As North Glengarry’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP) enters its final phase, the range of eligible properties reaches its broadest scope.

The CIP’s primary purpose is to facilitate enhancements to facades and signage along community main streets, and includes an array of potential exterior improvements. Property owners and tenants can apply for a CIP grant of up to 50% of project costs, to a maximum grant of $5000.

“Enhanced streetscapes along our communities’ main streets attract shoppers, which in turn attract more businesses,” says Tara Kirkpatrick, North Glengarry’s Economic Development and Communications Officer.

The initial phase of the CIP, which launched in 2016, welcomed applications for prospective projects in the urban areas of Alexandria and Maxville. The second phase saw eligible areas expand to include North Glengarry’s rural hamlets in 2018. The third and final phase began in 2019 and extends to commercial and industrial areas, as well as properties of “significant heritage interest,” outside urban cores.

In the CIP’s first three years, 34 applications were received, and 27 of those were approved. Some projects also benefited from SDG Counties’ Regional Incentives grant program.

From 2016 to 2018, North Glengarry provided $200,000 in CIP grants, with another $60,000 budgeted for 2019. The CIP program is funded by the township. Funds received from Ontario’s Main Street Revitalization program in 2018 were channeled into the township’s existing CIP program, says Kirkpatrick.

The CIP is set to end in 2020. North Glengarry township plans to hold public consultations as staff and council consider if the plan may evolve or continue for future years.

Applications for the CIP program are evaluated monthly on a first-come, first-served basis. Information and applications are available from Township of North Glengarry’s offices at 90 Main Street in Alexandria, or online at www.northglengarry.ca.

Facade improvements underway at 17 Main St in Alexandria were partially funded by a CIP grant.

Shown here in 2018, the building stood vacant for 20 years and will soon house a restaurant and two apartments. (submitted photo)