Community Improvement Plan Program renewed until 2027

Richmond Hill – Richmond Hill Council reiterated its commitment to local businesses by approving the extension of the Office Development and Village Local Centre Revitalization Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Program for another five years.

Since the program’s inception in 2018, the City has supported nine projects for a variety of different local businesses in Richmond Hill’s downtown area, providing them with much-needed grants to refresh their exteriors with new signs, windows, doors, lighting and façades and to create new office space through interior renovations.

Along with the commitment to renew the program, Council also approved in principle:

• An increase to the maximum grant threshold for the Building Renovations Grant from $50,000 to $100,000 to more reasonably represent the cost of such projects
• An annual operating budget for the CIP Grant Program of $250,000 funded through the City’s Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve

Changes to the CIP will be undertaken through the formal CIP update process in accordance with the Planning Act, while budget approvals will occur through the City’s normal operating budget process.

The City continues to accept grant applications for the 2022 year. For more information about the program and how to apply, visit RichmondHill.ca/CIPGrants.

QUOTE

“I am pleased we are continuing to support local businesses through the extension of this program. Many businesses have struggled in the last two years and I am glad that we can provide financial incentives to encourage new office development and re-development within the City’s older business parks and along Yonge Street. Not only does the program help support Richmond Hill businesses and job creation in the City, it also contributes to the revitalization of our historic downtown.”

– Mayor David West

MEDIA CONTACT

Lynn Chan, Communications Advisor

lynn.chan@richmondhill.ca