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Report To: Planning and Development Committee
Date of Meeting: June 15, 2026 Report Number: CAO-007-26
Authored by: Paul Pirri, Director, Economic Development
Glen MacFarlane, Economic Development Officer
Submitted By: Mary-Anne Dempster, CAO
By-law Number: Resolution Number: PD-088-26
File Number:
Report Subject: Draft 2026 Community Improvement Plan Update
Purpose of Report:
The purpose of this report is to provide information to the public and Council regarding an
update to the Municipality of Clarington’s Community Improvement Plan under the Plannin g
Act requirements.
Recommendation:
1.That Report CAO-007-26, the Draft Municipal Wide Community Improvement Plan, be
received; and
2.That staff receive and consider comments from the public, review agencies, and Council
with respect to the proposed Community Improvement Plan and corresponding
Clarington Official Plan Amendment and continue undertaking the process including the
preparation of a subsequent recommendation report; and
3.That all interested parties listed in Report CAO-007-026 and any delegations be advised
of Council Decision.
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Report Overview
partnership with the Municipality’s consultant, Sierra Planning and Management
have undertaken a review of the Municipality’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
1. Background
1.1 The Municipality of Clarington currently has four separate CIPs. One for each of the
communities of Bowmanville, Newcastle, Orono, and Courtice.
1.2 In 2022, the Municipality adopted the Municipality’s first Economic Development
Strategy. Action item 1.2.4 Identified the need to update the Municipality’s Community
Improvement Plan. When Economic Development adopted it’s 2025 Economic
Development Action Plan, this action was retained for implementation in 2025/2026.
1.3 In 2025, the Municipality retained Sierra Planning and Management to complete the
review of the Community Improvement Plan Project. This report presents the draft CIP
for comment.
2. Existing Community Improvement Plans (CIPs)
2.1 Since 2005, the Municipality has implemented Community Improve ment Plans (CIPs)
focused on strengthening traditional downtowns and Main Street areas. The program
originated with the designation and adoption of the Orono and Bowmanville Community
Improvement Project Areas and Plans through a series of Council reports and by-laws
in the early to mid-2000s. The Orono and Bowmanville CIPs were among the first
established, with project areas designated in 2003, plans adopted in 2005, and later
amended in 2008. The Newcastle CIP followed, with the project area and plan
established in 2008. Together, these three original CIPs formed the foundation of
Clarington’s downtown revitalization efforts, focusing on façade improvements, building
rehabilitation, and the attraction of private sector investment.
2.2 In 2016, Council expanded the program with the adoption of the Courtice CIP,
introducing a broader focus on redevelopment and intensification, including support for
mixed-use development and affordable housing within the Courtice Main Street area.
2.3 In 2018, the Municipality completed a comprehensive review of the original CIPs
(Orono, Bowmanville, and Newcastle), resulting in updated by-laws that consolidated
previous amendments and modernized the plans to reflect evolving economic
conditions and community priorities.
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2.4 Since their inception, Clarington’s CIP programs have been supported by annual
monitoring and reporting and continue to play an important role in incentivizing private
investment, enhancing streetscapes, and supporting the vitality of the Municipality’s
commercial areas.
2.5 To date, the CIP program has been undertaken in a fragmented and ad hoc approach.
Further, the existing suite of programs does not enable the municipality to offer grants to
support investment inquiries, or agricultural expansions. Each of the existing CIP
programs are highlighted below.
2.6 The Bowmanville CIP program offers the following grants:
Building Permit Fee Grant Program;
Site Plan Control Fee Grant Program;
Signage Grant Program;
Façade Improvement Grant Program;
Upgrade to Building Code Grant Program;
Reconstruction Grant Program; and
Accessibility Grant Program.
2.7 The Newcastle CIP program offers the following programs:
Site Plan Control Fee Grant Program;
Infill Project Grant Program;
Façade Improvement Grant Program;
Upgrade to Building Code Grant Program;
Signage Grant Program; and
Accessibility Grant Program.
2.8 The Orono CIP program offers the following programs:
Signage Grant Program;
Façade Improvement Grant Program;
Upgrade to Building Code Grant Program;
Brownfield Project Grant Program; and
Accessibility Improvement Grant Program.
2.9 The Courtice CIP program offers the following programs:
Development Charge (DC) Grant Program; and
Tax Increment Grant (TIG) Program.
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3. 2026 Community Improvement Plan Update
3.1 Below is an overview of the proposed 2026 Community Improvement Plan which can be
found in Attachment 1 of this report.
Overview and Purpose
3.2 Staff, in partnership with the Municipality’s consultant, Sierra Planning and Management
have undertaken a review of the Municipality’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
program.
3.3 The proposed (CIP) is a strategic economic development tool that outlines how the
Municipality of Clarington will use financial incentives to stimulate investment,
redevelopment, and revitalization across the community. It enables the Municipality to
offer grants, fee reductions, and tax-based incentives to encourage private-sector
investment that aligns with municipal priorities, including economic growth, housing
supply, and improved built form.
3.4 The CIP is established under Section 28 of the Planning Act, allowing municipalities to
designate Community Improvement Project Areas (CIPAs) and provide financial
assistance to support development and redevelopment initiatives.
Duration and Scope
3.5 The CIP is proposed for a five-year period (January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2031).
The Municipality retains flexibility to adjust program availability and intake timelines
based on funding commitments.
3.6 It is intended that the entire Municipality of Clarington is designated as a Community
Improvement Project Area (CIPA), enabling programs to apply broadly, with targeted
focus in specific priority areas and land use designations.
Strategic Focus Areas
3.7 The CIP is structured around six key program sectors:
3.8 Downtown Commercial: Revitalization of historic downtowns (Bowmanville,
Newcastle, Orono) through façade improvements, accessibility upgrades, and support
for new commercial and mixed-use development.
3.9 Affordable Housing: Expansion of rental housing supply, including Additional Dwelling
Units (ADUs) and affordable purpose-built rental housing.
3.10 Employment Lands: Support for industrial expansion and attraction of major
investment, particularly in targeted sectors such as nuclear-related industries.
3.11 On-Farm Diversification: Encouraging agri-tourism, value-added agricultural uses, and
rural economic diversification.
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3.12 Brownfields: Facilitating remediation and redevelopment of underutilized or
contaminated sites.
3.13 Hotel and Banquet Facilities: Supporting tourism-related investment and event-
hosting capacity.
Incentive Programs
3.14 The Community Improvement Plan establishes a suite of financial incentives intended to
encourage private sector investment across Clarington. The programs are designed to
support a range of priorities, including downtown revitalization, housing supply,
employment growth, and rural economic diversification. The approach combines grants
and tax-based tools to reduce financial barriers to development and redevelopment.
Downtown Commercial
Purpose
3.15 These programs are focused on strengthening the municipality’s commercial cores by
supporting property improvements and new commercial development. Proposed
programs include a façade and signage improvement grant, commercial accessibility
grant, commercial building renovation grant, municipal fees grant, and a tax increment
equivalent grant for larger downtown commercial projects.
Assessment
3.16 The downtown programs are structured to support both smaller property improvements
and more significant redevelopment activity. The façade, signage, and accessibi lity
programs are relatively straightforward and are expected to generate visible
improvements to the streetscape in the short term. These types of investments can help
improve the overall perception of the commercial cores and support local businesses.
3.17 The building renovation grant provides a deeper level of support for older building stock,
including interior upgrades and structural improvements to meet building code
requirements. This is particularly important in areas where buildings may no longer
meet current market expectations.
3.18 The tax increment program is intended to support larger redevelopment projects by
offsetting a portion of the increase in property taxes over time.
Housing
Purpose
3.19 The housing programs are intended to increase the supply of ren tal housing and
support affordability, with a focus on both smaller-scale intensification and larger
development projects. Programs include a flat-rate grant for Additional Dwelling Units
(ADUs) and a tax increment program for affordable purpose -built rental housing.
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Assessment
3.20 The approach is designed to address housing supply at different scales. The ADU
program is simple and broadly accessible, making it easy for homeowners to
participate. It supports incremental growth across the municipality and can help
increase the overall supply of rental units over time.
