Community Improvement Plan

The Township of Springwater has a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to support and incentivize new development within the Township. The CIP also invests in façade improvements, new signage, and building renovations and improvements.

CIP grant programs

The CIP has eight grant programs available to business owners within the Community Improvement Project Area and who meet the eligibility criteria.

The façade improvement grant helps revitalize, rehabilitate or restore publicly-visible building façades for commercial and agricultural buildings.

Maximum funding: 50% of the eligible costs, up to $5,000.

The signage improvement grant helps create, replace or upgrade signage.

Maximum funding: 50% of the eligible costs, up to $1,500.

The building restoration, renovation or improvement grant helps fund:

  • Expansions and additions
  • General retrofitting
  • Building code upgrades
  • Repurposing of buildings for commercial use

Maximum funding: 50% of the eligible costs, up to $5,000.

The planning and building permit fee rebate grant provides a rebate for fees associated with redevelopment, infill and new commercial development. Fee reductions apply to the following applications:

  • Site plan approval
  • Minor variance
  • Severance
  • Demolition or building permit
  • Sign permit

Maximum funding: 100% of the Township fees, up to $2,500.

The development charge (DC) rebate grant provides a reduction in DCs associated with the development and redevelopment of sites. The grant may be combined with the County of Simcoe's DC Abatement Program. For more information about these charges, see our Development Charges page.

Maximum funding: 60% of the Township's Development Charge.

The historic property improvement grant helps maintain and upgrade heritage properties listed on the Township's Heritage Register or designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.

Maximum funding: 50% of the eligible costs, up to $5,000.

This grant reduces the cost of major property improvements by providing a grant equivalent to the increase in property taxes. The difference between the current tax assessment (i.e. prior to improvements) and the new tax assessment (i.e. after improvements) is the “tax increment”.

Maximum funding: 50% of the total cost of the improvements, up to $5,000 annually.

This grant helps property owners make accessibility improvements to their commercial, tourist or recreational properties in order to bring them into compliance with provincial legislation. Improvements may include:

  • Installing accessibility ramps
  • Adding automatic doors
  • Improving entryways

Maximum funding: 50% of the eligible costs, up to $1,500

How to apply

Schedule a pre-consultation meeting with our Planning Department before completing your Community Improvement Plan Application Form. During the meeting, staff will discuss your proposed project and submission requirements. Please refer to the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for grant program details, eligibility and submission requirements.

For more information about the CIP, please contact the Planning Department.