The Community Improvement Plan is currently closed. During 2023, the city is undertaking a review and redevelopment of the CIP program. We plan to launch a new community improvement plan in the fall of 2024. Information about the new program will be available on the city's website as it becomes available.
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.