3.21 The affordable housing tax increment program provides a more substantial incentive for
larger developments. By tying financial support to property tax increases, it helps offset
development costs while limiting upfront municipal risk.
Employment Lands
Purpose
3.22 These programs are aimed at supporting business expansion and attracting new
investment in designated employment areas. Programs include a development charge
grant to offset upfront costs for business expansion and a tax increment program for
major new investment.
Assessment
3.23 The programs are structured to improve Clarington’s competitiveness for industrial and
employment-related investment. The development charge grant provides some relief for
businesses looking to expand, which may support retention and incremental growth.
The tax increment program is more significant and is intended to attract larger -scale
investment. It provides a longer-term financial benefit tied directly to increased
assessment.
On-Farm Diversification
Purpose
3.24 These programs are intended to support diversification within the agricultural sector,
including agri-tourism and value-added uses. They include grants for signage, building
improvements, and municipal fees.
Assessment
3.25 The programs are designed to help farmers expand into new business areas by
reducing some of the costs associated with doing so. They support improvements to
buildings and signage that can make properties more visible and accessible to the
public, which is important for agri-tourism and on-farm retail. The programs also
address some of the regulatory cost barriers that can discourage diversification.
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Brownfields
Purpose
3.26 The brownfields programs are intended to support the remediation and redevelopment
of underutilized or potentially contaminated properties. Programs include funding for
environmental studies and a tax increment program to help recover remediation costs
over time.
Assessment
3.27 These programs address both the upfront risk associated with enviro nmental
assessment and the longer-term financial challenges of remediation. Providing funding
for environmental studies helps reduce uncertainty in the early stages of a project. The
tax increment program is designed to support redevelopment by allowing pr operty
owners to recover a portion of their investment over time.
Hotel & Banquet
Purpose
3.28 This program is intended to support the development of hotel and event space
infrastructure to enhance tourism and business activity. It provides a tax increment -
based incentive tied to new development.
Assessment
3.29 The program is designed to encourage investment in facilities that can support
conferences, events, and visitors to the community. The use of a tax increment model
limits municipal financial exposure and aligns support with demonstrated investment.
Geographic Focus
3.30 While the proposed Community Improvement Project Area is municipality-wide, in many
cases, program eligibility is further scoped by priority area and land use designations.
Downtown Commercial: Scoped by Downtown Priority Areas and land use
designations
Housing: Municipality-wide for ADU Program and Urban Areas for Affordable
Housing Tax Increment Equivalent Grant
Employment Lands: Scoped by land use designation, and differs by program.
On-Farm Diversification: Scoped by Prime Agricultural Area and Rural Area land
designations.
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Eligibility and Application
3.31 Key eligibility requirements include:
Applicants must be property owners, tenants (with written consent of the property
owner), or other authorized parties specified within the Draft CIP;
Projects must comply with municipal planning policies, land use designations,
zoning, and design standards;
Properties must be within the designated CIPA; and
Applicants must be in good financial and legal standing with the Municipality.
3.32 Applications require:
Pre-application meeting with staff
Submission of a complete application
Municipal review and approval
Funding issued upon completion or through tax-based mechanisms
4. Stakeholder Engagement
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5. Financial Considerations
6. Next Steps
7. Strategic Plan
7.1 The development of this plan, also accomplishes the Municipality’s Economic
Development Action Plan item “Adopting a Best-in-Class Mindset: Undertake a
Community Improvement Plan review.
The implementation of this revised CIP contributes to the following Priorities in the
Municipality’s Strategic Plan:
G.1.1: Expand Clarington’s commercial and industrial tax base.
G1.2:Continue to support business and industry to thrive
7.2 The development of this plan, also accomplishes the Municipality’s Economic
Development Action Plan item “Adopting a Best-in-Class Mindset: Undertake a
Community Improvement Plan review.
8. Climate Change
Not Applicable.
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9. Concurrence
9.1 Staff from Finance and Technology, Planning and Infrastructure and Legislative
Services served on the project Steering Committee. Finance and Technology Services,
Legislative Services, and Planning and Infrastructure staff were consulted in the
development of this report.
9.2 The Deputy CAO Finance and Technology Services, and Deputy CAO Planning and
Infrastructure have reviewed and are in concurrence with the report.
10. Conclusion
10.1 The purpose of this report is to provide background information and obtain comments
on the 2026 Community Improvement Plan and corresponding Clarington Official Plan
Amendment at the Statutory Public Meeting under the Planning Act. Staff will continue
to review the Draft CIP, including consideration of departmental, agency and public
feedback, and will prepare a subsequent recommendation report for Council’s
consideration. Comments received at this public meeting will be considered and
summarized in the final recommendation report.
Staff Contact: Paul Pirri, Director, Economic Development, Ppirri@Clarington.net and/or Glen
Macfarlane, Economic Development Officer, Gmacfarlane@Clarington.net.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 – Draft Community Improvement Plan
Attachment 2 – Draft Official Plan Amendment
Attachment 3 – Draft Community Improvement Plan By-law
Interested Parties:
The following interested parties will be notified of Council's decision:
• Bowmanville BIA
• Newcastle BIA
• Orono BIA
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH)
• Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington (AACC)
• Accessibility Advisory Committee
• Clarington Heritage Committee
• Clarington Board of Trade (CBOT)
• Durham Region Economic Development & Tourism Division
• Durham Region Community Growth Division
• Durham Region Affordable Housing Division
• Durham Region Finance Department
• Other interested parties and individuals identified through the CIP survey and direct
communications with staff
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Community Improvement Plan
Draft Report: May 2026
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Attachment 1 to
Report CAO-007-26
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS I
1 INTRODUCTION 3
1.1 CIP Purpose 3
1.2 CIP Duration 3
1.3 Key Goals by Program Sector 3
1.4 Document Structure 4
1.5 Definitions 5
2 CIP APPLICABILITY 9
2.1 Community Improvement Project Area 9
2.2 Downtown Priority Areas 10
2.3 Geographic Applicability by Program Sector 12
3 WHO CAN APPLY 13
3.1 General Eligibility 13
3.2 Retroactivity 14
3.3 Additional Conditions for Affordable Housing 14
4 INCENTIVE PROGRAMS OVERVIEW 16
4.1 Downtown Commercial 16
Program 1: Façade and Signage Improvement Grant 16
Program 2: Commercial Accessibility Improvement Grant 17
Program 3: Commercial Building Renovation Grant 18
Program 4: Municipal Fees Grant – Downtown Commercial Stream 19
Program 5: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) – Downtown Commercial Stream 20
4.2 Housing 21
Program 6: Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant 21
Program 7: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) - Affordable Rental Housing Stream 22
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4.3 Employment Lands 24
Program 8: Development Charges (DC) Grant – Business Expansion 24
Program 9: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) – Major New Investment 25
4.4 On-Farm Diversification 26
Program 10: Agricultural Signage Improvement Grant 26
Program 11: Agricultural Building Renovation Grant 27
Program 12: Municipal Fees Grant – Agricultural Stream 28
4.5 Brownfields 29
Program 13: Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Grant 29
Program 14: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) - Brownfields Stream 30
4.6 Conference/Banquet Facilities 31
Program 15: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) –Conference/Banquet Facility Stream 31
5 HOW TO APPLY 33
5.1 Step-By-Step Application Process 33
5.2 Timing and Intake Considerations 34
5.3 Stacking and Combining CIP Programs 34
6 REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS 35
6.1 Discretion in Assistance 35
6.2 Approval Authority 35
6.3 Changes to Approved Projects 35
APPENDIX A: LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY FRAMEWORK 1
APPENDIX B: DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL PROGRAM GUIDE 1
APPENDIX C: HOUSING PROGRAM GUIDE 1
APPENDIX D: EMPLOYMENT LANDS PROGRAM GUIDE 1
APPENDIX E: ON-FARM DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM GUIDE 1
APPENDIX F: BROWNFIELDS PROGRAM GUIDE 1
APPENDIX G: CONFERENCE/BANQUET FACILITIES PROGRAM GUIDE 1
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 CIP Purpose
The Municipality of Clarington Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a strategic planning
and economic development tool that provides a framework for directing financial
incentives to projects that advance community improvement priorities. Through this CIP,
the Municipality may offer grants and other forms of assistance to support development,
redevelopment, rehabilitation, and property improvement in areas and sectors where
public support can help stimulate desired investment and community benefit.
