Section 28 of the Ontario's Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, allows municipalities to designate by By-Law a "Community Improvement Project Area” and prepare a “Community Improvement Plan (CIP)". A CIP aims to leverage private investment to promote revitalization, redevelopment, and enhancement by providing financial incentives to projects within defined community improvement project areas.
The Municipality of Huron East adopted a Community Improvement Plan in February 2024 and designated the entire municipality a Community Improvement Project Area. Many different programs are included in the CIP. Programs and incentives offered under the CIP, and funds available, may vary from year to year at the discretion of Council, based on recommendations from municipal staff.
Applications to the 2024 Community Improvement Program will be accepted starting mid-May. The deadline for applications will be early June. Pending available funding, additional intakes may be offered after that date.
Program information is available below. Program Guidelines and Application Forms coming soon! Paper copies are available upon request.
Façade Improvement Program |
The purpose of the Façade Improvement Grant is to encourage commercial businesses and property owners to update and improve the exterior façade of their building(s). Façade improvements associated with agricultural uses are eligible so long as the building is being used for farmgate or agri-tourism purposes and is open to the visiting public. Funding may be used towards the restoration of an existing storefront or the design and installation of a new façade. The Municipality will fund 50% of the total project cost (excluding taxes) up to $5,000. Up to an additional $1,000 will be made available for projects that improve buildings that are designated under Part IV or Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. The Municipality will provide a maximum of $7,000 per project when the building has multiple storefronts or street addresses or the building is on a corner lot, where façade improvements are proposed on both frontages. Façade Improvement Program Guidelines Façade Improvement Program Application Form |
Signage Improvement Program |
The purpose of the Signage Improvement Grant is to encourage commercial business and property owners to install clear and effective storefront signs. Signage improvements associated with agricultural uses are eligible so long as the building is being used for farmgate or agri-tourism purposes and is open to the visiting public. The Signage Improvement Grant may be used towards the restoration of an old sign or the design and purchase of a new sign. The Municipality will fund 50% of the total project cost (excluding taxes) up to $1,000. The Municipality will provide a maximum of $2,000 per project when the building has multiple storefronts or street addresses or the building is on a corner lot, where signage improvements are proposed on both frontages. Signage Improvement Program Guidelines Signage Improvement Program Application Form |
Agri-Business Innovation Program |
The purpose of the Agri-Business Innovation Grant is to assist agricultural operators with expanding their markets and increasing their revenues. The Agri-Business Innovation Grant provides funding for agricultural operators to improve or implement new value-added and innovative technologies. The Municipality will fund 50% of the total project cost (excluding taxes) up to $5,000. Agri-Business Innovation Program Guidelines Agri-Business Innovation Program Application Form |
Vacant and Underutilized Properties Conversion/Expansion Program |
The purpose of the Vacant and Underutilized Properties Conversion/Expansion Grant is to encourage property owners with vacant lands and/or buildings to convert and revitalize the spaces to serve new purposes. This program is open to commercial, industrial, institutional and agricultural property owners. For the purposes of this program, buildings are considered vacant if they have been unoccupied for at least twelve (12) months. The Municipality will fund 50% of the total project cost (excluding taxes) up to $7,000. Vacant and Underutilized Properties Conversion/Expansion Program Guidelines Vacant and Underutilized Properties Conversion/Expansion Program Application Form |
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