Applications for Community Improvement Plan (CIP) grants for 2023 are now open to Gravenhurst business and property owners and the program has expanded its boundaries. Nicole Hilton, Economic Development Coordinator spoke to council on Dec. 20 about the grants, which are intended to “develop a more attractive, safe and efficient community for existing and future residents.”
There are 14 grants categories, including areas such as improvements to facades, landscape/property and structures. However, Hilton recommended “special emphasis on the ‘Downtown of Tomorrow’ grants.” These grants are intended to support digital or technological advances in a building–and security cameras qualify.
“The purpose of the special emphasis came from the community consultation with council and Mayor Lorenz regarding the unfortunate amount of break and enters our communities have endured this past year. This is a fantastic tool for those within CIP boundaries to purchase or improve security equipment, offering the greatest degree of support for improvements that will create a safe and cohesive community,” Hilton explained.
The CIP program has been in place since 2012, as part of the Downtown Revitalization Project, to assist property and business owners with development projects. Applications are open from January to March 31. Applicants must be within the boundaries, which were expanded last year to include the Muskoka Wharf and Bay Street areas. Hilton said that the expansion was popular, considering that eight of the 16 grants for the 2022 intake were from the new areas.
Projects were varied, residents “made significant use of the facade improvements, landscape/property grants, signage and structural grants. All categories had applicants,” Hilton said.
After applications are submitted, the Economic Development Division brings recommendations around May. An applicant must provide two quotes for their proposed work and the dollar amount granted is 50% of the lowest quote or the maximum amount for that category. Applicants have 18 months to complete the project, then notify the Town with invoices. After inspection, “if all goes well, they get their funds,” she said.
So far, six out of 14 projects from last year are completed or partially completed. Hilton said many people are eager about the 2023 program and are already reaching out. The grants are a good investment for the Town, as “for every dollar the municipality invested, the property or business owners matched by an average of $17, totalling roughly $1.8 million in construction.”
Coun. Jorgensen asked if any categories were being prioritized, such as the Safe Communities grant. Mayor Lorenz said in response that she thinks “we should prioritize after the increase in petty crimes. People have asked what council is going to do about this, and this is one thing…we aren’t the OPP.” CAO Scott Lucas said that all categories are open for application and that there “isn’t a hierarchy.”
Coun. Cairns added that “since 2012, the CIP program has done amazing work in the downtown core and I’m so excited that it’s being expanded to other areas in the municipality. And people notice…I think this program has made our community look pretty darn nice.”
For more information on the CIP grants and applications, visit www.gravenhurst.ca/en/doing-business/community-improvement-program.aspx
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