The CIP is intended to support a range of municipal objectives, including downtown
revitalization, housing supply, employment growth, rural economic diversification,
brownfield redevelopment, and strategic tourism-related investment. It is structured to
respond to Clarington’s evolving needs by enabling targeted support for priority sectors,
project types, and geographic areas where investment can contribute to broader
economic, social, and physical improvement outcomes.
Under Section 28 of the Planning Act, municipalities may adopt Community Improvement
Plans and provide financial assistance programs to encourage private sector investment in
projects that support local planning and economic development goals.
The purpose of the Clarington CIP is to encourage investment in projects that strengthen
the Municipality’s economic vitality, improve the built environment, expand housing
opportunities, support business development, and enhance the long-term function and
competitiveness of key areas across the community. The programs in this CIP are
intended to reduce financial barriers to investment, support projects that align with
municipal policy objectives, and help direct growth and reinvestment in a manner that
contributes to complete, resilient, and attractive communities.
1.2 CIP Duration
The Municipality of Clarington CIP will be in effect for a five-year period following approval
by Council. The CIP shall be reviewed after Year 3 to assess program uptake, funding
commitments, administrative effectiveness, and whether any amendments are warranted.
The Municipality may limit the programs available and/or the period for intake of
applications at any time within this plan horizon to manage any commitments it has
related to program funding.
1.3 Key Goals by Program Sector
The updated Clarington CIP is organized around six program sectors, each with distinct but
complementary community improvement objectives:
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• Downtown Commercial: support façade, signage, accessibility, and building
improvements; encourage new commercial and mixed-use development; reinforce
downtown character; and stimulate private investment in Clarington’s Downtown
Priority Areas.
• Housing: increase the supply of rental housing through Additional Dwelling Units
(ADUs) and purpose-built rental development, with a particular focus on creating
and maintaining Affordable rental housing.
• Employment Lands: support the expansion of existing industrial businesses,
attract major new investment, and encourage development in targeted employment
sectors (nuclear energy and related engineering, technical, and environmental
sectors) that strengthen Clarington’s economic base.
• On-Farm Diversification: support farm-related diversification opportunities by
helping to reduce barriers to new investment, improve agricultural buildings and
signage, and encourage value-added and agri-tourism uses in rural areas.
• Brownfields: encourage the investigation, remediation, and redevelopment of
underutilized or potentially contaminated properties by helping to offset the costs
and risks associated with environmental assessment and site cleanup.
• Conference/Banquet Facilities: encourage investment in conference/banquet
facility development that supports tourism, business activity, and Clarington’s
ability to attract visitors, events, and related economic activity.
1.4 Document Structure
The CIP outlines the full scope of financial incentive programs provided by the Municipality
of Clarington. The CIP identifies eligibility as well as geographic priority areas within which
these programs will operate. The CIP also identifies a range of resource requirements for
the successful implementation of the plan, including the application process and program
administration details.
Specifically, the CIP document is divided into the following sections:
Section 1 Introduction: Describes the rationale and goals of the CIP.
Section 2 CIP Applicability: This section identifies the boundaries of the Community
Improvement Project Area (CIPA); priority areas within it, and geographic applicability for
each program sector.
Section 3 Who Can Apply: Details the general and more detailed eligibility for applying to
CIP programs.
Section 4 Incentive Programs Overview: Summarizes the suite of programs offered under
the CIP including eligible costs/projects, funding maximums and/or minimums.
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Section 5 How to Apply: This section of the document outlines the application intake
process, required information and documents, as well as other implementation
considerations.
Section 6 Review and Approval Process: This section details the process of review and
approval after a complete application is received, including approval authority within the
Municipality.
Appendices: Including the legislative and policy framework, and detailed protocols and
eligibility requirements for programs outlined in Section 4: Incentive Programs Overview.
1.5 Definitions
Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) are self-contained residential units with a private
kitchen, bathroom facilities and sleeping areas within homes or accessory structures.
They are also known as secondary suites, in-law suites, in-house apartments, and
basement apartments.
Affordable (for the purposes of Affordable Purpose-Built Rental Housing) means
affordable rental housing, respectively, as defined in the provincial Affordable Residential
Units for the Purposes of the Development Charges Act, 1997 Bulletin, as updated from
time to time by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Affordable (for the purposes of Affordable Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)) means rental
accommodation that costs less than 30% of a household's before-tax income (CMHC).
Conference/Banquet Facility means a specialized venue dedicated to hosting large-scale
corporate, social, and public events. They provide in-house catering and flexible, scalable
room configurations.
Base Assessment means property assessments by the Municipal Property Assessment
Corporation (MPAC). MPAC establishes current value assessments and classifications for
all properties in Ontario. Municipalities determine revenue requirements, set municipal
tax rates, and collect property taxes to pay for municipal services.
Brownfields means undeveloped or previously developed properties that may be
contaminated. They are usually, but not exclusively, former industrial or commercial
properties that may be underutilized, derelict or vacant (Provincial Planning Statement).
Building Permits are issued by the local body responsible for enforcing Ontario’s Building
Code and are required for the construction, renovation, demolition and certain changes of
use of buildings.
Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a planning tool under Section 28 of the Ontario
Planning Act which permits planning and financial assistance programs involving lands,
buildings, loans, grants and tax assistance for designated community improvement project
areas.
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Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA) means “a municipality or an area within a
municipality, the community improvement of which in the opinion of the council is
desirable because of age, dilapidation, overcrowding, faulty arrangement, unsuitability of
buildings or for any other environmental, social or community economic development
reason” (Ontario Planning Act, Section 28).
Complete Application is a completed application form accompanied by all required
supporting materials as requested by the Municipality of Clarington such that the application
can then be forwarded to the appropriate staff members for review and evaluation.
Development means any of the following events: (a) the construction, erection, or placing
of a building or structure; (b) the addition to or alteration of a building or structure; (c) the
creation of a new lot and/or increase in the number of permitted units on a lot; (d) the
change in use or the increase in intensity of use of any building, structure, or premises; (e)
activities such as site-grading, excavation, removal of topsoil or peat, the placing or
dumping of fill, or the extraction of mineral aggregate; or drainage works, except for the
maintenance of existing municipal and agricultural drains (Municipality of Clarington
Official Plan).
Development Charges are fees levied on development to help finance the infrastructure
required to service growth. Under the Development Charges Act, 1997, as amended, local
municipal councils may pass a By-law imposing development charges. A charge imposed
pursuant to the Clarington Development Charges By-law (No. 2025-070).
Downtown Priority Area is a sub-area within the Municipality-wide CIPA where certain
incentive programs apply, as identified in the CIP.
Education Portion means taxes arising from that element of the total tax rate set annually,
which is collected by the Province of Ontario to support the provincial school By-laws.
Eligible Costs includes all capital cost categories for which the Owner is entitled to
Program Assistance from the municipality as may be approved and as may be provided for
in the CIP and further specified in any Agreement that may be required to execute funding.
Eligible Property means a property located within the Community Improvement Project
Area (CIPA) that satisfies the applicable criteria set out in this CIP, including the relevant
land use designation in effect for the lands.
Employment area means those areas designated in an official plan for clusters of
business and economic activities including manufacturing, research and development in
connection with manufacturing, warehousing, goods movement, associated retail and
office, and ancillary facilities. An employment area also includes areas of land described
by subsection 1(1.1) of the Planning Act. Uses that are excluded from employment areas
are institutional and commercial, including retail and office not associated with the
primary employment use listed above (Provincial Planning Statement).
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Environmental Site Assessment means an investigation in relation to land to determine
the environmental condition of property, and includes a phase one environmental site
assessment and a phase two environmental site assessment (Ontario Regulation 153/04).
