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Blind River
Community
Improvement
Plan
[email protected]
705.356.2251 x210
Eligibility Criteria &
Program Requirements
Grants shall be provided for the rehabilitation and/or construction
of patios, gardens, trees & shrubs, walkways, park benches,
bicycle racks, waste receptacles, fountains, retaining walls,
fencing, outdoor lighting, and any other outdoor landscape
related improvements.
Only commercial, mixed-use, institutional, industrial properties and
Residential Third Density Zone (R3) zoned properties are eligible for
this grant. For clarity, properties zoned Residential First Density
Zone (R1) and Residential Second Density Zone (R2) are not
eligible for this grant. A grant for a total of half (50%) of the
construction costs, to a maximum of $5,000.
The maximum amount of a grant for professional landscape
architectural services shall not exceed 50% of the grant that is
calculated for eligible construction costs.
As a condition of grant application, the Town may require the
applicant to submit for approval professional design/architectural
drawing(s) which shall be in conformity with Downtown Design
Guidelines, as well as impact studies such as traffic studies.
The grant will be payable upon completion of the works.
Purpose
To encourage an
appealing pedestrian
environment by supporting
improvements to the
aesthetics of outdoor
landscaping on private
properties, improving their
aesthetics, and providing
better pedestrian
connections and seating.
Program Details
A grant of 50% to a
maximum of $5,000 of the
costs for improving outdoor
landscaping and property
improvement on private
property in the Community
Improvement Areas.
LANDSCAPING &
PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT GRANT
Purpose
The purpose of the Accessibility Grant is to
improve the accessibility to existing buildings in
accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians
with Disabilities Act, 2005.
Program Details
A grant of 50% to a maximum of $2,500 is
available to assist property owners, tenants, or
assignees to encourage the provision of
accessibility to existing buildings. Examples include
customized portable ramps.
Property owners or businesses within the CIP
project area are eligible to apply for funding to
renovate existing buildings to make them
accessible according to the Accessibility for
Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
Eligibility Criteria &
Program Requirements
Only commercial, mixed-use, institutional,
industrial properties and Residential Third Density
Zone (R3) zoned properties are eligible for this
grant. For clarity, properties zoned Residential First
Density Zone (R1) and Residential Second Density
Zone (R2) are not eligible for this grant.
ACCESSIBILITY
GRANT
COLOUR
GUIDE
Does your store make you smile?
Do you take pride in your space?
Think about adding a unique decoration
so people to stop, look, and spend.
Updates can be thoughtful without
being expensive
Reflect
Eligible Improvements
The following renovation/restoration projects will be considered
to be eligible projects under this program:
✓ repair or replacement of exterior facades including
cladding materials, windows, and doors
✓ brick cleaning façade treatments, such as power washing
✓ repair or repainting of façade masonry and brickwork. The
maintenance of brick facades will be encouraged
✓ installation, repair or replacement of architectural details
and features
✓ installation, repair or replacement of awnings or canopies
✓ façade restoration, including painting and cleaning
✓ installation of lighting
✓ installation of exterior decorative lighting and upgrading
of fixtures
✓ redesign of business front
✓ installation/improvement of signage (as permitted by the
Sign By-law/ Town's Property Standards By-law and the
Ontario Building Code and Regulations)
✓ landscaping, including plant materials (to a maximum of
15% of the approved grant amount)
✓ professional design services required to complete eligible
work
✓ other similar improvement projects may be approved that
demonstrate improvement to the quality of the property
Purpose
To promote the rehabilitation,
restoration and improvement of
the front, rear and side facades
of commercial, institutional and
mixed-use buildings in
Community Improvement
Project Areas, including retail
storefront display areas and
signage. To encourage
aesthetic improvements to
buildings and properties, that
reflect the Town's theme, and
contribute to a vibrant,
attractive and welcoming
environment.
Design
A grant of 50% to a maximum
of $1,000 will be available to
fund the cost of preparing
architectural plans for building
façade improvements.
In addition, a grant of 50% to a
maximum of $1,000 will be
available to fund the cost of
preparing a site plan suitable
for approval by the Town in
accordance with the Property
Standards, Sign By-law, Design
Guidelines and regular site plan
requirements.
