The Town of Innisfil's Community Improvement Plan (CIP) addresses three priorities:
- Attract and accelerate new investment
- Create jobs through business growth
- Revitalize main streets and downtown areas
A CIP is a community revitalization and economic development tool. CIPs are commonly implemented by municipalities throughout Ontario to promote and encourage beautification, rehabilitation, redevelopment, and other improvements to properties and buildings.
Community Improvement Project Area
Through the Planning Act, a municipality may designate a "Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA)". The CIPA is a map that delineates which properties are eligible for the CIP financial incentive programs.
Innisfil's CIP is town-wide, with some focused program areas in downtown Alcona, Cookstown, Lefroy / Belle Ewart, Innisfil Heights, and Stroud.
Financial incentive programs
The CIP proposes seven financial incentives:
- Municipal Fees Program
- Property Improvement Program
- Façade and Signage Improvement Program
- Development Charge Abatement Program
- Commercial Use Program
- Tax Increment Equivalent Grant Program
- Strategic Investment Program
The timing, scope, and selection of programs will be determined based on available funding, alignment with the Town’s capital budget, administrative capacity, and Council priorities.
Community involvement
Engagement with the business community prompted the creation of Innisfil's CIP. The development of the plan included:
- A comprehensive review of background material, benchmarking and research through the Community Improvement Plan Background Review and Recommendations Report
- Consultation and engagement activities:
- Feedback received through the Town's Economic Development Strategic Plan process
- Informational presentations
- Community surveys
- Individual interviews with key stakeholders
- Validation survey
- Statutory public meeting
View the Engagement Summary Report for details or check out the CIP project page on Get Involved Innisfil.