What is a Community Improvement Plan (CIP)?

A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a tool that can help revitalize areas within a community by designating a CIP project area and providing programs, such as grants, in order to meet specific goals and community improvement needs. 

CIP for Office Development and Village Revitalization

On February 26, 2018, Council approved the Richmond Hill Office Development and Village Revitalization Community Improvement Plan (formerly titled the Richmond Hill Office Development and Downtown Local Centre Community Improvement Plan).

The CIP supports and incentivizes new office development in Richmond Hill’s designated centres and corridors and older business parks through a Tax Increment Equivalent Grant and a Building Renovation Grant. It also supports revitalization of the City’s Village Business Improvement Area through grants related to façade improvements, enhanced landscaping and new signage. These grants are geared to businesses and property owners located within program defined areas, and provided they meet certain criteria.

Purpose of CIP

• Encourage new office development and re-development by providing grants to applicants located in the defined improvement area
• Ensure the availability of a range of office space to businesses to provide more opportunities for local employment that supports intensification and a live/work balance in Richmond Hill
• Allow businesses to better access the highly-educated workforce living in Richmond Hill

Amendment to the CIP

On February 22, 2023, Council adopted Amendment 1 to the CIP which is now in effect. The amendment included the following updates to the CIP:

1. CIP program extension for an additional 5 years until 2027;
2. An increase to the maximum grant threshold for the Building Renovations Grant from $50,000 to $100,000;
3. An increase to the maximum grant amount for the Landscaping grant from $2,500 to $5,000 for a single frontage and from $5,000 to $10,000 for multiple frontages. 
4. Clarification on programs including eligibility (e.g. eligible costs, eligible projects, and timing of project commencement);
5. Clarification on what changes require a formal amendment and Council approval; and
6. Minor technical changes (e.g. update the word "Town" to "City").

How to Apply

For more information about the programs and eligibility criteria, and how to apply for a grant, please see the CIP Grants website.