Industrial means “any land, building or structure or portions thereof used, designed or
intended for or in connection with manufacturing, producing, processing, fabricating,
assembling, refining, research and development, storage of materials and products, truck
terminals, warehousing, but does not include, (a) retail service sales or rental areas,
storage or warehousing areas used, designed or intended to be used in connection with
retail sales, service or rental areas, warehouse clubs or similar uses, self-storage mini
warehouses, and secure document storage; and (b) office areas that are not accessory to
any of the foregoing areas or uses or accessory office uses that are greater than 25% of the
gross floor area of the building.” (Clarington Development Charges By-law No. 2025-070).
This definition is sub-ordinate to the definition of Employment area as per the Provincial
Planning Statement.
Intensification means the development of a property, site or area at a higher density than
currently exists through: a) redevelopment, including the reuse of brownfield sites and
underutilized shopping malls and plazas; b) the development of vacant and/or
underutilized lots within previously developed areas; c) infill development; and d) the
expansion or conversion of existing buildings (Provincial Planning Statement).
MPAC means the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.
Municipal Portion means taxes arising from that element of the total tax rate, set annually,
which supports expenditures by the municipality.
Non-Residential means the development meets the definition of “non-residential” under
the Clarington Development Charges By-law (No. 2025-070): “a building or portions of a
mixed-use building containing floors or portions of floors which are used, designed or
intended to be used for a purpose which is not residential, and includes a hotel, motel and
a retirement residence”.
On-Farm Diversified Uses means uses that are secondary to the principal agricultural use
of the property, and are limited in area. On-farm diversified uses include, but are not
limited to, home occupations, home industries, agri-tourism uses, uses that produce
value-added agricultural products, and electricity generation facilities and transmission
systems, and energy storage systems (Provincial Planning Statement, 2024).
Owner means the registered Owner of the Lands and includes any successors, assigns,
agents, partners and any affiliated corporation. Financial assistance through tax-based
funding is provided to the registered owner of the property irrespective of any assignment
of those funds to another party by the owner under separate agreement between the owner
and a third party.
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Phase One ESA is the study conducted to determine the likelihood that one or more
contaminants have affected all or part of a property. The specific requirements for carrying
out a Phase One ESA are set out in Part VII of the Ontario Regulation 153/04.
Phase Two ESA is the study conducted to determine the location and concentration of one
or more contaminants in the natural environment. The specific requirements for carrying
out a Phase Two ESA are set out in Part VIII of the Ontario Regulation 153/04.
Purpose-Built Rental Housing means a building or structure with four or more dwelling
units all of which are intended for use as rented residential premises (Development
Charges Act, 1997).
Record of Site Condition (RSC) is a document filed electronically in the Environmental
Site Register (ESR). It is a report documenting the results of one or more Environmental Site
Assessments (ESAs) of a property conducted or supervised by a Qualified Person. For a
more detailed definition refer to Ontario Regulation 153/04.
Redevelopment means the creation of new units, uses or lots on previously developed
land in existing communities (Municipality of Clarington Official Plan).
Regional Portion means taxes arising from that element of the total tax rate set annually
by the Regional Municipality of Durham.
Remediation Plan means Remediation Works and any Risk Management Plan developed
for the Lands.
Risk Assessment means site investigation and other actions undertaken by a Qualified
Person for Risk Assessment in accordance with the Ministry of the Environment guideline
entitled Procedures for the use of Risk Assessment under Part XV.1 of the Environmental
Protection Act.
Serviced land refers to building lots or acreage equipped with essential infrastructure,
including municipal water, sewer, electricity, and road access, making it immediately ready
for development.
Tax Increment means the difference between the property tax liability for the lands in any
year of the Program and the existing “base” tax liability. The Tax Increment is limited to the
Municipal Portion of the tax liability in those instances where program assistance is limited
to the Municipal Portion of taxation as provided for in the CIP.
Tax Increment Grant Agreement means an agreement, with the force of law, that
establishes the terms of the tax assistance program and the obligations of both the
applicant and the municipality, as well as remedies for default by the applicant.
Tax Liability means the annual real property taxes levied by the municipality including the
Municipal, Regional and Education Portions of the taxes.
TIEG means Tax Increment Equivalent Grant as provided for under Section 28(7) of the
Ontario Planning Act.
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2 CIP APPLICABILITY
2.1 Community Improvement Project Area
The Municipality of Clarington’s Official Plan designates the entirety of the Municipality as
a Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA). The CIP contains policies that respond to
a variety of specific issues in several areas of the Municipality. The following map shows
the municipality-wide CIPA (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Municipality-wide CIPA
Source: SPM
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2.2 Downtown Priority Areas
This CIP includes a set of incentive programs designed to encourage improvements and
private investments in three historic downtowns, defined as Downtown Priority Areas
within the Municipality-wide CIPA. This CIP identifies the following Downtown Priority
Areas:
1. Downtown Bowmanville;
2. Downtown Newcastle; and
3. Downtown Orono.
The maps below and on the following pages identify the Downtown Priority Areas in
Bowmanville (Figure 2), Newcastle (Figure 3), and Orono (Figure 4). As outlined in Section
2.3, eligibility for Downtown Commercial programs is limited to properties within these
Areas that also have the applicable Official Plan and/or Secondary Plan land use
designation. In all cases, support for applications under this CIP is subject to land use
approval.
For greater clarity, the Bowmanville Downtown Priority Area also includes the Wellington
Enterprise Special Policy Area and the Goodyear Redevelopment Special Study Area, as
defined in the Official Plan.
Figure 2. Bowmanville Downtown Priority Area
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Figure 3. Newcastle Downtown Priority Area
Figure 4. Orono Downtown Priority Area
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2.3 Geographic Applicability by Program Sector
This section explains where each CIP program sector applies across the municipality. The
table below is intended to help applicants quickly confirm whether their property is eligible
based on location and the applicable Official Plan or Secondary Plan land use
designations.
Where eligibility is tied to a land use designation, the applicant should confirm the subject
property’s designation in the Official Plan and/or the applicable Secondary Plan. Some
sectors include multiple programs with different geographic scopes; the applicant should
reference the individual program description for any program-specific requirements.
Any change to a land use designation (e.g., to maintain conformity with provincial
legislation) may require a review of the CIP and, where necessary, an amendment to reflect
the revised designation.
Figure 5: Geographic Applicability by Program Sector
Program Sector Applicable Area
Downtown Commercial • Downtown Priority Areas (per Figures 2, 3, and 4)
• Scoped by Official Plan and Secondary Plan land
use designations:
• Bowmanville Urban Centre: Street-related
Commercial & Mixed-use
• Newcastle Village Centre: Street-related
Commercial & Mixed-use
• Orono Village Centre
Housing •
• Urban Areas (Affordable Rentals)
Employment Lands • Municipality-wide CIPA
• Scoped by Official Plan and Secondary Plan land
use designations (Business Park, Prestige
Employment, General Industrial, Light Industrial);
•
• Scoped by Official Plan land use designation
(Prime Agricultural Area and Rural Area)
•
•
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3 WHO CAN APPLY
3.1 General Eligibility
The following general eligibility requirements must be met by all applicants to any incentive
program in this CIP. These requirements must be read in association with the program-
specific eligibility requirements provided in Section 4 and detailed in Appendix B through
G.
Eligibility under this CIP is limited to those land use designations specified in Section 2.3
and further defined within each specific incentive program. This includes development,
redevelopment, and expansion of eligible uses, subject to any exclusions within each
specific incentive program.
• Eligible applicants include registered property owners, assessed owners, tenants,
and assignees, as identified in Section 28(7) of the Planning Act.
• Applicants shall be required to schedule and attend a pre-application consultation
meeting with the Municipality to confirm the application requirements for the
applicable incentive program(s) under this CIP.
• All proposed development shall conform to the Municipality of Clarington’s Official
Plan, Zoning By-law, Downtown Design Guidelines, Clarington Accessibility Design
Standards, and other planning and building requirements.
• All improvements shall be made pursuant to a building permit, and constructed in
accordance with the Ontario Building Code, where required.
• All proposed development must meet the goals of this CIP.
• Only eligible properties located within the boundary of the Clarington CIPA as
defined in Section 2.1, are eligible for financial incentive programs offered under
this CIP.
