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A downtown village street

The Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal has engaged NPG Planning Solutions and Tim Welch Consulting Inc. to review our existing Community Improvement Plans (CIPs) and help shape programs that:

  • Support downtown revitalization
  • Encourage investment in our communities
  • Introduce incentives to provide affordable and attainable housing.

We're grateful to Community Futures Grenville for supporting this project and helping us enhance engagement opportunities with our residents and stakeholders.

We need your help

We want to hear from you! Whether your a resident, business owner, developer, or part of a community group, your ideas will help shape programs that reflect our local priorities and values. Take this short survey to share your input.

Take the survey

CIP process

Learn about each step of the process and stay updated on our progress.

Step 1: Council meeting - project overview
On March 31, 2025, the consulting team presented the project scope and timeline to Council. You can watch a recording of the meeting or view presentation materials online.
Step 2: Needs assessment and environmental scan

A Needs Assessment and Environmental Scan is completed as an early step in this project.

This report helps us understand what's working and what could be improved in our current community improvement plans. It looks at how past programs have been used, what our community needs today, and how other municipalities are using CIPs to support things like housing and downtown revitalization.

It includes key insights from the Township's Housing Needs Assessment and local census data, and highlights where there may be opportunities to support affordable and attainable housing, attract investment, and strengthen our communities.

The report will be shared here once available.
Step 3: Community Survey
The new CIP should reflect what is most important to our community. Please share your ideas in a quick online survey.
Step 4: Stakeholder workshops
Two in-person workshops hosted by NPG Planning Solutions and Tim Welch Consulting Inc. will gather input from key groups, including developers, business owners, and community organizations.
Step 5: Draft community improvement plan
At this stage, NPG Planning Solutions and Tim Welch Consulting Inc. will prepare a draft CIP, including policies, incentive program recommendations, an implementation plan and evaluation criteria.
Step 6: Council meeting - draft CIP update
The draft Plan will be presented to Council and the public with an overview of the recommendations for the CIP.
Step 7: Public meeting

The draft plan will be presented to the public with an overview of the recommendations for the CIP. This meeting will provide an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to share feedback on the proposed plan before it's finalized.

Revisions may be made to the plan based on Council and community feedback.
Step 8: Council meeting - adoption of CIP
A final version of the plan will be presented to Council where they will consider its adoption.

What is a Community Improvement Plan?

A CIP is a tool municipalities can use under Ontario's Planning Act to promote improvements in their communities. It allows municipalities to offer financial incentives to stimulate private investments and support community priorities such as:

  • Revitalizing downtowns
  • Encouraging the creation of affordable and attainable housing
  • Preserving heritage buildings
  • Improving public spaces and accessibility

Since 2012, our Township has had two CIPs - one for the Village of Cardinal and one for the Village of Spencerville - focused mainly on facade improvements, property upgrades, and supporting mixed-use downtown development. Now, with changing needs and growing housing pressures, it's time for an update.

Why are we updating the CIP?

While our community continues to grow, there are critical needs to address:

  • Housing: There's a shortage of smaller, more affordable housing options for seniors, young families, and workers.
  • Economic development: Supporting businesses, tourism, and investment remains a priority.
  • Downtown renewal: Continues investment is needed to maintain vibrant, attractive village cores.

This update supports our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, which identifies the need to review and expand our Community Improvement Plan to help increase affordable housing options and create a more livable community.

For more information

Reach out to our Community Development Coordinator if you have any questions about this process or the new CIP.