Community Improvement Plan — full text

This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document. Snapshot a10d6474455b · verified 2026-06-09 · original document · archived snapshot · unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.

# Community Improvement Plan On January 28, 2026, Council adopted the 2026 Community Improvement Plan programs under By-law No. 2024-023. ### Investing in Our Community Community Improvement Plans (CIPs) are tools enabled under the Ontario Planning Act that allow municipalities to offer financial incentives for strategic investment. In practical terms, they are one way the Municipality partners with property owners, tenants, developers, and entrepreneurs to strengthen our local economy and improve the quality of our built environment. The Municipality administers its own 2026 CIP programs. It also partners with Bruce County to deliver separate funding opportunities through the Spruce the Bruce program. Each program has its own eligibility criteria and approval process. ➜ Municipality of Kincardine's Community Improvement Plan Open March 3 # 2026 CIP Grants Municipal Wide Programs **Schedule A-1** - Applies Across the Entire Municipality Predevelopment Study and Design CIP Supports professional studies, architectural design, environmental assessments, and other planning work needed to move development forward. Funding of up to 50% of eligible costs may be provided to help increase marketability and long-term success. **Apply:** Predevelopment Study and Design CIP Application Surplus Land CIP (Coming Soon) This upcoming program will encourage the redevelopment and productive reuse of underutilized lands to attract new investment. Details will be shared once finalized. These tailored incentives offer exciting opportunities for property owners, businesses, and developers to invest in the Municipality of Kincardine's future. Priority Downtown and Commercial Area Programs Schedules **A-2** and **A-3** - Designated Downtown and Commercial Areas Start-up Space Leasehold Improvement Program CIP Supports businesses with improvements to commercial or live/work spaces. Eligible projects may include interior renovations, storefront upgrades, plumbing, electrical, lighting, and accessibility enhancements. Funding of up to 50% of eligible costs may be provided to help increase marketability and long-term success. **Apply:** Start-Up Space Leasehold Improvement Program CIP Application Building Improvement / Structural CIP Supports renovations and upgrades that improve safety, code compliance, energy efficiency, accessibility, housing creation, brownfield remediation, and preservation of architectural character. Eligible work includes structural repairs, barrier-free access such as ramps and elevators, and energy performance improvements. **Apply:** Building Improvement and Structural CIP Application Community Improvement Plan Application Process Review the steps below to complete your 2026 Community Improvement Plan (CIP) application. Beginning with a pre-consultation helps ensure your project aligns with program requirements and can streamline the review and approval process. Step 1: Pre-Consultation with Municipal Staff Before submitting an application, applicants are required to contact our Economic Development staff to discuss: * Program eligibility. * Applicable Community Improvement Project Area (Schedule A-1, A-2, or A-3). * Proposed scope of work. * Project timing and readiness. * Required permits and approvals. * Supporting documentation requirements. * Applicable development timelines. This pre-consultation ensures applicants understand which CIP program applies to their project and what information must be submitted to avoid delays. Please contact Evan at [email protected] or call 519-385-5961. Step 2: Submit a Complete Application Package Find links to CIP application forms under the appropriate grant listing above. A complete application includes: * Fully completed application form * All required supporting documentation * Cost estimates or professional quotes * Site plans, drawings, renderings, or study scopes as applicable * Proof of property ownership or lease agreement * Photographs of existing conditions where applicable Step 3: Staff Review and Evaluation Municipal staff will: 1. Verify eligibility within the applicable Schedule Area 2. Review supporting documentation 3. Evaluate the application using the approved points-based scoring matrix Applications meeting the minimum recommended score threshold will be advanced. Staff will then present a report to council that includes: 1. Summary of the proposed project 2. Staff scoring and analysis 3. Funding recommendation Step 4: Council Consideration and Decision Council will review the staff report and make the final decision on the application. Final decisions rest solely with Council. There is no appeal process. Applications brought forward for Council consideration may become public documents. Applicants may be required to attend a Council meeting to present their proposal and answer questions. If approved, the applicant will be required to enter into a formal agreement with the Municipality of Kincardine outlining: 1. Approved scope of work 2. Funding amount 3. Development timelines 4. Repayment conditions 5. Default provisions 6. Reporting requirements No funding is provided until the agreement is executed. Important Timelines and Conditions Review key timelines, requirements, and conditions before applying to ensure your project meets program criteria and deadlines. Application Due Dates * Application Intake 1 closes: Friday, May 29, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. * Application Intake 2 closes: Friday, August 28, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. * Final