• Applications in respect of properties that are in default of any municipal by-law,
subject to outstanding property tax arrears, or associated with applicants engaged
in ongoing litigation with the Municipality shall not be considered unless and until
such default, arrears, or litigation has been resolved. Applicants shall also be in
good standing with respect to all other municipal fees and levies payable in relation
to the subject property. An application may be reinstated once all outstanding tax
arrears and municipal charges have been paid in full.
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3.2 Retroactivity
The following circumstances shall be ineligible for CIP funding, as retroactive financial
assistance shall not be provided under this CIP:
• Projects for which any work commenced prior to Council adoption of this CIP shall
be ineligible for funding;
• Work completed during the term of this CIP without a prior application, where
funding is subsequently requested after completion, shall be ineligible for funding;
and
• Projects for which any work related to Eligible Costs commenced prior to
submission or approval of the application shall be ineligible for funding.
3.3 Additional Conditions for Affordable Housing
Program 7, which supports the development of Affordable rental units, is subject to
additional requirements to ensure funded units remain Affordable over the long term and
continue to provide lasting community benefit.
In addition to the general eligibility and application requirements outlined above,
applicants seeking Affordable housing incentives must satisfy the following conditions:
• Eligible applicants are required to enter into a binding legal agreement with the
Municipality of Clarington as a condition of receiving incentives for providing
Affordable rental housing. This agreement will include the following provisions:
o Each development that receives support under the CIP program must
include units that meet the CIP’s definition of Affordable housing (for the
purposes of Affordable Purpose-Built Rental Housing).
o The legal agreement must be registered on the property title, and all
associated registration costs are the responsibility of the applicant or
property owner.
o The agreement is binding not only on the original owner but also on heirs,
successors, assignees, and any subsequent transferees in the event of a
change in property ownership.
o To receive a grant, the housing provider must submit annual documentation
to the Municipality of Clarington’s Planning and Infrastructure Services
Department, demonstrating that each rental unit continues to meet
affordability requirements. This evidence may include a signed lease
indicating the tenant’s name and affordable rental rate, as well as proof of
payment aligning with the lease terms.
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o Should the housing provider fail to meet the obligations set out in the
agreement, they will be required to repay the Municipality the full amount of
benefits received, including any applicable costs and interest.
o The agreement will also include any other contractual provisions deemed
necessary by the Municipality of Clarington, based on standard contractual
drafting principles.
o Additional reasonable requirements and conditions may be included in the
agreement on a project-specific basis, as determined by the Municipality.
o The agreement must specify that Affordable rental units created through the
incentive programs remain Affordable for a minimum period of 25 years.
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4 INCENTIVE PROGRAMS OVERVIEW
4.1 Downtown Commercial
Programs 1 through 5 are intended to facilitate improvements and private investment in
Downtown Priority Areas, with a focus on commercial and mixed-use properties and
buildings, commercial development, accessibility improvements, and maintaining the
heritage character. These are:
• Program 1: Façade and Signage Improvement Grant
• Program 2: Commercial Accessibility Improvement Grant
• Program 3: Commercial Building Renovation Grant
• Program 4: Municipal Fees Grant – Downtown Commercial Stream
• Program 5: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) – Downtown Commercial Stream
Program 1: Façade and Signage Improvement Grant
Program Purpose:
To support comprehensive exterior improvements to publicly accessible commercial
properties. The grant is designed to promote façade and signage improvements and to
encourage private sector property owners and/or tenants to implement aesthetic
improvements to their property(ies).
Applicants may apply for one or more of the following grants to cover eligible renovation
costs and may receive all four grants if they meet the program criteria:
• Grant A: Façade Improvements
• Grant B: Heritage Façade Top-Up
• Grant C: Signage Improvements
• Grant D: Graffiti Remediation
Eligibility:
□ You meet the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
□ Your property is located within a Downtown Priority Area and has the appropriate
land use designation under the applicable Official Plan and/or Secondary Plan;
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□ You are a property owner or tenant (with written consent of the property owner) of
an existing commercial or mixed-use (commercial-at-grade) properties; including
former residential buildings now used, in part or in whole, for commercial use; and
□ The proposed design conforms to the Municipality of Clarington’s Downtown
Design Guidelines.
Financial Incentive:
Grants will be applied as follows:
• Grant A: Façade Improvements: 50% cost matching up to a maximum of $10,000
per property OR $15,000 for properties with more than one façade. The minimum
grant is $2,500 per property. This grant may be used once per property during the
five-year CIP period.
• Grant B: Heritage Façade Top-Up: For façade improvements, an additional $5,000
(at the Municipality’s discretion) may be added to the maximum funding for heritage
properties that are designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) and
included on the municipal heritage register. This grant may be used once per
property during the five-year CIP period.
• Grant C: Signage Improvements: 50% cost-matching up to a maximum of $4,000
per property. The minimum grant is $1,000 per property. This grant may be used
once per property during the five-year CIP period.
• Grant D: Graffiti Remediation: Up to a maximum of $500 (at the Municipality’s
discretion). This grant may be used once per property during the five-year CIP
period.
Additional Considerations:
• The grant is applicable to façade and signage improvements and upgrades to the
street fronts of properties, but it may also be applied to the rear or side of a property
only in cases where the rear or side of a property is facing a street, public park,
public gathering space, or parking area that is accessible to the general public.
Program 2: Commercial Accessibility Improvement Grant
Program Purpose:
This program is intended to assist property owners with the financing of improvements
required to bring older buildings into greater compliance with accessibility standards.
Eligibility:
□ You meet the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
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□ Your property is located within a Downtown Priority Area and has the appropriate
land use designation under the applicable Official Plan and/or Secondary Plan.
□ You are a property owner or tenant (with written consent of the property owner) of
an existing commercial or mixed-use (commercial-at-grade) properties; including
former residential buildings now used, in part or in whole, for commercial use; and
□ The proposed improvements adhere to the Clarington Accessibility Design
Standards (CADS).
Financial Incentive:
This program shall provide cost-matching up to 50% or up to a maximum of $10,000 per
property, whichever is less. The minimum grant amount is $2,500 per property.
Additional Considerations:
• Only those costs associated with accessibility improvements to the commercial
portion of the building are eligible for this grant.
• Accessibility improvements may include, but are not limited to, installation of hand
railings, ramps, automatic door openers, doorway widening, washroom
renovations, etc.
• Exterior improvements must not adversely affect the building’s façade or the
surrounding streetscape.
Program 3: Commercial Building Renovation Grant
Program Purpose:
To leverage private sector investment by promoting functional improvements and
upgrades to an older building stock. Improvements may include building restoration,
renovation, interior improvement or structural upgrades of existing commercial and mixed-
use buildings in downtown commercial areas. This program includes the conversion of
upper floor space to residential and/or office use (where permitted).
Eligibility:
□ You meet the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
□ Your property is located within a Downtown Priority Area and has the appropriate
land use designation under the applicable Official Plan and/or Secondary Plan;
□ You are a property owner or tenant (with written consent of the property owner) of
an existing commercial or mixed-use (commercial-at-grade) properties; including
former residential buildings now used, in part or in whole, for commercial use; and
□ The proposed improvements adhere to the Clarington Accessibility Design
Standards (CADS) and Downtown Design Guidelines (as applicable).
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Financial Incentive:
This grant provides cost matching of up to 50% up to a maximum of $20,000 per property.
The minimum amount of the grant is $10,000 per property.
Additional Considerations:
• This program is not applicable to new buildings or major floorspace additions to
existing buildings.
• Projects must improve the long-term functionality of the building. Projects for
general tenant fit-up of space and typical lifecycle related building system
replacements (e.g., roof replacement) are not eligible.
Program 4: Municipal Fees Grant – Downtown Commercial Stream
Program Purpose:
To assist with the preconstruction cost of site plan control and building permit fees. This
program offers property owners with plans to develop new commercial and commercial
mixed-use (commercial at grade) or renovate existing commercial buildings a grant
equivalent to a reduction in applicable site plan control and building permit fees. Such a
grant, in concert with other program support, help encourage new development efforts
through reducing initial regulatory costs.
Eligibility:
□ You meet the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
□ Your property is located within a Downtown Priority Area and has the appropriate
land use designation under the applicable Official Plan and/or Secondary Plan; and
□ Your proposed project includes commercial uses or mixed-use commercial (with
commercial at grade).
