan estimates an eventual population of about 13,000 residents. It allows for approximately 5,900 dwelling units through a mix of housing types, ranging from low-density homes to medium- and higher-density residential buildings.

A centrally located neighbourhood centre is planned along Concession Street East. The plan outlines a mix of shops, services, and offices in that area.

The plan sets aside space for new elementary schools next to neighbourhood parks or parkettes, with walking and cycling routes planned to connect them.

The plan includes neighbourhood parks and smaller parkettes throughout the community, with locations to be refined as development progresses. A neighbourhood park is planned south of Concession Street East, with the plan citing preservation of the area’s topography and recreational space as goals.

The plan also outlines a network of streets, sidewalks, trails, and multi-use paths intended to link homes with parks, schools, and local destinations.

The plan designates Environmental Protection Areas intended to protect significant natural features and ecological functions. Public trail access is proposed in some areas, with the plan calling for designs intended to limit ecological impacts.

Mayor Adrian Foster said the plan would encourage “walkable neighbourhoods with lots of different types of housing, new schools, and central shops,” and described the area as becoming a “compact, lively, connected community” over time.

Future development will require separate planning applications, such as subdivision and site plan applications, supported by technical studies. Development is expected to occur gradually over time and is to be guided by the secondary plan.