Gravenhurst Council agrees to expand the boundary for the Community Improvement Program
Gravenhurst Council agreed to expand the boundary for the Community Improvement Program (CIP), in the August 13, 2024, meeting.
According to the staff report, the program was approved in 2021 to improve the appearance of commercial and residential properties and structures, including conformity to current building codes, provide visual continuity, and stimulate investment.
Manager of Economic Development, Amy Taylor, advised Council that between 2022 and 2023 the Town received inquiries from businesses outside the boundaries to be included in the program.
The report indicates that the Town has received 22 applications from new areas.
Taylor indicated that last month the Community Grant Committee discussed expanding the program to the east of the existing boundary, “to capture Lester Square, Bethune Drive and Winewood Avenue, and as far as Taste Buds Plaza…key areas that could use a refresh.”
She added, “75% commercial and 25% residents will be eligible for the application.”
According to the staff report the funding will be available to cover the boundary expansion. The program had $159,000 in funding for 2024, and $95,000 went to approved applications. However, the program is also subject to annual increases.
“As a part of the five-year capital plan, annual top-ups to the CIP fund have been presented and approved to ensure we are able to meet the needs of the area,” indicates the report.
It adds that the result of the projects that are funded shows “on average every $1 dollar granted through the CIP program has resulted in $20 of additional investment by the applicants and owners.”
“Administration concludes that the expansion of the CIP area to include the new proposed locations will continue to improve the overall look and feel of the Commercial core,” continues the report. The program helps businesses with upgrade costs to be able to do so.
Taylor advised that applications open September 1st and close in December, and that staff will notify properties that are eligible for application and provide consultation about the process.