Financial Incentive:
Grants will be applied as follows:
• Site Plan Control Fee Grant: Up to a maximum of $3,000 per property or the cost of
the eligible site plan control fees, whichever is less.
• Building Permit Fee Grant: Up to a maximum of $5,000 per property or the cost of
the combined eligible building permit fees, whichever is less.
Additional Considerations:
• Fees are to be paid in advance and are to be reimbursed upon successful
completion and approval of an application.
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• Applicable to site plan control fees being in full force and effect at the time of
application; and building permit fees as applicable to any development pursuant to
the Building Code Act.
• Fees associated with any other municipal processes, or outside agencies are not
subject to the grant.
Program 5: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) – Downtown Commercial
Stream
Program Purpose:
To leverage increased property tax assessments and help offset the financial costs of new
development, a Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) may be provided where a property’s
assessed value increases as a result of the creation of new commercial space in a
standalone building or as part of a mixed-use building (with residential above).
Eligibility:
□ You meet the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
□ Your property is located within a Downtown Priority Area and has the appropriate
land use designation under the applicable Official Plan and/or Secondary Plan;
□ Your proposed project includes commercial uses, either in a standalone building or
as part of a mixed-use development (with commercial at grade); and
□ Your proposed project will result in the development of a minimum of 300 sq. m of
net new commercial space.
Financial Incentive:
This program (TIEG – Downtown Commercial Stream) shall provide up to 50% of the
municipal property tax increment generated by an eligible development for a maximum
term of 5 years, or the total of eligible costs, whichever occurs first.
This program is structured as a staircase approach to funding as follows:
Year 1: grant equal to 50% of the municipal tax increment
Year 2: 40%
Year 3: 30%
Year 4: 20%
Year 5: 10%
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Additional Considerations:
• Funding is limited to one grant per property, regardless of whether development is
phased.
• For mixed-use development, tax assistance is limited to the commercial portion of
the building only. The non-commercial portions are not eligible for this TIEG stream.
• Property taxes must be paid when due. Reimbursements will be issued to approved
applicants (up to the maximum amount available based on the approved annual
budget) once all required agreements have been executed and the Municipality has
received proof of substantial occupancy.
• Only the eligible municipal property tax increment is reimbursable under this
program; all other taxes, levies, fees, and charges are not eligible for
reimbursement.
4.2 Housing
Programs 6 and 7 of this CIP are intended to support the Municipality’s housing targets and
encourage private sector investment in the provision of rental housing, with a focus on
affordability. These programs are:
• Program 6: Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant
• Program 7: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) – Affordable Rental Housing
Stream
Program 6: Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant
Program Purpose:
Council has identified increasing housing supply and supporting gentle density as key
priorities. ADUs are an important tool to expand housing options and improve affordability.
The ADU Grant Program is intended to provide a financial incentive to construct new ADUs
throughout the Municipality of Clarington. By offering a grant to offset building permit and
related municipal fees, the program encourages gentle intensification and supports the
creation of units that are more affordable to low- and moderate-income residents.
Because building permit fees cannot be waived under the Building Code Act, as they must
be collected on a cost-recovery basis, the program is structured as a grant.
Eligibility:
□ You meet the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
□ Your property is located within the Municipality of Clarington;
□ Your property is serviced and has zoning permissions to allow for an ADU;
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□ You have received all required agency approvals (e.g., Conservation Authority,
Durham Health Department); and
□ You have obtained a new ADU building permit.
Financial Incentive:
• Each eligible ADU will receive a one-time grant of $5,000, payable upon issuance of
an occupancy permit and submission of a complete grant application.
Additional Considerations:
• The owner will be required to submit a signed attestation to maintain the unit as
affordable, per CMHC definitions, for a period of 5 years.
• The number of ADUs permitted on a property will be guided by the Municipality of
Clarington’s Zoning By-law, in effect at the time of application.
• To be eligible, the grant must apply to a new ADU. “New” refers to a unit receiving
its first building permit approval and counted as a new housing start in Clarington.
This includes:
o A new unit within an existing dwelling.
o A new ADU in an accessory structure.
o A new unit in a new dwelling on a new or existing lot.
o An ADU receiving an occupancy permit, where permitted by zoning
regulations.
Program 7: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) - Affordable Rental Housing
Stream
Program Purpose:
To leverage increased property tax assessments and help offset the financial costs of new
development, a Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) may be provided where a property’s
assessed value increases as a result of the creation of Affordable Purpose-Built Rental
Housing. The program may apply to residential or mixed-use developments, including
those with commercial or other non-residential uses at grade and purpose-built rental
housing above; however, where a development includes both affordable and market-rate
units, the grant will be prorated and applied solely to the affordable unit component, and
will not apply to market-rate units.
Eligibility:
□ You meet the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
□ You are the registered property owner and/or development of the subject property;
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□ Your property is serviced and located within an Urban Area of the Municipality of
Clarington; and
□ Your proposed development is a purpose-built rental building that includes
Affordable rental units.
Financial Incentive:
This program (TIEG – Affordable Purpose-Built Housing Stream) shall provide up to 80% of
the municipal property tax increment generated by an eligible development for a maximum
term of 10 years, or until the approved Eligible Costs are fully recovered, whichever occurs
first. TIEG assistance applies exclusively to Affordable Purpose-Built Rental units.
Market-rate purpose-built rental units are not eligible for funding.
The examples below (illustrative only) show how the grant is prorated to affordable units
and then the TIEG rate is applied.
• Example 1: 100% Affordable Units
o If all units in a building are Affordable units (20 of 20 units): Municipal tax
increment in Year 1 = $50,000.
o TIEG rate (80%): $50,000 × 80% = $40,000 Year 1 grant (subject to the
program’s eligible cost limit and other conditions).
• Example 2: Mix of Affordable and Market Rate Units
o If the building contains a mix of Affordable and market-rate units (8 of 20
units Affordable): Affordable share = 8 ÷ 20 = 40%.
o Prorated tax increment: $50,000 × 40% = $20,000 eligible tax increment.
o TIEG rate: $20,000 × 80% = $16,000 Year 1 grant (subject to the program’s
eligible cost limit and other conditions).
Additional Considerations:
• Funding is limited to one grant per property, regardless of whether development is
phased.
• Eligible applicants are required to enter into a binding legal agreement with the
Municipality of Clarington as a condition of receiving incentives for providing
Affordable rental housing, as detailed in Section 3.3.
• For mixed-use development, tax assistance is limited to the residential portion that
is determined to be Affordable in nature only. The non-residential and market rate
residential portions are not eligible for this TIEG stream.
• If the number of Affordable units changes over the grant period, the annual grant
amount would be recalculated based on the affordable share in that year, using the
same prorating approach.
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• Property taxes must be paid when due. Reimbursements will be issued to approved
applicants (up to the maximum amount available based on the approved annual
budget) once all required agreements have been executed and the Municipality has
received proof of substantial occupancy and proof that the units meet the
program’s affordability requirements.
• Only the eligible municipal property tax increment is reimbursable under this
program; all other taxes, levies, fees, and charges are not eligible for
reimbursement.
4.3 Employment Lands
Programs 8 and 9 of this CIP are intended to support the expansion of existing industrial
businesses on existing properties, as well as major investment associated with the
development of the Municipality’s target industry sectors: nuclear energy and related
engineering, technical, and environmental sectors. The programs are:
• Program 8: Development Charges (DC) Grant – Business Expansion
• Program 9: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) – Major New Investment
Program 8: Development Charges (DC) Grant – Business Expansion
Program Purpose:
To provide assistance for the expansion of existing buildings or development of new
buildings on existing property by further reducing the cost of development related to
Development Charges (DCs) for existing business that wish to expand.
Eligibility:
□ You meet the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
□ Your property is within the Municipality of Clarington and designated as General
Industrial or Light Industrial;
□ You are actively seeking the expansion of existing industrial buildings (where the
proposed expansion is more than 50 percent of existing gross floor area) and/or
development of new buildings on an existing property; and
□ Your proposed development is a permitted employment use and assessed by MPAC
as “Industrial” (per pre-assessment with MPAC).
