Community Improvement Plan Grant Program

Apply Now! See FAQs for Details.

The Gravenhurst Community Improvement Plan (CIP) was created in 2012 to support building improvements, focusing on the downtown and Muskoka Wharf. In 2024, the CIP boundary was expanded to reflect the growing urban core and allow more property owners to access funding.

The CIP offers financial incentives for eligible projects, including façade improvements and tax grants under the Municipal Act. The Town façade and streetscape design guidelines guide improvements.

To submit the strongest possible application, reach out to Ellen Selby at ellen.selby@gravenhurst.ca for a 1:1 consultation about your potential project.

CIP is a reimbursement program. The applicant will be reimbursed for up to 50% of the final project expense within the category funding limit.

Qualifying businesses need to fall within the Community Improvement Area boundaries (see map) and projects will be considered within the following categories:

Study/Predevelopment Incentives

Building/Property Improvement Incentives (construction)

Tax Increment/Development Charge Incentives

Full details of categories and the funding available for each potential project can be found on the application.

Before you apply, we strongly recommend that you call a member of the Economic Development Team to discuss your ideas and potential eligibility.

Once staff have determined if you can apply, you should review the CIP Policy and then electronically submit the online application or print and fill out an application form.

You will need at least two quotes for the work to be completed, photos of the area needing attention (the "before" photos) and a clear detailed description of the work to be completed and how it connects to the goal of community improvement.

Internal Review

Municipal staff will review your application and communicate any additional information required.
The Community Grants Committee will review your final application and if successful, conditional approval will be granted.
A report with recommendations will be approved by Council.

Approval

A conditional approval letter will be issued electronically, including details on the application and the funding you can receive.
Work can begin and continue for 18 months post the date of the approval letter. Work is completed and paid in full by applicant.

Final Review

The applicant submits their receipts for reimbursement to the Economic Development Department.
Municipal staff will inspect the final work, including taking photos, before the funds are released.

Building Façade Improvement Grant

Commercial Safety and Technology Grant

Landscaping and Property Improvement Grant

Outdoor Patio Grant

Planning Application/Building Permit Fee Grant

Planning/Design and Drawing Grant

Residential Conversion/Rehabilitation Grant

Signage Improvements Grant

Structural Improvement Grant

Heritage Restoration Grant

Development Charges Rebate

Heritage Property Tax Relief Grant

Property Tax Increment Grant

Community Improvement Plan Brochure

Community Improvement Program - 2025

Façade Design Guidelines

Façade Demonstration Sketches

Streetscape Design Guidelines

Commercial Safety and Technology Grant

This expansion of the former "Downtown of Tomorrow" category for new technology initiatives that benefit the general public and are related to development, redevelopment, or construction to a qualifying property. Up to a maximum of $3,000 to be applied to projects such as:

Free Public Access wifi
Online Catalogue of Inventory
Digital Surveillance Systems
Digital Application Creation of Enrichment
And other qualifying considerations

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Gravenhurst Community Improvement Program