Community Improvement Plan

Lakeshore-wide Community Improvement Plan Coming Up!

Stay tuned for updates about the Lakeshore CIP for Housing and Main Streets and Rural Economic Development

Lakeshore CIP for Housing and Main Streets and Rural Economic Development

At the meeting on August 12, 2025, Council approved the Lakeshore Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for Housing and Main Streets and Rural Economic Development. 

The CIP, once established, will provide financial incentives to properties throughout Lakeshore to:

• To increase the supply of housing, including affordable housing, as well as encourage infill development.
• Support investment in rural economic development and main streets revitalization.
• Reduce planning application and building permit costs.
• Improve accessibility and aesthetics of existing buildings and streetscapes.

Background

• Report to Council on the Lakeshore CIP for Housing and Main Streets and Rural Economic Development.

How the CIP Works

A CIP is a tool authorized under Section 28 of the Planning Act and Section 106 of the Municipal Act to enable municipalities to offer financial incentives that encourage certain types of development or improvements throughout an entire municipality or in a specified area. Through a CIP, municipalities may give grants and loans, so long as these financial incentives do not exceed eligible costs. These eligible costs include:

“environmental site assessment, environmental remediation, development, redevelopment, construction and reconstruction of lands and buildings for rehabilitation purposes or for the provision of energy efficient uses, buildings, structures, works, improvements or facilities.”

CIPs can help achieve broad land use planning and economic objectives due to its ability to attract and stimulate investment. Appendix A of this report outlines the legislative framework for the establishment of CIPs.