For immediate release (March 23, 2023) – Orillia’s Downtown Tomorrow Community Improvement Plan (DTCIP) Grant Program has launched for 2023. A virtual community workshop for interested applicants is scheduled for April 13, 2023 and includes a summary of available grant programs.
Orillia Council recently approved $200,000 in funding for the City of Orillia’s DTCIP Grant Program in 2023. The program, now in its seventh year, encourages growth in the downtown core of the city by providing grants designed to stimulate development through façade improvements, signage, feasibility/design studies, building improvements and the creation of residential units.
“The DTCIP Grant Program has been successful in incentivizing downtown revitalization projects, which enables the City to invest in job creation and retention,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “These grants continue to have a positive community impact by helping business and property owners complete projects that help revitalize our downtown, increase housing and employment, and stimulate the local economy.”
The 2023 DTCIP Grant Program application deadlines are:
- Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 4 p.m. (early-bird deadline for pre-qualified applicants)
- Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 4 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023 at 4 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023 at 4 p.m.
Before applying, applicants must take part in a mandatory pre-consultation with City staff, which can be completed through attendance at a virtual community workshop. The next workshop takes place on April 13, 2023 from 5 to 6 p.m. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend this workshop to learn more about the DTCIP programs, application process and funding amounts, as well as how to fill out their applications. To register for the workshop, visit orillia.ca/DTCIPworkshop.
Any interested applicants who are unable to attend the virtual community workshop can contact the City’s Business Development Division at 705-325-4900 to arrange a pre-consultation appointment on an alternative date.
In addition to the three general application deadline dates, the City is accepting applications through an early-bird deadline on Thursday, April 6, 2023 by 4 p.m. Applicants who have already completed their mandatory pre-consultation or have attended a community workshop in the past are eligible to apply for the early-bird intake.
To date, 60 downtown revitalization projects have received funding through the DTCIP Grant Program, which has helped create more than 125 new local jobs and retain an additional 155 jobs. Innovative residential development is also taking place through the program and has led to the development of 69 new residential units throughout the downtown core.
“Supporting our current businesses by helping make their improvement plans feasible and offering incentivization that attracts new investment in the community is critical for Orillia’s growth and economic vitality,” said Ryan Lay, Manager of Economic Development. “The DTCIP Grant Program helps accelerate downtown revitalization projects that lead to more people working, living and visiting the downtown so the entire community can experience the increased downtown vibrancy sooner.”
For more information about the DTCIP Grant Program, contact the City of Orillia Business Development Division at 705-325-4900 or visit orillia.ca/downtownCIP.
