Community Improvement Plan

Applications Open: January 1 – March 31, 2025

Private Sector Incentive Programs

The Township has officially launched the incentive programs for the private sector to encourage reinvestment in privately owned properties located in the CIP project areas, especially where it will enhance the public realm and make a positive contribution to the overall vitality of the Township’s four settlement areas (Baysville, Dorset, Dwight and Hillside). Review program details in the Township’s “Private Sector Incentive Programs Policy”.

Types of Programs

Expansion and Diversification of Existing Businesses

Project Grant: The Township may provide a grant of up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $5,000 per property.

Loan: The Township may provide a loan of up to $10,000 per business. A loan agreement will be required to be signed between the parties, and a loan amortization repayment table established.

Expenditures:

Construction costs related to accessibility,
Renewable energy projects (e.g., solar panels)
Structural and mechanical upgrades to existing commercial buildings, including:
- Upgrades to plumbing and electrical systems
- Installation of safety and fire protection systems
- Structural upgrades
- Upgrade and installation of windows
- New technologies
- Building insulation
- Consultant fees
- Fire suppression systems
- Carpentry
- HVAC
- Interior renovations

Beautification and Visual Appeal

Loan: The Township may provide a loan of up to $5,000 per business. A loan agreement will be required to be signed between the parties, and a loan amortization repayment table established.

Expenditures:

Costs related to landscaping
Façade improvement
Signage upgrading

Housing Development

Project Grant: The Township may provide a grant of up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $2,000 per unit.

Loan: The Township may provide a loan of up to $10,000 per unit. A loan agreement will be required to be signed between the parties, and a loan amortization repayment table established.

Expenditures:

Acquisition costs related to development of vacant residential land or redevelopment of multi-residential housing or single-family dwellings with accessory residential uses.
Construction costs related to redevelopment of multi-residential housing or single-family dwellings with accessory residential uses.
Renewable energy projects such as solar panels, small-scale wind turbines, or geothermal associated with the production of new housing units would be eligible.

Exclusions:

Appliances

New Tourism and Business Activity

Project Grant: The Township may provide a grant of up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $2,000 per business.

Loan: The Township may provide a loan of up to $10,000 per business. A loan agreement will be required to be signed between the parties, and a loan amortization repayment table established.

Expenditures: Construction costs related to new construction for the eligible supply-chain industry sectors, including:

Plumbing and electrical systems
Installation of safety and fire protection systems
Structural upgrades
Upgrade and installation of windows
New technologies
Technology/construction related to market expansion
Building insulation
Consultant fees (e.g., engineer, architect)
Fire suppression systems
Metal fabrication
Carpentry
HVAC

Public Art

Project Grant: The Township may provide a grant of up to 50% of eligible costs for commissioning and installation of works to a maximum of $1,000 per installation.

Expenditures: Development and installation costs relating to works of public art.

Please note that in addition to this application for the incentive program, an additional and separate Art in Public Spaces Application must be completed for each piece of art being considered, adhering to the Township's Art in Public Spaces Policy.

Deadline to Apply

The Community Improvement Plan Private Sector Incentive Program will have two intakes annually, held in the first quarter (January to March) and the third quarter (July to September) of each year.
The second intake will only occur if funding remains available after the first.

How to Apply

Review Program Details
Schedule a Pre-Consultation Meeting with staff
Gather Supporting Documentation (Plans, Photos, Quotes, etc.)
Fill out the Online Form

View Program Details

Apply Now

What is the Community Improvement Plan

A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a planning tool to support strategic community investment priorities. A CIP provides a framework for investment opportunities in the public realm and the provision of incentive programs to assist the private sector to stimulate redevelopment and to facilitate property improvements.

The Township’s four settlement areas are the focus for the Township’s Community Improvement Plan: Baysville, Dorset, Dwight and Hillside. In recognition of the important and unique role the communities play in the Township’s economic and social development, Council approved a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) with the focus of attracting tourism, business investment and economic development; as well as assisting in providing attainable/affordable housing. In this regard, the CIP identifies the need to create a private-sector incentive program.

Community Improvement Plan

The CIP Private Sector Incentive Program will be open for applications during the set intake windows. Discover more details about each program in the policy, and get ready to apply!