spotlight on Courtice
Bordering the city of Oshawa, Courtice marks the western extent of the Municipality of Clarington. With a population of 35,000 people, it is the second most populous urban centre in Clarington.
The area that is now Courtice was originally inhabited by members of the Mississauga and Chippewa of the Anishinabeg First Nations. In 1794, the first European settlers arrived, and the village was named after Thomas Courtice, who arrived in 1831. The village remained small and agricultural until the 1980s, when housing developments were built and the community rapidly expanded.
Darlington Provincial Park
Located conveniently just off the 401 (visitors take the Courtice Road exit), Darlington Provincial Park offers a taste of nature close to the city. Open all year round, camping season runs from May to October. The park features a sandy beach on Lake Ontario as well as multiple trails for hikers to experience. For more information, visit the Ontario Parks website.
Darlington Nuclear Visitor Centre
Located at 1855 Energy Drive in Courtice, the Darlington Nuclear Visitor Centre offers the general public a unique chance to learn about power generation and nuclear energy at the site of Ontario's second largest nuclear power plant. Interactive and informative displays give visitors insight into the plant, which generates 20 percent of the electricity used in Ontario (enough to power a city of 2 million people).
Courtice Flea Market
Featuring five buildings, 100 vendors and a Farmers Market, the Courtice Flea Market is located at 1696 Bloor Street in Courtice. It is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 to 4:30 pm, and offers unique products and plenty of deals for shoppers.