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 from our Council Calendar.
A New Community Improvement Plan for TWPEC
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.
CIP process
Learn about each step of the process and stay updated on our progress.
Step 1: Council meeting - project overview
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.
You can read the executive summary or review the full Needs Assessment and Environmental Scan report.
Step 3: Community survey (now closed)
The new CIP should reflect what is most important to our community. Thank you to everyone that shared their comments through our survey from April 23 to May 12, 2025.
Review an overview of the survey results.
Two in-person workshops were hosted by NPG Planning Solutions and Tim Welch Consulting Inc. on May 7, 2025. We heard ideas and feedback from developers, business owners, and community organizations that will help shape the new plan to meet the needs of our community.
View the presentation material and discussion topics from the economic development workshop and the affordable housing workshop.
Step 5: Draft community improvement plan
A draft Community Improvement Plan (CIP) has been prepared by NPG Planning Solutions based on the input received from focus groups, a public survey, tradeshow engagement, and internal review.
We welcome you to review this early draft.
Step 6: Council meeting - draft CIP update
The draft plan was presented to Council at their regular meeting on August 25, 2025.
A Public Meeting to invite formal feedback from residents, businesses, and community stakeholders will be scheduled before finalizing the Plan.
We are here - Step 7: Public meeting
The draft Community Improvement Plan (CIP) will be presented to the public at a public meeting on October 6 at 6 p.m.. This Statutory Public Meeting, held under the Planning Act, offers residents, local business owners, and community stakeholders a valuable opportunity to ask questions, offer feedback, and raise any concerns before the Plan is finalized. Input gathered at this stage may lead to further revisions before Council considers adoption.
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.
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