| What is the Community Improvement Plan? |
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A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a planning and economic development tool authorized under the Municipal Act, that municipalities may use to facilitate broad community revitalization goals through grants or loans to private property owners and tenants.
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| How is North Frontenac's Community Improvement Plan funded? |
| The Community Improvement Plan is currently funded annually through property taxation. |
| What are the goals of North Frontenac's Community Improvement Plan? |
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To enhance the appearance of the community and promote awareness of businesses
- To develop aesthetically pleasing and diverse commercial buildings that reflect the character of the Township and to foster an environment in which people wish to work and live;
- To improve the appearance of facades and storefronts and to enhance property and business signage.
To promote commercial vitality to support and sustain the local economy
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To support new and existing businesses and offer residents a diverse range of employment opportunities;
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To develop appealing destinations for residents and tourists;
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To protect, rehabilitate, and enhance the Township’s natural features and heritage sites
To increase the level of social equity and public communication
- To foster community building;
- To increase the number of accessible businesses in the Township in order to better serve all residents and visitors;
- To increase the accessibility of the Township for individuals in all stages of their life.
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| Who's eligible to apply? |
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Property owners or tenants (applicant must provide written consent from the owner) of property used for commercial purposes. A maximum of two approved applications are permitted per property and only one approved application will be approved per property, per calendar year.
Applicants must
- Possess a Business Registration or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) number and;
- Ensure that they are in good standing with regards to all municipal fees and property taxes liable on the property at the time of application.
Ineligible Applicants
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Mobile Businesses (ie. refreshment vehicles)
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Non-commercial properties who rent structures of short-term accommodations
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| What types of projects are eligible for funding? |
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There are four types of projects that are eligible for funding:
Facade Improvement
- repair or replacement of exterior facades including cladding materials, windows, doors and replacement of roof
- repair or repointing of façade masonry and brickwork
- installation, repair or replacement of architectural details and features
- installation, repair or replacement of awnings or canopies
- façade restoration, including painting, cleaning or treatments to improve durability
- installation or repair of signage at the place of business in accordance with applicable Township By-laws (excluding portable signage)
- installation of lighting (must be consistent with the North Frontenac Lighting Policy)
- installation of landscaping
- the addition of exterior eating space (excluding portable fixtures)
- professional design services required to complete eligible work
Accessibility Enhancements
- Installation of new automatic doors
- Installation of new accessible ramps
- Widening of public entryways
- Levelling or repairs to pathways/accesses, stairs and parking areas
- Accessible signage and lining of parking areas
- Constructing accessible washrooms or redevelopment of a washroom to include accessible features
- Any combination of the above improvements
Commercial Space Funding
- Conversion of existing residential uses to commercial uses
- Additions to commercial properties
- Redevelopment of vacant commercial space
- Installation of a commercial septic system for the purpose of expanding a business or bring the system into compliance with current legislation for a Recreational Commercial operation only
- New buildings within an existing Tourist Establishment (commercial use) for short-term accommodation
- Redevelopment of existing commercial spaces (i.e. reconstructing or renovating existing commercial uses)
- Professional service costs (i.e. professional planner, engineer, architect, etc.) required to complete eligible work (i.e. studies, plans, reports, engineering)
Municipal Fees
- Conversions to existing residential uses to commercial uses, provided the conversion conforms with the Township’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law
- Additions to commercial properties
- Redevelopment of vacant commercial space
- Professional service costs (i.e. professional planner, engineer, architect, etc.) required to complete eligible work (i.e. studies, plans, reports, engineering)
- Project eligible under Programs 1-3 if the applicant is required to obtain planning approvals or a building/demolition permit
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| How much can a project receive funding for? |
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All projects pay 2/3rds of eligible costs up to a maximum payout of:
Facade Improvement, Accessibility Enhancement and/or Commercial Space (you are permitted to combine)
$5,000
Municipal Fees - Application Fees
$2,000
Municipal Fees - Professional Services Grant
$2,000
However the maximum total combined grant amount paid by the Township under all programs for a single approved application cannot exceed $7,000.
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How can I apply?
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Please contact the Community Development Department at the Township prior to applying.
View a printable Community Improvement Plan Application Form
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What is the application process and how long does it take?
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Pre-consultation - reach out to the Community Development Department anytime to discuss your plans.
Application
- Community Development Department staff meet with the applicant to complete the application
- The applicant submits a quote for the proposed project work
- Photographs of the proposed project area are taken by Community Development Department staff.
Review
- Where applicable, Community Development Department staff consult with other departments to determine if the project work requires additional documents or approvals (ie. building permit).
- The MCD review the application in relation to the CIP objectives and recommend approval or denial with reasons.
Approval
- The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) reviews the application and, upon approval, an agreement is drafted between the Township and the applicant.
- Community Development Staff meet with the applicant to sign the project agreement.
Project Completion
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The applicant submits copies of all receipts for the project work along with a Notice of Completion to the Community Development Department staff.
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The Community Development Department staff photograph the completed project area work.
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The MCD reviews the documents to ensure the work has been completed as outlined in the agreement.
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Funds are distributed to the applicant via cheque.
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