Expansion of the Deep River Community Improvement Plan (CIP)

Expansion of the Deep River Community Improvement Plan

Why is this project happening? 

A Community Improvement Plan is a tool provided by the Municipal Act, 2001, and the Planning Act, 1990, that allows municipalities to assist with the maintenance, rehabilitation, development, and redevelopment of targeted areas. Municipalities can provide financial incentives, such as grants or loans, to property and business owners to directly support improvements and investments in buildings and land within a defined project area.

In 2021, Council established a Community Improvement Plan focused on the downtown core. The intent of the original Downtown Community Improvement Plan (DCIP) was to support revitalization of the downtown through targeted financial incentives and public realm improvements.

Since its adoption, the program has supported a number of improvement projects; however, its geographic scope and eligibility criteria have limited its overall uptake and effectiveness.

Council would like to extend the benefits of a CIP to all of Deep River, and introduce more types of grants. These would support a wider range of projects, including help with planning, development, and permit fees. At the same time, the Town will continue investing in infrastructure and long-term planning to support Deep River’s growth.

What are the key features of the project? 

The proposed changes to the CIP include:

  • Updated goals to include:
    • Improve the visual and functional aspects of the business and commercial areas of Deep River
    • Encourage the use of active transportation options (non-motorized transportation) by improving the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other users within Deep River
    • Promote a favourable climate to encourage private investment for the development, redevelopment, revitalization, and improvement of the Town.
  • Expanded list of financial incentives to include:
    • Building and property improvement-related grants to support façade and signage improvements, accessibility upgrades, crime prevention, and other related projects
    • Planning and development fee grants to offset some of the costs associated with development, permitting fees, and studies.
    • Housing development grants to support brownfield redevelopment and infill, and the development of a variety of affordable housing types.
    • Economic vibrancy grants to support sidewalk patios and pop-ups.
  • Expanding the CIP area to include all of Deep River

Will there be public engagment and communication? 

We’d love to get your input and hear your feedback about the proposed changes. Please complete this survey: Community Feedback & Survey

Send us an email at townmail@deepriver.ca, or meet us in person at the Town Hall.

If you are a local business owner, we’d especially like to hear how the changes affect you. Please also complete the Business Feedback survey here: Local Business Owner Feedback & Survey 

How will this project be done?

The proposed changes to the CIP will require:

  • An amendment to the Town’s Official Plan (section 6.2.4, which describes the Community Improvement Plan Area).
  • An amendment/replacement of by-law 39-2021, which designates the Community Improvement Plan Area
  • An amendment/replacement of by-law 31-2021 to adopt the amended Community Improvement Plan

The Planning Act lays out the required process for Official Plan and CIP amendments, including public consultation. Formal notifications of the proposed amendments must also be sent to the County of Renfrew, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and other public agencies as required by the Planning Act.