Intake closes: Friday, October 16, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. [if fund remain] Downtown CIP Area Maps * A-1: Municipal-wide CIP Area * A-2: Downtown Kincardine's CIP Area * A-3: Downtown Tiverton's CIP Area Development Timeline Requirements A-1 Programs involve longer-term development and redevelopment projects and are subject to formal development timelines. * Development Timeline Requirement for A-1 The Recipient agrees that the proposed development project must be substantially commenced within five (5) years of the date of execution of the agreement. Substantial commencement is defined through the Development Application Stage Timeline. At minimum, the project must reach Stage Four (4) - Building and Development Conditions within five (5) years. * ##### Development Timeline Requirement for A-2 and A-3 The approved project must be completed within twelve (12) months of Council approval. Amendments and Project Changes No variations from the approved project are permitted without written approval from Council. Any changes to the approved proposal or circumstances that materially affect the project's objectives, activities, outcomes, or total cost must be re-negotiated with the Municipality. Unauthorized changes may result in funding reduction, cancellation, or full repayment of funds. Repayment Clause If construction has not commenced on the earlier of: (i) the date the Municipality of Kincardine reasonably determines that construction will not move forward; or (ii) within five (5) years from the date of execution of the agreement, the Recipient shall repay the full CIP grant amount to the Municipality of Kincardine together with interest at the prime rate of the Bank of Canada. If the CIP Grant Debt is not repaid: * The amount may be added to the tax roll of properties within the Municipality of Kincardine owned by the Recipient. * The principal of the Recipient shall personally guarantee repayment. Failure to comply with project timelines or deliver the approved scope of work may result in the Municipality exercising its right to recover all funds disbursed. Important Notes for All CIP Programs * Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. * Funding is subject to Council approval and available budget. * Applicants are responsible for all permits, approvals, and regulatory compliance. * Applications are evaluated using a transparent, measurable scoring matrix. * Staff recommendations are provided through a public report to Council. The Municipality of Kincardine's CIP process is designed to be transparent, accountable, and strategic, ensuring that municipal investment delivers measurable economic and community benefit. measurable community impact Turning Vision into Investment The CIP is one of the most practical tools we have to turn vision into visible results. Through targeted grants and incentives, we're partnering with property owners, businesses, tenants, and developers to advance projects that reflect our shared priorities, including: * Revitalizing downtowns and priority areas * Increasing accessibility and removing barriers * Encouraging housing development, including workforce and mixed-use housing * Creating and retaining local jobs * Strengthening the local tax base over time CIPs leverage municipal investment to stimulate private growth, strengthen neighbourhoods, and support long-term community goals. Municipality of Kincardine's Community Improvement Plan --- ## Spruce the Bruce The Municipality of Kincardine provides funding and works cooperatively with Bruce County to create opportunities for commercial properties in the A-2 and A-3 CIP areas. Bruce County administers this funding through their Spruce the Bruce grant programming. Spruce the Bruce Grants Available Grants available for eligible businesses and property owners: * Façade Building Improvement * Fascia Signage * Perpendicular Signage * Awning * Patio Installation * Residential Improvement * Community Marketing * Agri-Food Innovation * Business Accessibility Adaptability * Product & Experience Development More Information * Joint Media Release - January 29, 2026 - Spruce the Bruce * Past recipients of Spruce the Bruce funding may be eligible for additional support for new project elements. * The program is in high-demand each year. Submit applications early; funding approvals are on a first-come-first-served basis. * Visit the Spruce the Bruce website for more information ## Additional Funding and Business Supports Explore additional funding opportunities and resources that may support your project beyond the Community Improvement Plan (CIP). **Spruce the Bruce Funding** Grants may be available for: * Community Marketing * Streetscape Beautification * Community Signage * Destination Infrastructure and Active Transportation **Federal Grants** There are a variety of business grants and financing programs available through the Government of Canada to help your business grow and succeed. **Provincial Grants** Various funding opportunities are available through the Province of Ontario. Visit Ontario Government Grants to explore programs available to small businesses. **Business Resources and Support** Looking for additional guidance, workshops, or tools? Visit Business to Bruce for programs, training, and resources to support your business journey. Contact Us **The Municipality of Kincardine** 1475 Concession 5, R.R. #5, Kincardine, ON N2Z 2X6 Phone: 519-396-3468 F.: 519-396-8288 **Evan Vatri**Community Economic Development Coordinator Municipality of Kincardine 519-396-5961 [email protected] Connect and subscribe Discover how you can connect with us and stay up-to-date on activities, events, programs, and operations through our subscription services. Connect with us!