Wellington County's Community Improvement Grant programme was designed to support projects that advance County-wide planning, economic development, and revitalization goals for our communities, while respecting the policy framework developed through the Community Improvement funding (CIF) of our member municipalities.
The programme offers top-up funding incentives for businesses approved and participating in their local municipality’s CIF.
Community Improvement Grants are an innovative and collaborative approach to grow and sustain a strong, vibrant local economy that respects our green spaces, heritage, and culture.
Jana Burns, Wellington Place Administrator
What is Community Improvement Funding?
Community Improvement Funding (CIF) is a planning tool used by municipalities across Ontario to support improvements to local built, economic, and social environments. Support can be provided in a variety of ways, including; tax assistance, grants or loans to businesses within a defined area.
CIF is intended to encourage rehabilitation initiatives and stimulate development. They can also be used to support broad planning and design goals, such as sustainable development, population and job growth, diversification of economic activity, rental housing options, accessibility, and walkability.
Grants Available
Study Grant
The Study Grant helps applicants complete pre-development studies and offers up to $10,000 per study.
Minor Activity Grant
Helps businesses complete construction or infrastructure projects such as façade improvements, expansions, or interior renovations of up to $20,000.
Major Activity Grant
A Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) may be available under the Major Activity Grant.
The Study Grant helps applicants complete pre-development studies. We offer up to $10,000 per study, and a maximum of 2 studies per project. The following list of studies are eligible to receive funding:
Urban design studies and architectural/design drawings;
Heritage impact assessments;
Concept plans and site plans;
Structural analyses and evaluation of existing and proposed mechanical, electrical, and other building systems;
Energy efficiency and water conservation studies;
Geothermal energy design studies;
Blue/white/green roof studies;
Low impact development (LID) engineering and design studies;
Traffic impact assessments/studies
Studies of microclimatic conditions (sun, shadow, wind);
On-farm biodigester feasibility and design studies;
Phase Two environmental site assessments (ESA);
Designated substance and hazardous materials surveys;
Remedial work plans;
Risk assessments/risk management plans;
The Minor Activity Grant helps businesses complete construction or infrastructure projects such as façade improvements, expansions, interior renovations, and more. Funding up to 50% of total eligible costs up to a maximum of $20,000 per project may be available.
Types of projects and land uses may include (but are not limited to):
Commercial: improvement/expansion of existing commercial, industrial, institutional, and mixed-use buildings/properties
Housing: Creation of new affordable housing units
Agricultural: Improvement/expansion of existing agricultural buildings or construction of new agricultural buildings for the purpose of accommodating agricultural manufacturing, value added farm products, on-farm diversified uses, or new/innovative farm related agriculture and agri-business uses
Tourism: improvement/expansion of new or existing tourism-based properties and/or businesses.
Sustainability: green infrastructure projects that meet the County’s Green Building Standards, or equivalent.
A Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) may be available under the Major Activity Grant. The following table outlines the TIEG rate for an eligible project:
Year
County TIEG Amount as a % of the County Property Tax Increase (Increment) Resulting from the Project
1
100%
2
80%
3
60%
4
40%
5
20%
Eligible projects may include (but are not limited to):
Commercial: improvement/expansion of existing commercial, industrial, institutional, and mixed-use buildings/properties
Housing: Creation of new affordable housing units
Agricultural: Improvement/expansion of existing agricultural buildings or construction of new agricultural buildings for the purpose of accommodating agricultural manufacturing, value added farm products, on-farm diversified uses, or new/innovative farm related agriculture and agri-business uses
Tourism: improvement/expansion of new or existing tourism-based properties and/or businesses.
Sustainability: green infrastructure projects that meet the County’s Green Building Standards, or equivalent.
*Preference will be given to projects that have multiple aspects of the above eligibility.
How to Apply
Use the links below to find out if you are eligible for funding under your local municipality’s CIF:
Township of Centre Wellington George Borovilos, Manager of Economic Development, 519.846.9691 x 304 or email
Town of Erin Marina Mato, Economic Development Officer, 519.855.4407 x 241 or email.
Guelph Eramosa Township Ian Roger, CAO, 519.856.9596 x 105 or email.
Township of Mapleton Amy Grose, Manager of Recreation / Interim Economic Development and Marketing Coordinator, 519.638.3313 x 037 or email.
Town of Minto Belinda Wick-Graham, Director of Economic and Community Development, 519.338.2511 x 241 or email.
Township of Puslinch Courtenay Hoytfox, Interim CAO, 519.763.1226 x 227 or email.
Township of Wellington North Robyn Mulder, Economic Development Officer, 519.848.3620 x 4234 or email.
Your member municipality will escalate the project to the County of Wellington review team, if applicable.
Grant payments are made when projects are complete.
Additional Funding Opportunities
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Government and utility programmes have been set up to support business owners as they invest in improving their buildings’ efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as training for energy auditors and managers.
Companies and institutions are recognizing the need to integrate climate action into all aspects of their business. This sector contributes 118,300 tonnes CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) to the County’s emissions from fossil fuels sources. Similar to homes, actions to reduce emissions need to focus on reducing the use of natural gas in equipment and heating. Learn more about our climate change initiatives.
Looking for more information? Contact our Economic Development team at 519.837.2600 x 2611 or via e-mail.