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Financial Incentive:
For Eligible Properties (General and Light Industrial), the grant is equivalent to a maximum
of 25% of Development Charges levied by the Municipality or a maximum of $50,000
whichever is less.
Additional Considerations:
• This grant is intended to offset all or a portion of DCs associated with eligible
industrial expansions that exceed the legislated exemptions.
• The program is not applicable to development that is fully exempt from
Development Charges under the Development Charge By‑law.
Program 9: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) – Major New Investment
Program Purpose:
To leverage increased property tax assessments and help offset the financial costs of new
development, a Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) may be provided where a property’s
assessed value increases as a result of the creation of major new investment in a target
sector.
Eligibility:
□ You meet the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
□ Your property is within the Municipality of Clarington and designated as Prestige
Employment land;
□ Your proposed development is in one of the Municipality’s target sectors; and
□ Your proposed development is at least 3,700 sq. m in size.
Financial Incentive:
This program (TIEG – Major New Investment) shall provide up to 50% of the municipal
property tax increment generated by an eligible development for a maximum term of 5
years, or up to $1,000,000, whichever occurs first.
This program is structured as a staircase approach to funding as follows:
Year 1: grant equal to 50% of the municipal tax increment
Year 2: 40%
Year 3: 30%
Year 4: 20%
Year 5: 10%
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Additional Considerations:
•Funding is limited to one grant per property, regardless of whether development is
phased.
•Property taxes must be paid when due. Reimbursements will be issued to approved
applicants (up to the maximum amount available based on the approved annual
budget) once all required agreements have been executed and the Municipality has
received proof of substantial occupancy.
4.4 On-Farm Diversification
Programs 10 through 12 of this CIP are intended to support on-farm diversified uses and
encourage private sector property owners and tenants to implement aesthetic
improvements to their property. Incentives offered under this program sector are limited
to those on-farm diversified uses that are publicly visible and accessible, specifically agri-
tourism uses and uses that produce value-added agricultural products. Home
occupations, home industries, and electricity generation/transmission and energy storage
systems are not eligible for grants under this CIP. The programs are:
•Program 10: Agricultural Signage Improvement Grant
•Program 11: Agricultural Building Renovation Grant
• Program 12: Municipal Fees Grant – Agricultural Stream
Program 10: Agricultural Signage Improvement Grant
Program Purpose:
To assist with the design and placement of on-site signage for On-Farm Diversified Uses,
(e.g., wayfinding signage/welcome signs for agri-tourism uses, etc.).
Eligibility:
□You meet the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
□Your property is located within the Municipality of Clarington and designated as
Prime Agricultural Area or Rural Area;
□Your proposed signage is for an eligible On-Farm Diversified Uses as determined by
the Municipality per the Official Plan, or reference to equivalent;
□Your property contains an existing building or use that is publicly visible and
accessible, where such visibility and accessibility support the function of the
proposed signage;
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□ The proposed signage complies with all applicable municipal by-laws, standards,
and approval requirements, including any signage, zoning, or design-related
requirements, as may be in force from time to time; and
□ You are the registered owner of the property, or a tenant with written consent of the
property owner to undertake the proposed signage improvements.
Financial Incentive:
This grant provides cost matching of up to 50% up to a maximum of $4,000 per property.
The minimum amount of the grant is $1,000 per property.
Additional Considerations:
• This can include improvement of existing signage or the development of new
signage attached to a main building or a ground mounted sign.
Program 11: Agricultural Building Renovation Grant
Program Purpose:
This grant is intended to leverage private sector investment in internal and external building
renovations and improvements associated with existing agricultural buildings used, or
proposed to be used, for eligible On-Farm Diversified Uses. Eligible works may include the
re-purposing of agricultural buildings for value-added agricultural uses, building, fire and
other code compliance upgrades, including public occupancy load-related building
enhancements, expansions or additions, and general retrofitting necessary to support the
intended use.
Eligibility:
□ You meet the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
□ Your property is located within the Municipality of Clarington and designated as
Prime Agricultural Areaor Rural Area;
□ You are the registered property owner or tenant (with written consent of the
property owner) of lands containing existing agricultural buildings that are used, or
proposed to be used, for eligible On-Farm Diversified Uses.
□ Your proposed project is for On-Farm Diversified Uses as determined by the
Municipality per the Official Plan, or reference to equivalent; and
□ Your proposed project includes a publicly visible and accessible building intended
for public occupancy, per the Building Code.
Financial Incentive:
This grant provides cost matching of up to 50% up to a maximum of $20,000 per property.
The minimum amount of the grant is $10,000 per property.
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Additional Considerations:
• This program is not applicable to new buildings or major floorspace additions to
existing buildings.
• Projects must improve the long-term functionality of the building. Projects for
general tenant fit-up of space and typical lifecycle related building system
replacements (e.g., roof replacement) are not eligible.
Program 12: Municipal Fees Grant – Agricultural Stream
Program Purpose:
This program offers property owners proposing eligible On-Farm Diversified Uses a grant to
offset applicable site plan control and building permit fees. In combination with other
program supports, the grant is intended to help reduce upfront regulatory costs and
encourage investment in agricultural diversification projects.
Eligibility:
□ You meet the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
□ Your property is located within the Municipality of Clarington and designated as
Prime Agricultural Area or Rural Area;
□ You are the registered property owner or tenant (with written consent of the
property owner) of lands containing existing agricultural buildings that are used, or
proposed to be used, for eligible On-Farm Diversified Uses.
□ Your proposed project is for On-Farm Diversified Uses as determined by the
Municipality per the Official Plan, or reference to equivalent; and
□ Your proposed project includes a publicly visible and accessible building intended
for public occupancy, per the Building Code.
Financial Incentive:
Grants will be applied as follows:
• Site Plan Control Fee Grant up to a maximum of $3,000 per property or the cost of
the combined eligible planning fees, whichever is less.
• Building Permit Fee Grant up to a maximum of $5,000 per property or the cost of the
combined eligible building permit fees, whichever is less.
Additional Considerations:
• Fees are to be paid in advance and are to be reimbursed upon successful
completion and approval of an application.
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• Applicable to site plan control fees being in full force and effect at the time of
application; and building permit fees as applicable to any development pursuant to
the Building Code Act.
• Fees associated with any other municipal processes, or outside agencies are not
subject to the grant.
4.5 Brownfields
Programs 13 and 14 of this CIP are intended to support the remediation and
redevelopment of brownfield properties and encourage private sector property owners to
reinvest in and improve underutilized or contaminated lands. These programs are
designed to reduce financial barriers associated with environmental investigation and
cleanup, and to facilitate the long-term productive re-use of brownfield lands. The
programs are:
• Program 13: Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Grant
• Program 14: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) - Brownfields Stream
Program 13: Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Grant
Program Purpose:
To facilitate and support redevelopment and renovation of brownfield sites within the
Municipality of Clarington. Brownfield sites requiring a Phase Two ESA are eligible to
receive a grant for costs associated with that Phase Two ESA and the development of a
Remediation Action Plan.
Eligibility:
□ You meet the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
□ Your property is located within the Municipality of Clarington;
□ You are a registered landowner and/or developer of a Brownfield property that
requires a Phase Two ESA study; and
□ You are able to provide a Phase One ESA for the site conducted by a Qualified
Person indicating a requirement for a Phase Two ESA.
Financial Incentive:
This program shall provide up to $20,000 per study or 50% of the cost of the Phase Two
ESA, whichever is less. There is a maximum eligibility of two studies per property totaling
up to $35,000 in grants.
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Additional Considerations:
• All study fees are to be paid to the qualified consultant by the proponent. In order to
receive the grant(s), the proponent must submit the relevant invoices to the
Municipality along with a full copy (in pdf form) of the Phase Two ESA and any
supporting supplementary reports.
• Based on the principle of achieving maximum leverage of non-Municipality funds,
applicants who identify other sources of financial assistance for environmental site
assessments will be given preference in the allocation of funds. Total combined
assistance toward the costs of environmental site assessment from all public
sources will not exceed 50% of total costs. Municipality funding will be the funding
of last resort, where other sources of public assistance exist.
