Community Improvement Plans and Incentives

Supports exterior improvements to commercial and mixed-use buildings that enhance curb appeal, contribute to local revitalization, and improve the public-facing appearance of a property. Eligible projects may include:

• Storefront improvements (windows, doors, architectural features)
• Masonry repair or restoration
• Repainting, cladding, awnings, and canopies
• Exterior lighting
• Landscaping and site beautification visible from the public street

Maximum Township contribution is 50% of eligible project costs, up to $5,000 per project.

Provides a rebate for eligible planning application fees and building permit fees that support improvements or development aligned with CIP goals—particularly housing creation (including ARUs), commercial improvements, and building code compliance.

Examples of eligible fees may include:

• Building permits
• Minor variances
• Site plan applications
• Zoning amendments supporting redevelopment or housing

Fees must be paid in full up front; rebates are issued once approvals are granted. The maximum Township contribution is 50% of eligible fees, up to $5,000 per project.

Supports the creation of new residential units or upgrades to existing units to bring them into compliance with the Ontario Building Code or Fire Code. This includes:

• Additional Residential Units (attached or detached)
• Units above or behind commercial buildings
• Renovations that increase safety, livability, or long-term housing supply

This program helps owners expand housing opportunities while improving building safety and efficiency.

The maximum Township contribution is 50% of eligible costs, up to $1,500 per unit (maximum four units per applicant).

Supports restoration, conservation, and long-term maintenance of properties that are designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Eligible work includes:

• Repair or restoration of identified heritage attributes
• Professional heritage assessments and conservation plans
• Building stabilization or structural reinforcement necessary to preserve heritage features

The maximum Township contribution is 50% of eligible costs, up to $7,500 per project.

Helps property owners undertake the early-stage studies needed to determine whether an improvement or redevelopment project is feasible. Eligible professional studies may include:

• Architectural concept drawings
• Structural assessments
• Engineering or servicing reports
• Building code analyses
• Market or financial feasibility studies

This program supports informed decision-making before major investments are made.

The maximum Township contribution is 50% of eligible study costs, up to $5,000 per project.

Supports upgrades to improve accessibility, safety, and code compliance in buildings that serve the public. Examples of eligible improvements include:

• Barrier-free entrances or ramps
• Automatic door openers
• Handrails and guardrails
• Widened doorways or hallways
• Accessible stairways and pathways
• Safety features required to meet the Ontario Building Code or AODA standards

the maximum Township contribution is 50% of eligible costs, up to $5,000 per project.

Assists commercial, mixed-use, institutional, and home-based businesses with improving exterior, street-facing signage to enhance visibility and community identity. Eligible work could include:

• New primary building signage
• Secondary wayfinding or directional signage
• Replacement of outdated, damaged, or non-compliant signage
• Lighting associated with signage
• Digital signage for certain commercial or institutional uses (subject to specific criteria)

The maximum Township contribution is 50% of eligible costs, up to $2,500 per project.

This grant supports the development of four or more affordable housing units through redevelopment, expansion, or major rehabilitation. The program provides a grant equivalent to a portion of the municipal tax increase (“tax increment”) that results once the project is completed and reassessed.

Key features:

• The project must create at least four affordable rental units
• Affordability must be maintained for a minimum of 10 years
• Grants are issued annually after taxes are paid

The maximum Township contribution is 80% of the municipal tax increment for up to 10 years.