What is a Community Improvement Plan?

A Community Improvement Plan is a tool that allows a municipality to direct funds and implement policy initiatives towards a specifically defined project area. It is intended to encourage property owners to improve the appearance of their lands and buildings in accordance with guidelines adopted by Council. 

Once implemented, the plan allows municipalities to provide tax assistance, grants or loans to assist in the rehabilitation of lands and/or buildings within the defined Community Improvement Project Area (Laurier Street core area).

Why is a Community Improvement Plan a good tool?

Community Improvement Plans (CIP) are being developed to:

  • address growth management challenges;
  • intensification;
  • energy efficiency;
  • mixed-use and transit/bicycle-oriented development;
  • accessibility; and
  • the emerging needs of an aging baby-boom generation.

Some municipalities use the CIP as an incentive to encourage development that meets recognized environmental standards, such as LEED, while others use it to attract certain kinds of employment.

Is my business eligible to receive funds from the CIP initiative?

If your business is located on Laurier Street in the core area of Rockland, you might be eligible for a CIP grant of up to $10,000. Please email the Zoning Division for more information.