These grants would be paid at
50% (to a maximum of $500
each) upon completion of
design, and the remaining 50%
after implementation.
BUILDING FAÇADE DESIGN &
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Eligible façades include both front and side facades (for corner
properties).
Rear façade improvements will be considered secondary for the
purposes of allocating funds. The improvement grant may not be
used solely for window improvements.
Grants would be paid upon completion of the work in accordance
with the agreement between the City and the landowner.
Only commercial, mixed-use, institutional, industrial properties and
Residential Third Density Zone (R3) zoned properties are eligible for
this grant. For clarity, properties zoned Residential First Density Zone
(R1) and Residential Second Density Zone (R2) are not eligible for this
grant
Program Requirements
Designs for eligible projects must be prepared by a qualified
professional. The grant will be conditional on the Town approval of
the architectural plans, to ensure that the guidelines outlined in the
Blind River Community Improvement Plan are implemented. Only
commercial, mixed-use, institutional, industrial properties and
Residential Third Density Zone (R3) zoned properties are eligible for
this grant. For clarity, properties zoned Residential First Density Zone
(R1) and Residential Second Density Zone (R2) are not eligible for this
grant.
Primary Façade Improvement Grant
The Town will provide a grant of 50% (to a maximum of $5,000) of the
costs to assist with improvements to buildings. The grant would be
structured to provide additional funding at a rate of $1,000 per
additional storey, up to a maximum of $6,000. The grant would
include building materials, labour and professional fees.
Secondary Façade Improvement Grant
Funding is available for improvements to each exterior side and rear
of buildings that front onto a street and back onto a lane. The Town
will provide a grant of 50% (up to $1,500) of the costs per exterior or
rear building face. Where buildings exceed two stories, the grant
may be increased by an additional $500 per storey.
BUILDING FAÇADE DESIGN &
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
COLOUR
GUIDE
Does your store make you smile?
Do you take pride in your space?
Think about adding a unique decoration
so people to stop, look, and spend.
Updates can be thoughtful without
being expensive
Reflect
The choice of
appropriate materials
and colours is very
important. A selective
and innovative use of
materials and colours will
create unified and
interesting streetscapes.
Predominant building
materials should be from
raw materials present in
the regional area and
ones that reflect the
forestry history and
heritage of Blind River.
While no standard colour
scheme is proposed the
overall colour schemes of
buildings should strike a
balance. Strong colours
should be used to
highlight features while
the major portions of
buildings should be in
'natural' tones.
1. Materials, particularly at ground level, shall be durable and
detailed in a manner that provides interest to pedestrians.
2. The colour scheme for all projects shall be suitable to the
streetscape, Blind River's natural environment and the
building's style. Design and colours should reflect the range of
colours and tones present in the surrounding environment with
neutral, darker tones for major surfaces and materials, and
brighter colours utilized for building detailing such as window
and door trim.
3. Unpainted clear anodized aluminium window frames, door
frames and doors are not recommended.
4. Side and rear elevations facing a street shall be of similar
colours and materials as the front facades (excepting fireproof
walls required as part of the Building Code).
5. Reflective-coated or mirrored glass is not acceptable (except
Low E coatings to reduce energy use).
6. The use of salvaged and refurbished materials in new building
projects is encouraged. Salvaged materials can add
character to the building and can be used effectively as
architectural details. Examples of common salvaged materials
include: beams and posts, wood flooring, wood paneling,
doors and frames, cabinetry and furniture, masonry products,
decorative items such as mantels and ironwork.
7. Consider the incorporation of building materials with recycled
content as a means of reducing the use of virgin materials and
solid waste. Some common recycled products include: metals,
concrete, masonry, ceramic tile and insulation. Ensure the
recycled materials perform equally or better than virgin
materials in terms of strength, maintenance and durability.
8. Encourage the use of regionally manufactured building
materials (supports local economy, reduces transportation
costs and environmental impacts).
9. Renewable materials are encouraged to help reduce the use
and depletion of finite raw materials and long-cycle
renewable materials (for example: bamboo flooring, cotton
batt insulation, sunflower seed board, wool carpet).
