Community Improvement Plan | Township of Brock

What is a Community Improvement Plan (CIP)?

A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a tool municipalities use to offer financial support (like grants) to encourage property owners and businesses to fix up buildings and support development and renovation projects, enhancing parts of the community.

Property owners, tenants, businesses, and developers can use the financial incentives to meet various goals, such as improving property facades and redeveloping properties. Be sure to check your eligibility for each of the incentive programs before applying.

Downtown CIP

Township Council adopted the original Downtown CIP in 2013 to help stimulate investment in the downtown areas of Beaverton, Cannington, and Sunderland. In 2023-24, a review of the CIP was undertaken, funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Region of Durham.

On June 24, 2024, Council adopted a new Downtown CIP to replace the 2013 version. The Downtown CIP includes a range of financial incentive programs to promote and encourage revitalization and economic development within the downtown areas.

Downtown Community Improvement Plan (2024)

By-law 3276-2024 - Community Improvement Project Area

By-law 3277-2024 - Downtown CIP

What properties are included in the Community Improvement Project Area?

The CIPA is focused on the downtown areas in Beaverton, Cannington and Sunderland as shown on the map below. The CIPA is split into 2 areas - Priority Area 1 and Priority Area 2.

What incentives are available:

The Downtown CIP includes 8 financial incentive programs as summarized below. Find full details about the programs, eligibility, and implementation specifics in the Downtown CIP document.

Planning and Building Fees Program

Grant to offset fees required for planning and building permit applications associated with improvement projects.

Eligible Properties: Commercial, office, institutional, and mixed-use properties within the CIPA.

Potential Funding: 100% of eligible costs up to $5,000*

(*subject to annual budget as approved by Township Council)

Eligible Costs:

Provides funding towards planning application fees and building permit fees, including applications for:

Minor Variance
Zoning By-law Amendment
Site Plan
Consent
Building Permits

Development Charges Program

Grant to offset applicable development charges payable on improvement projects.

Eligible Properties: Commercial, office, institutional, and mixed-use properties within the CIPA.

Potential Funding:

Priority Area 1 – Up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $10,000*

Priority Area 2 – Up to 25% of eligible costs to a maximum of $5,000*

(*subject to annual budget as approved by Township Council)

Eligible Costs:

Funding under this program only applies to development charges imposed by the Township of Brock for:

Development or redevelopment of vacant property for commercial, office, mixed-use, or multi-residential uses.
Additions to commercial or mixed-use buildings with an increase of 25% to gross floor area of existing building.

Façade Improvement Program

Grant to support façade improvements in manner that recognizes unique heritage and character of the downtown areas.

Eligible properties: Commercial, office, institutional, and mixed-use properties within Priority Area 1 in the downtown areas. Any building/property designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in the CIPA.

Potential Funding:

In Priority Area 1

For corner lots or buildings designated under the Ontario Heritage Act – up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $12,500*
For rear or side facing façades – up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $2,500*
For all other properties – up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $5,000*

In Priority Area 2

For corner lots or buildings designated under the Ontario Heritage Act – up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $8,000*
For all other properties – up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $3,000*

(*subject to annual budget as approved by Township Council)

Eligible Costs:

Costs associated with the following may be eligible:

Repair, replacement, or general restoration of a façade, masonry, and/or brickwork.
Architectural detailing, including cornicing and parapets, etc.
Window and door replacement, as part of a more comprehensive façade improvement project, and includes an improvement to a detailed aesthetic feature (e.g., a muntin or mullions) (Note: does not cover lifecycle replacement).
Lighting, including signage lighting and security lighting.
Awning(s).
Barrier free access improvements (e.g., ramps, automatic doors, etc.).
Professional services of an architect, designer, engineer, or heritage professional associated with any of the above features.

Signage Improvement Program

Grant to support new and improved signage that recognizes the heritage and character of the downtown areas, pedestrian-scaled and aesthetically pleasing.

Eligible Properties: Commercial, institutional, and mixed-use properties within the CIPA.

Potential Funding:

Priority Area 1 – Up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $4,000*

Priority Area 2 – Up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $2,500*

(*subject to annual budget as approved by Township Council)

Eligible Costs:

Costs associated with the following may be eligible:

New or replacement signage.
Repair, restoration, or improvement of existing signage with historical significance.
Professional services of an architect, designer, or heritage professional associated with signage.

Property Improvement Program

Grant to support improvements to properties and privately owned parking areas to improve overall appearance, functionality, pedestrian and cycling amenities.

