A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) enables municipalities to provide financial incentives to private commercial landowners for improvements to lands, buildings, signs, landscaping and other works.

In 2012, the former Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield developed a CIP for its commercial core areas in the Village of Lakefield and the Hamlets of Bridgenorth, Ennismore and Young's Point. 

In 2018, the Township of Selwyn's CIP underwent a 5 year review, which involved:

  • Reviewing the results of the existing incentive programs to determine uptake, effectiveness and any needed refinements;
  • Determining if any critical needs are not being met by the existing programs;
  • Identifying gaps or issues with regard to existing program content and administration;
  • Reviewing the existing Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA) and areas outside of the current CIPA; and
  • Proposing incentive program revisions and additions and a revised CIPA as needed to address critical needs and gaps.
What is a CIP?

A CIP is a planning and economic development framework that includes public realm improvement projects and financial incentive programs designed to stimulate private sector investment and building rehabilitation and development. CIPs can assist residents, business owners, and investors to plan for the revitalization, redevelopment and stabilization of their neighbourhoods.

See the Township of Selwyn's CIP
COVID-19 Update

As we continue to deal with the impacts of COVID-19 within our community, there has been a strong desire for an incentive program that would help local businesses deal with COVID-19 related costs. 

As a result, the Township’s CIP has undergone a review in an effort to incentivize as many projects as possible and to address the many COVID-19 expenses that our local businesses are incurring. Two major temporary changes have been made to the Township's original CIP:

  • the cost sharing formula has been increased to 70% Township : 30% applicant; and
  • the COVID-19 Pilot Grant Program has been launched.

Both initiatives expire as of December 31, 2022; with the cost sharing formula reverting back to 50% Township : 50% applicant on January 1, 2023.
Financial Incentive Programs

The Township has five financial incentive programs. A brief description of each program is provided below, along with guidelines and the application.

COVID-19 Pilot Grant - Expires December 31, 2022

The purpose is to promote physical alterations and improvements of existing commercial buildings to prevent and reduce the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Ground Sign Improvement Grant

The purpose is to promote the upgrading or replacement of commercial ground signage.

Facade Improvement Grant

The purpose is to promote rehabilitation, restoration and improvement of the front, rear and side facades of commercial, institutional and mixed use buildings, including retail storefront display areas and business signage.

Landscaping Improvement Grant

The purpose is to promote improved landscaping, driveway accesses and parking areas on private properties with particular emphasis on the public street edge in order to improve visual quality and create a more comfortable pedestrian environment.

Urban Design Study Grant

The purpose is to help ensure professional urban design studies and architectural design drawings meet with CIP Design Guidelines and help offset costs of preparing professional drawings.
 Buckhorn CIP

In 2015, the Township of Selwyn and the Municipality of Trent Lakes completed a joint CIP for the Hamlet of Buckhorn.

The adopted Buckhorn CIP is for the commercial core area in the Hamlet of Buckhorn. The Municipality of Trent Lakes has adopted the same CIP guidelines on the opposite side of the bridge to pursue a cohesive approach to Buckhorn's beautification. The guidelines within the final CIP document are meant to assist and foster enhancements of buildings, properties, streets and keep with the overall desired vision and character of each area identified. A copy of the adopted final plan is available on the Municipality of Trent Lakes' website or below:

CIP Financial Incentive Programs for the Hamlet of Buckhorn

The Township has three financial incentive programs. A brief description of each program is provided below along with guidelines and the application.

Building Improvement Grant

The purpose is to promote rehabilitation, restoration and improvement of the front, rear and side facades of commercial, institutional and mixed-use buildings.

Landscape Improvement Grant

The purpose is to promote landscaping, curbing, decorative walls and driveway access/egress improvements to commercial, institutional and mixed-use properties to improve visual quality and create a more comfortable pedestrian environment.

Improved Signage Grant

The purpose is to promote the replacement of signage on existing businesses for a commercial building with a sign that meets the design guidelines.



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