MATERIALS
✓ slate or slate like materials (black, grey or
greenish hues)
✓ heavy gauge interlocking asphalt shingles
(red, green, dark brown, dark grey)
✓ metal: dark colours or treated copper.
Metal
roofs
with
standing
seams,
intermediate
control
creases
and
fabricated of a sufficiently heavy gauge of
metal to control deformation.
✓ grey, brown or black ballast or exposed
membrane for flat roofs
✓ other
roofing
materials
made
from
recycled materials that emulate cedar
shakes or asphalt shingles that shall have a
minimum Class B Underwriters Laboratory
Canada fire rating
✓ treated cedar shingles or shakes treated for
fire resistance shall have a minimum Class B
Underwriters Laboratory Canada fire rating.
untreated cedar shingles or shakes
large areas of glass
uncoated (clear) aluminium or galvanized
metal
✓ wood siding, stained or weathered
✓ real stone
✓ manufactured, cultured stone that
emulates real stone may be permitted
✓ high quality cultured stone may be used
with no repetition in pattern or obvious
boundaries between "tiles" of cultured
stone
✓ stucco finishes may be approved if they
are complemented with appropriate
detailing
✓ cementious fibre board or "Hardiplank"
materials that are installed in the same
manner as wood siding and not installed
in sheets
✓ architecturally designed concrete blocks
may be considered
✓ brick may be considered
tiles
glass curtain walls
metal
ROOFING
MATERIALS
WALL
FINISHES
The CIP consists of various financial incentive programs that have been created to stimulate Blind
River private sector redevelopment, with a priority on the Town's downtown. Applicants may use
individual incentive programs or combine multiple complementary programs for a single site or
development, unless otherwise stipulated under the individual programs. The purpose,
description, and eligibility requirements for each "financial" incentive program are outlined
within the CIP Program Overview and Guidelines. Eligible projects may also be augmented with
other federal and provincial funding programs. Only commercial, mixed-use, institutional,
industrial properties and Residential Third Density Zone (R3) zoned properties located within the
designated CIP Project Area is eligible. For clarity, properties zoned Residential First Density Zone
(R1) and Residential Second Density Zone (R2) are not eligible for this grant.
Program Details
The Town will provide a grant equivalent to the cost of the
Town's planning application and building permit fees for
approved projects in accordance with Section 69 of the
Planning Act and the Town's Tariff of Fees By-law.
Requirements: Any property or business owner who undertakes
redevelopment of lands and/or buildings in the CIP project
area is eligible for this grant. The owner would be responsible
for all mapping and registration costs for agreements and
plans where applicable
This program will provide a grant equal to 100% of the fee paid
on planning and development applications. The Planning Fees
Grant will be paid once all construction is complete and the
Town has conducted all final inspections pertinent to all permits
eligible for grants.
✓ Planning Fee Grant: A grant to a maximum of $1,500 may
be provided to cover the cost of minor variance
applications, zoning by-law amendment applications, or
site plan applications. The grant may equal 100% of the
Town's fees, provided it does not exceed $1,500.
✓ Building Fee Grant: A grant to a maximum of $1,500 may
be provided to cover the cost of building permit fees or
demolition permit fees. The grant may equal 100% of the
Town's fees, provided it does not exceed $1,500.
Purpose
To encourage infill
development and
redevelopment that is context-
sensitive, attractive, and
desirable, this incentive
program waives any
associated planning approval
and building permit fees for
the landowner/ developer.
Although this incentive is not
included under Section 28 of
the Planning Act, the waiving
of building permit fees is
permitted under Section 7 of
the Ontario Building Code Act.
This grant reduces the
administrative costs associated
with the planning and building
applications required to
undertake improvements to
private property. This grant is
not intended for greenfield
development or development
through Consent to Sever
applications.
PLANNING & BUILDING FEE
GRANT
Eligibility Criteria, Costs, & Program Requirements
Applicants are eligible to apply for funding under this program, subject to meeting the general
program requirements, the following program requirements, and subject to the availability of
funding as approved by Town Council:
The following types of planning and development applications and building permits are
considered eligible for this program:
✓ Building Permit
✓ Demolition Permit
✓ All Planning Act applications (Minor Variances, Zoning By-law Amendments, etc.)
