We will grant back 100% of the increased city and County of Oxford portions of property taxes for a 5-year period if you make a physical improvement to a building.
Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a financial incentive program for eligible property owners and businesses to enhance and encourage revitalization to a specifically defined project area in the downtown.
Applying for CIP Funding
1. Review CIP General Requirements document outlining the process from application to project completion.
2. Meet with staff to discuss requirements prior to submitting the CIP application.
3. Complete the CIP application and provide details outlining the project work planned, estimated costs and timelines.
4. Ensure all required elements are included prior to sending.
Community Improvement Plan Programs
Facade Improvement Loan Program
We will provide a 10-year interest-free loan to encourage the refurbishment of downtown properties within the Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA). The program provides interest-free loans of up to $25,000 per distinct building. Funding is available for 50% of the value of the project. Payments are not required during the first 5 years.
Beginning in year 6, you must make a minimum payment of $1,000 per year. Any outstanding balance is due by the end of year 10.
We will provide a grant of up to $10,000 per storefront, or $30,000 for a corner building, for the refurbishment of existing facades. Similar to the facade loan program, funding is available for 50% of the value of the project.
Residential conversion and intensification program
We will provide grants of up to $5,000 per new unit, or $40,000 per application, to encourage the development of new residential units in the downtown.
In addition to the grant portion of the program, a 10-year interest-free loan of up to $10,000 per unit, or $80,000 per application, is also available. Funding is available for 50% of the value of the project.
Residential conversion and intensification program guideline
Awning, signage and lighting program
We will provide a 1-time grant for eligible improvements to awnings, signage and/or lighting to a maximum of $3,000 per distinct building. Similar to the facade loan program, funding is available for 50% of the value of the project.
We will provide a 10-year interest-free loan of up to $25,000 for the restoration needs of the rear or alleyway facing portions of buildings in the CIP area. Similar to the facade loan program, funding is available for 50% of the value of the project.
We will provide a grant to assist with the preparation of a design study for restoration and preservation projects of up to $1,500 per applicant.
We will grant back municipal permit fees (building permit fees, sign fees, etc.) paid as part of a project that enhances the development process.
Grant in lieu of permit fees guideline
We will be responsible for the cost of legal and registration fees to those accessing CIP programs.
We will grant back the cost of municipal parking permit fees for certain targeted developments.
Contact Us
Woodstock Economic Development
City of Woodstock
500 Dundas Street, P.O. Box 1539
Woodstock, ON N4S 0A7
Phone: 519-539-2382 Ext. 2115
Fax: 519-539-3275