Eligible Properties: Commercial, office, and mixed-use properties within Priority Area 1. Institutional buildings and properties owned or managed by a non-profit or not-for-profit, community-based organization within the CIPA.

Potential Funding:

Priority Area 1 – Up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $5,000*

Priority Area 2 – Up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $2,500*

(*subject to annual budget as approved by Township Council)

Eligible Costs:

Costs associated with the following may be eligible:

Improvements to surface parking areas and pedestrian connections.
Stormwater management infrastructure.
Improvements to barrier-free parking, ramps and pedestrian walkways to comply with AODA.
Landscaping.
Waste storage enclosures.
Pedestrian and cycling amenities (benches, bicycle parking facilities, walkways).
Professional services of an architect, designer, engineer, or heritage professional associated with any of the above features.

Downtown Housing Program

Grant to promote new housing opportunities through the rehabilitation of existing residential units or the development of new units.

Eligible Properties: Properties within the CIPA that permit residential uses.

Potential Funding:

Where units are offered at market rates – Up to 50% of eligible costs up to $5,000* per unit to a maximum of 4 units.

Where "affordable" units are offered – Up to 50% of eligible costs up to $7,500* per unit to a maximum of 4 units.

(*subject to annual budget as approved by Township Council)

Eligible Costs:

Costs associated with the following may be eligible:

Conversion of upper storey or rear-portion of non-residential space into residential units.
New mixed-use building with at least 2 new residential units.
Renovations to existing units to comply with OBC, Property Standards By-law and Fire Code.

In Priority Area 2, costs associated with the creation of a new secondary unit of improvements to existing secondary unit may be eligible.

Application Process

Applicants should contact Township staff to discuss and confirm application requirements, program eligibility, the proposed scope of work, project timing, etc.
Submit an application, which includes an application form, any supporting documentation (cost estimates/quotes, plans, pictures, owner authorization form).
Once all required forms and supporting materials are received, staff will undertake a preliminary screening of the proposal and application.
If the application clearly does not meet the program requirements, the application will not be accepted. If the application is incomplete and missing some of the required information, staff will reach out to request information.
If the application meets the program requirements, the application will be reviewed by the Review Panel for a decision.
If approved, the applicant will need to enter into a brief financial incentive agreement. The works would be undertaken, with all costs to be paid by the applicant up front. Once the works are complete, the applicant provides pictures of the works, along with copies of receipts and the CIP grant(s) would be paid out by the Township after the works are complete.
If refused, the Township would follow up with the applicant with a rationale for the decision. The applicant will have an opportunity to apply again provided the revised application meets the program requirements. The applicant can also appeal the decision to Council.

Further details are available in the full Community Improvement Plan document.

To begin the process, fill out and submit a CIP application by clicking the button below.

Apply Now

You can also submit a completed form to the Planning department at planning@brock.ca

Once staff have reviewed your project application, they will contact you to confirm details, timelines, or any additional requirements.

If you have any questions about the process, please reach out to the Planning department.

What should I consider when applying for a CIP program?

When applying for a CIP program, we encourage you to refer to the Facade Design Guidelines. The guidelines should be used to ensure eligible projects align with the Township's overall design vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my property in the Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA)?

The CIPA is focused on the downtown areas in Beaverton, Cannington, and Sunderland as shown on the map below.

CIPA Map

The financial incentive programs only apply to properties within the designated CIPA. For clarity, properties that are not within the CIPA are not eligible for the CIP financial incentive programs.

When can I apply?

Applications are received on a first come, first served basis. Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to Township Staff to discuss and confirm application requirements, and the CIP budget.

Each year, the Township sets aside money for CIP grants as part of its annual budget. Applications are reviewed in the order they’re received, so funding is limited and not guaranteed. The amount of funding available for each application may change depending on how much is budgeted and how many applications the Township receives each year.

Applications will be received until such time that the total funding allocated to this project each year by Council is exhausted.

The Township shall not consider more than one application per property or business each year.

How much funding am I eligible for?

Each program has specific eligible costs and potential grant values. Please consult the Community Improvement Plan document for more information on the program(s) you're interested in.

Can I apply for multiple CIP programs?

A proposed project could be eligible for incentives under multiple programs. However, similar eligible costs associated with the financial incentive programs shall not be combined with any other financial incentive programs established.

For More Information:

For more information, please contact Robin Prentice, Director of Development Services at the Township of Brock at Robin.Prentice@brock.ca or 705-432-2355 ext. 235.