City approves Strategic Community Improvement Plan

By Lindsay Advocate

The Strategic Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for the City of Kawartha Lakes was approved by Council at the August 14 Council meeting. The CIP provides a range of financial incentives that may be used to support aesthetic and functional improvements to commercial, mixed-use and designated residential properties within the City of Kawartha Lakes.

“The CIP is an important commitment and investment into our downtowns as our community hubs,” said Mayor Andy Letham. “Council recognizes the importance of vibrant and prosperous downtowns to our economy and the quality of life of our residents.”

The CIP will make available grants, loans and tax relief to eligible property and business owners within Kawartha Lakes to encourage repairs and improvements to commercial and mixed-use properties, enable restoration of heritage buildings, create or retrofit affordable rental housing in mixed-use buildings and support downtown main street revitalization. The specific financial incentives that will be offered for this year will be determined by Council at a later date.

The first intake of applications is expected to begin this fall. Interested applicants should contact the Economic Development division at 705-324-9411 extension 1395 for help and more information on the application process.

“The Community Improvement Plan is an important tool that the City can use to support business growth and retention,” says Denise Williams, acting manager of economic development. “We are excited to connect with property owners and support them throughout the application process.”

A 20-day appeal period is now in effect for the CIP. Following this period, if no appeals are received by September 12, 2018, the CIP will come into force and be considered in effect.

Funding for the CIP financial programs was provided by the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (KLCFDC), the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

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