Council approved $73,513 in Community Improvement Program (CIP) grants on Tuesday.
“The Community Improvement Program is a great way for the town to support people wanting to improve their property,” Mayor Heidi Lorenz said.
The annual program makes financial assistance available to businesses and property owners in the Gravenhurst urban area. The town issues the grant money when projects are complete.
Eligible projects under the program include new building façade, safety improvements, and various other enhancements.
“The CIP program offers a great opportunity for the town, local businesses, and residents to build a better sense of community by working to develop Gravenhurst’s urban area,” Amy Taylor, manager of economic development, said.
This year the town received 15 applications for projects. The Community Grants Committee recommended funding allocations to all applicants.
See the related staff report to learn about the projects.
The property improvement projects have an estimated value of more than $150,000 with grants ranging from $600 to $12,000.
The CIP program is now in its 11th year and the town has invested more than $11 million in improvement projects.
The town gives successful applicants two building seasons to finish their work and have it inspected by the municipality.
Research has shown that the aesthetics of the urban area influence the shopping habits of prospective customers and visitors.
Copies of the Community Improvement Plan, the Façade and Streetscape guidelines, a map of the CIP area, and CIP grant applications are available at the Town of Gravenhurst offices and at www.gravenhurst.ca/cip.