Recommendations were brought to council at their October 15 meeting to increase grants that fall under the Township’s Community Improvement Program (CIP). Changes to funds available would help residents and developers restore and build properties within the Township while keeping its cultural heritage.
As part of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee’s annual review of the CIP, council heard that the financial incentive programs under the CIP encourage long-term private sector actions to rehabilitate properties and stimulate development in the region. The main reason for the proposed increases to CIP incentives came from the rising costs of rehabilitating and renovating heritage properties.
Only properties that have met and been designated as part of the North Glengarry Heritage Register would be eligible for the adopted grants.
The proposed increases would apply to the Planning and Design Grant Program (PDGP), the Building Improvement and Infill Grant Program (BIIGP), and create a new Environmental Rehabilitation Tax Increment Grant (ERTIG).
Under the PDGP, properties designated on the Township’s Heritage Register would be provided a one-time, 50 per cent grant for preparing architectural and site plans for building façade improvements, infill projects, commercial signage and awnings, landscaping improvements, and public art pieces.
A maximum of $2,000 per eligible property would be available to successful applicants and does not cover taxes associated with the project. The first payment to applicants would be made once design renderings conducted by a qualified professional are approved, with the second and final payment being processed after the project’s completion.
“If you’re trying to be respectful of a building, I think it’s a good idea. Eventually, we get the tax revenue, there’s no loss in the interim, only the development of property and development of the area. I think it’s a win all the way around,” Councillor Michael Madden stated.
Changes were also suggested to the BIIGP. The BIIGP encourages property owners to implement aesthetic improvements to heritage properties for restoration, renovation, and improvement that are visible from the street, stimulating revitalization. The BIIGP would grant 50 per cent of the project cost, before taxes, up to $7,000 for aesthetic improvements for the first façade. An additional $4,000 would then be available for a secondary façade visible from the street. In total, eligible property owners could receive up to $11,000.
Lastly, the new ERTIG would incentivize owners of properties that do not meet the current standards of the Ontario Environmental Protection Act to receive municipal tax reimbursement for undertaking brownfield projects. Only property owners and one grant per property can be approved under the program. General tax legislation changes, increases in the tax rate, or reassessments are not eligible for this grant. Additionally, if a property’s tax installment is missed, the Township has the ability and discretion to cancel any further grant payments without further notice.
Grant calculation is on an annual basis of the increased assessment property value determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. The grant represents a percentage of the increase in municipal taxes payable as a result of the improvements and will be on a declining basis for five years. The first year would be set at 100 per cent of the municipal tax portion, the second at 80 per cent, third at 60 per cent, continuously declining by 20 per cent year over year until the sixth year at 0 per cent.
Although welcomed by most of the council, some questions lingered as to whether the Township should be offsetting these costs for restoration and development projects.
“Originally, the CIP was programmed to lend a hand. I think the money that’s available is a nice little perk for someone who wants to do something with their home, but I don’t agree with more,” Councillor Brian Caddell commented.
Public consultations are in the planning stages and would allow the community to insert their comments and suggestions on the proposed changes. The revised CIP with community input would then be scheduled for implementation in January 2025.
The recommendations ultimately passed with Councillor Caddell voting against them.