✓ Site Plan Control and Development Agreements
✓ Plan of Subdivision/Condominium
✓ Sidewalk Café Permit
✓ Sign Permit
✓ Encroachment Agreement
Other permits issued by the Town that are not listed above, but which advance the purpose of
this program, may be considered.
PLANNING & BUILDING FEE
GRANT
Example Scenario
A hypothetical property pays $2,500 in annual municipal property taxes this
year. If the property is redeveloped and a reassessment results in municipal
property taxes of $5,000 annually, the tax 'increment' is $2,500 (i.e. $2,500
+ $2,500 = $5,000). In the first year after re-assessment, the applicant
would be eligible for a grant of $2,500, representing 100% of the tax
increment. In the second year after re-assessment, the applicant would be
eligible for a grant of $1,250, representing a decrease of 50% from the
previous year. The next year, the grant would expire. This example assumes
that all eligibility criteria are met.
Eligibility Criteria & Program Requirements
The Tax Increment Equivalent Grant is offered to eligible property
owners only where the property assessment increases as a result of
development, redevelopment, or major improvement, and there is
a subsequent increase in municipal property taxes. For the purposes
of calculating this grant, municipal property taxes include the
municipal portion of the taxes only, and do not include education or
any other special charges.
Grants shall be provided upon successful completion of the work, as
approved by Council, and payment in full of the property taxes
including the taxes for the incremental assessment increase. The
amount of the grant in the first year cannot be calculated until the
incremental assessment has been determined by the Municipal
Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and provided to the
municipality, which may take up to two years. Grants for subsequent
years shall be paid annually to property owners within three (3)
months of payment of the full property tax.
The Tax Increment Equivalent Grant shall not be paid and shall not
accumulate for any year when taxes remain unpaid by the due
date. Any failure to pay taxes in any year shall disqualify the owner
for further grant payments.
Purpose
To stimulate investment by
effectively deferring part of
the increase in property
taxation because of
adaptive reuse, building
rehabilitation, and retrofit
works.
Program Details
Grants shall be equal to a
declining percentage of the
municipal tax increase
resulting from the
improvements and shall be
paid to the owner each
year for a maximum of 2
years. In year one (1), the
amount of the grant shall
equal up to 100% of the tax
increment and shall
decrease by 50% per year
until it reaches 0%.
"Municipal taxes" under this
Program refers only to the
general portion of the total
taxes paid and will not
include education taxes
levied.
TAX INCREMENT EQUIVALENT
GRANT
Funding Information
Applicants are eligible to apply for funding under this program, subject to meeting the general
program requirements, the following program requirements, and subject to the availability of
funding as approved by Town Council:
1. As a condition of grant application, the Town may require the applicant to submit a business
plan, prepared to the satisfaction of the Town, in relation to an application for the Tax Increment
Equivalent Grant.
2. To be eligible for the Tax Increment Equivalent Grant, the property shall be improved such that
the amount of work undertaken results in an increase of at least $500 in the assessed value of the
property, or the improvement involves more than 25% of the existing gross floor area.
3. In order to determine the suitability of the Tax Increment Equivalent Grant, prior to submitting an
application for the program, eligible applicants may be required to estimate the total potential
value of the tax increment, based on current assessment values and anticipated investment.
4. If the total value of the Tax Increment Equivalent Grant is significantly less than the applicant's
estimated value, at the sole discretion of the Town, the applicant may be given the opportunity to
withdraw their application for the Tax Increment Equivalent Grant program, and submit an
application for one or more of the other incentive programs in this Plan as may be applicable to the
project.
5. Should an eligible applicant be approved for the Tax Increment Equivalent Grant, and if the
subject property is sold, in whole or in part, before the original grant period lapses, the original
owner may not be entitled to receive the remaining grant payments, in accordance with the terms
of the program agreement. The payments are also non-transferrable to the new owner, unless
specifically stipulated as part of the CIP Financial Incentive Program Agreement executed between
the original owner and the Town.
6. The Tax Increment Equivalent Grant cannot be combined with any other grant or rebate in this
Plan.
7. The property owner is responsible for the entire cost of the development or redevelopment
project.
TAX INCREMENT EQUIVALENT
GRANT