The Town of Renfrew is reviewing its existing Community Improvement Plan (CIP), 2015 to guide and support investment through new development and redevelopment, and beautification activities in Renfrew. The review will result in a new CIP to better support community revitalization, and reflect current economic development and community improvement priorities in Renfrew. The Town’s existing CIP can be viewed here: [https://www.renfrew.ca/uploads/CIP1.pdf]

What is a Community Improvement Plan?

A CIP is a planning and economic development tool under the Municipal Act and Planning Act for municipalities to promote community revitalization and help achieve economic, community planning, and development goals. Through a CIP, private property and business owners can apply for Financial Incentive Programs, such as grants, to assist them with undertaking eligible community improvement projects. Such projects contribute to revitalizing the Community Improvement Project Area, which is illustrated in a CIP and designated by By-law.

The focus of the CIP review will be to:

• Attract investment in existing and new commercial businesses and industries, both Downtown and in other key
  commercial areas within the Town;
• Support new housing development (e.g., affordable housing; additional dwelling units on properties with existing
  single detached, semi-detached, or townhouse dwellings; residential units located on upper storeys above
  commercial uses);
• Encourage the rehabilitation of designated heritage buildings and properties; and
• Assist businesses with undertaking accessibility improvements.

How can my property or business benefit from the CIP?

The Financial Incentive Programs, such as grants and municipal application and permit fee reductions, will be available to eligible property owners, existing and future business owners, and tenants (with the property owner’s permission) for proposed improvement projects. Eligible properties must be located within the designated Community Improvement Project Area. Applicants must also meet the general and program-specific Eligibility Requirements that will be outlined in the CIP.

Will my property or business be eligible for Financial Incentive Programs under the new CIP?

The CIP will apply to all private properties and businesses that meet certain eligibility criteria and are located within the boundaries of the designated Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA). The existing CIPA currently spans the entire Town of Renfrew, and is made up of the following five (5) Districts:
• Downtown Core District;
• Downtown Periphery District;
• Stewart Street Commercial District;
• O’Brien Road / Veteran’s Memorial Boulevard Commercial District; and a
• Town-wide District.

Each District has different Financial Incentive Programs.

As part of the CIP Review, the existing CIPA will be reviewed and may be modified.

Ashlee Rathwell
Planning & Building Technician
Department of Development & Environment
Town of Renfrew
P: 613-432-4848 x 308
E: arathwell@renfrew.ca