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Home / Business Aid & Grants /  Community Improvement Plan Incentives(CIP)

Community Improvement Plan Grants

Norfolk County’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP) establishes a framework for support and implementation of programs that may be utilized to encourage the maintenance, rehabilitation and redevelopment of the county. Up to $20,000 in grants are available to local businesses.

Study / Pre-Development Grants

Architectural and Design Grant

(DCS-15): The purpose of the Architectural and Design Grant is to offset the costs associated with preparing the necessary plans and drawings that will outline the extent of the improvements being applied for.

  • Available in urban, hamlet, agricultural, and lakeshore areas.
  • Up to $1,500*
Environmental Remediation Grant

(DCS-12): The purpose of the Environmental Remediation Grant is to promote the remediation of environmental contamination on eligible properties.  Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are not eligible for funding under this program.  The program is designed for costs of site remediation, one of the key stumbling blocks in the redevelopment of contaminated sites in Norfolk County.

  • Available in urban, hamlet, agricultural, and lakeshore areas.
  • Up to $15,000*
Planning Application Fee and Building Permit Fee Grant

(DCS-20): The purpose of the Planning Application Fee and Building Permit Fee Grant is to stimulate and encourage development and property improvements, and to provide assistance with the associated costs.

  • Available in urban, hamlet, agricultural, and lakeshore areas.
  • Up to $3,000* for building permit fees and up to $1,000* in planning application fees

Building / Property Improvement Incentives

Agricultural Buildings and Facilities Improvement Grant

(DCS-16): The purpose of the Agricultural Buildings and Facilities Improvement Grant is to provide assistance towards the conversion and re-use of existing agricultural buildings for new or expanded value-added agricultural activities.

  • Available in the agricultural area
  • Up to $15,000*
Building Facade Improvement Grant

(DCS-03): The purpose of the Building Facade Improvement Grant is to assist property owners of existing buildings to maintain their long-term viability and to assist property owners of vacant properties/spaces in increasing the marketability of their property in order to secure tenants.

  • Available in urban, hamlet, and lakeshore areas.
  • Up to $10,000*
Landscaping, Signage and Property Improvement Grant

(DCS-17): The purpose of the Landscaping, Signage and Property Improvement Grant is to provide assistance for upgrading the open areas associated with the property.

  • Available in the urban, hamlet, agricultural, and lakeshore areas.
  • Up to $2,000*Structural Improvement Grant
Structural Improvement Grant

(DCS-19): The purpose of the Structural Improvement Grant is primarily to offset the costs associated with structural improvements to the interior of buildings for existing commercial operations.

  • Available in  urban, hamlet, agricultural, and lakeshore areas, but not available for participants in the Agricultural Buildings and Facilities Improvement Program.
  • Up to $5,000*
Residential Conversion / Rehabilitation Grant

DCS-18): The purpose of the Residential Conversion / Rehabilitation Grant is to assist with the conversion of unused or underused upper floor or rear space to new residential or commercial use.

  • Available in urban, hamlet, and lakeshore areas.
  • Up to $4,000* per dwelling unit or new commercial unit created, to a maximum of $8,000*

Tax Incentives

Property Tax Increment Grant

(DCS-07): The purpose of the Property Tax Increment Grant is to provide an economic incentive for the rehabilitation of properties by providing a grant to the owner of the property to pay a portion of the local taxes (excluding education taxes) attributable to the increased assessment over a five (5) year period.

 

  • Available in the urban, hamlet, agricultural and lakeshore areas.
  • Grant is calculated based on the increased assessment value after the renovation/construction, as determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), at the tax rate that was applicable in the year the renovation or construction was completed. The site-specific funding agreement will stipulate the pre-improved and post-improved assessed value, applicable municipal tax rate of that year, the amount of the grant in that year, the method to be used to calculate the grant in the subsequent four years using municipal tax rates to be determined in each of those years, and the anticipated delivery dates of the grant. The total value of grants received for a subject property shall not exceed the cost of rehabilitating the lands and buildings. The amount of the grant over the life of the program shall not exceed eligible costs as per Section 28(7) and 28(7.2) of the Planning Act, as amended.
  • Approval via Norfolk County Council.

 

One-time grant, per property, based on a 50/50 matching cash contribution excluding HST, based on final invoices and proof of payment, subject to eligibility, policies and procedures, approvals and budget availability. See Norfolk County’s Community Improvement Plan for details.

Application Form

The Community Improvement Program offers a streamlined approach to applying for grants, designed to support businesses and property owners in enhancing their communities. After carefully reviewing the eligibility criteria for the diverse range of incentive programs detailed above, interested applicants are encouraged to download the official application form. It’s important to note that applicants may find themselves eligible for more than one grant within the program. Fortunately, this program allows for the convenience of applying for multiple grants through a single application form. This not only simplifies the application process but also maximizes the potential benefits for those looking to make significant contributions to community improvement initiatives in Norfolk.