Policy · Waterfront · Ward 2 A Connected & Protected Waterfront Joshua Glover  |  Candidate for Councillor, Ward 2

The Bowmanville waterfront is one of Clarington’s greatest natural assets. Managing it requires local care. Expanding public access along Lake Ontario should not come at the expense of the coastal environment or the peace of mind of people who live there.

My commitment is resident-conscious stewardship: face-to-face consultation with West Beach and neighbouring waterfront residents to safeguard privacy, parking, and quiet enjoyment. Direct public use to durable, well-serviced amenities, protect shoreline wetlands, and build a connected waterfront that respects the people who call it home.

01 · Protect and restore West Beach

I will advocate for phased ecological restoration of Port Darlington West Beach with CLOCA and local residents — coastal dune management, native planting, and naturalization. I will also press for a full review of emergency access and egress to address coastal flooding, erosion, and wave action, so residents and emergency services keep safe, resilient access.

02 · Connect trails and transportation

Waterfront access has to fit the wider transportation network. I will advocate for proactive traffic management, intersection safety improvements, and active-transportation links so growing use stays safe.

03 · Manage access and elevate amenities

I will support human-scale, environmentally sensitive public infrastructure: accessible washrooms, family recreation space, and a seasonal launch for kayaks and paddleboards. For Bowmanville Marsh, I will advocate for an elevated boardwalk and educational heritage trail that protects wildlife habitat, with peripheral parking that keeps extra vehicles off quiet beach streets.

04 · Create a heritage commons

I will advocate for a dedicated public waterfront gathering space that marks Clarington’s agricultural, harbour, and cottaging history, designed through open consultation with local homeowners, historical groups, and Indigenous partners.

05 · Protect the local taxpayer

Growth must pay for growth. I will advocate for maximizing eligible development charges, parkland dedication reserves, and senior-government active-transportation grants to fund eligible shoreline works — and keep pressure off the local property-tax levy.

A successful waterfront serves the wider community and respects the people who already live there. Public access should be planned, serviced, environmentally responsible, and compatible with local residents. The waterfront can be an asset for all of Clarington without asking shoreline households to carry the cost of its success.

On October 26, vote Joshua Glover for Peace, Order, and Good Governance.