Clarington Invites Resident Feedback on Green Development Framework

The Municipality of Clarington announced on May 13, 2025, that it is developing a Green Development Framework (GDF) to establish sustainability recommendations for new developments. According to the Municipality, the GDF is part of the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan to support healthy, resilient communities.

Municipal officials state that the GDF will serve as a policy tool to outline green standards and guidelines for all stages of development planning, from construction to final acceptance. According to the Municipality, the guidelines will draw on best practices, building certification programs, and regional sustainability goals.

The Municipality reports that the GDF is intended to encourage developers and builders to use sustainable design and to apply principles that address the community as a whole. Officials state that these guidelines are derived from the One Planet Living Principles and are meant to help achieve greenhouse gas reduction targets as well as the sustainability objectives outlined in Clarington’s Official Plan.

Municipal officials indicate that the GDF is being developed in response to rising climate impacts such as increased temperatures, severe weather events, threats to agriculture, and health concerns related to climate change. According to the Municipality, adopting these measures could improve infrastructure resilience to extreme weather and may lead to long-term cost benefits for taxpayers.

According to the Municipality, residents are invited to provide feedback on the sustainability principles that should shape the Green Development Framework through the municipal website.