Program 14: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) - Brownfields Stream
Program Purpose:
To leverage increased property tax assessments and help offset the financial costs of new
development on a Brownfield property, a Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) may be
provided where a property’s assessed value increases as a result of (re)development.
Eligibility:
□ You meet the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
□ Your property is located within the Municipality of Clarington;
□ You are a registered landowner and/or developer of a Brownfield property;
□ Your site is comprised of privately-owned lands proposed for (re)development;
□ You have completed a Phase Two ESA for the site; and
□ There is a demonstrated need for remediation, defined as a site with a Phase Two
ESA which indicates that site conditions do not meet standards (under the
Environmental Protection Act) to permit filing of a Record of Site Condition.
Financial Incentive:
This program (TIEG – Brownfields Stream) shall provide up to 80% of the municipal property
tax increment generated by an eligible development for a maximum term of 10 years, or
until the approved Eligible Costs are fully recovered, whichever occurs first.
This program is structured as a staircase approach to funding as follows:
Year 1 and 2: grant equal to 80% of the municipal tax increment
Year 3 and 4: 65%
Year 5 and 6: 50%
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Year 7 and 8: 35%
Year 9 and 10: 20%
Additional Considerations:
• Funding is limited to one grant per property, regardless of whether development is
phased.
• The landowner/developer pays for the full cost of remediation and rehabilitation as
well as the resulting annual increase in property tax, which is then provided back to
the applicant by way of the approved grant, in accordance with the approved
application and corresponding legal agreement.
• The grant is assignable by the owner of the property to another party (subsequent
owner, tenant or other assignment) at any time during the period of the agreement.
Should the original owner transfer its interest in the property, the grant can, with the
agreement of the municipality, continue to be assigned to the original owner for the
duration of the grant period.
• The maximum amount of the grant in any year is limited to the value of the work
undertaken under eligible costs in that year or the increase in municipal property
tax on the property compared to the base (before redevelopment) property tax,
whichever is less. Eligible costs not reimbursed in the year they are incurred can be
rolled over to subsequent years.
• All land uses are eligible. The need for remediation must be demonstrated through
an Environmental Site Assessment, any required Risk Assessment, and a
remediation plan that meets the Environmental Protection Act and its regulations.
4.6 Conference/Banquet Facilities
Program 15 of this CIP is intended to encourage private sector developers and property
owners in the development of a conference/banquet facility associated with a hotel in an
appropriate location (as determined by the Municipality).
Program 15: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) –Conference/Banquet
Facility Stream
Program Purpose:
To leverage increased property tax assessments and help offset the financial costs of new
development, a Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) may be provided where a property’s
assessed value increases as a result of the creation of a conference/banquet facility.
Eligibility:
□ You meet the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
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□ Your property is serviced and located within the Municipality of Clarington; and
□ Your proposed development includes a conference/banquet facility that is in the
range of 370 sq. m/4,000 sq. ft., associated with a hotel.
Financial Incentive:
This program (TIEG –Conference/Banquet Facility Stream) shall provide up to 50% of the
municipal property tax increment generated by an eligible development for a maximum
term of 5 years, or up to the total eligible costs, whichever occurs first.
This program is structured as a staircase approach to funding as follows:
Year 1: grant equal to 50% of the municipal tax increment
Year 2: 40%
Year 3: 30%
Year 4: 20%
Year 5: 10%
Additional Considerations:
• Funding is limited to one grant per property, regardless of whether development is
phased.
• Tax assistance is limited to the conference/banquet facility portion of the
development only. The hotel or other non-conference/banquet facility portions are
not eligible for this TIEG stream.
• Property taxes must be paid when due. Reimbursements will be issued to approved
applicants (up to the maximum amount available based on the approved annual
budget) once all required agreements have been executed and the Municipality has
received proof of substantial occupancy.
• Only the eligible municipal property tax increment is reimbursable under this
program; all other taxes, levies, fees, and charges are not eligible for
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5 HOW TO APPLY
5.1 Step-By-Step Application Process
The intake and approval process for the Municipality of Clarington CIP generally includes
the following steps: pre-application consultation, pre-screening to confirm basic eligibility,
submission of a complete application, review of the complete application, approval, and
payment. Each step is outlined below.
Step 1: Pre-Application Consultation
Prospective applicants may identify their proposed project by submitting an online request
through the Municipality of Clarington’s website outlining the nature of the proposal.
Before preparing a complete application, the applicant will meet with Municipal staff to
discuss the proposed work, program requirements, and eligibility. Applicants are
expected to meet the submission requirements set out in the applicable forms. If a project
is not eligible, the Municipality of Clarington will advise the applicant in writing.
Step 2: Submit Application
Applicants must submit a complete application, including the required application form,
all supporting documentation, and any additional information requested by Municipal
staff. The Municipality of Clarington will confirm whether the application is considered
complete.
Step 3: Review of Complete Application
Complete applications will be reviewed by the Municipality to confirm compliance with the
objectives of this CIP, applicable by-laws and policies, and any required property, building,
or permitting standards.
Step 4: Approval
Approval requirements will vary by program. Some programs involve reimbursement or
grant payments, while others provide tax increment-based support. Where required,
applicants may be asked to enter into a formal agreement with the Municipality of
Clarington. Conditional approvals will be provided in writing and will outline any
requirements that must be satisfied before funding is finalized. For programs involving tax
increment support or development charge-related assistance, approval may be granted in
principle until all applicable development conditions have been met.
Step 5: Payment
The timing of any works undertaken as part of the application is the responsibility of the
applicant. Funding will be disbursed in accordance with the terms of the applicable
incentive program.
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5.2 Timing and Intake Considerations
Applications for incentive programs under this CIP will be accepted by the Municipality of
Clarington on an ongoing, first-come, first-served basis. This approach is intended to avoid
delaying planned investments due to fixed intake deadlines and allows applicants to
submit proposals as they are ready. To be considered, applications must be complete and
include all required information. Incomplete applications will be returned for revision and
resubmission. The Municipality of Clarington reserves the right to reject applications that
continue to be incomplete or do not satisfy the submission requirements.
5.3 Stacking and Combining CIP Programs
Stacking of CIP incentives with other public funding sources may be permitted under the
Municipality of Clarington CIP, provided that the total combined funding does not exceed
the Eligible Costs for the applicable project component. Applicants must disclose all
other sources of funding as part of the application process and demonstrate that the
combined assistance remains within this limit.
Where more than one funding source applies to the same eligible cost, the Municipality
reserves the right to reduce, amend, or withhold CIP assistance to avoid duplication of
funding.
To support consistent program administration, the following matrix identifies
combinations of incentive programs that are not permitted. Applicants should review this
matrix in conjunction with the eligibility requirements and program-specific conditions set
out in this CIP.
Program Combination Restriction
stand-alone accessibility improvements, whereas
accessibility-related works that form part of a broader
building renovation are to be considered under Program 3.
property or development proposal, as determined by the
Municipality. Where more than one TIEG stream could
potentially apply, the Municipality may determine the most
appropriate stream having regard to the level of assistance
that may be available. For greater clarity, all grant amounts
under any TIEG program are maximums only. The
Municipality, at its sole discretion, may approve funding in an
amount less than the stated maximum, and no applicant is
guaranteed funding at the maximum level.
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6 REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS
6.1 Discretion in Assistance
In administering this CIP, the Municipality of Clarington retains sole discretion in
determining which incentive program or programs may apply to a proposed project and the
amount of assistance that may be provided. Applicants are not automatically entitled to
all available programs and may not select programs at their own discretion. Instead,
Municipal staff will review each application and determine the most appropriate form of
assistance based on the details of the proposed project and its alignment with the
objectives of this CIP. This approach helps ensure that incentives are applied in a manner
that supports the intent of the CIP, the Municipality’s broader economic development
objectives, and the principles of fairness, consistency, and transparency in program
delivery.
6.2 Approval Authority
Approval authority under this CIP shall be determined by the Municipality of Clarington in
accordance with the value and complexity of the proposed incentive, as well as any
applicable municipal by-laws, policies, and delegated authority framework.
Depending on the program, approvals may be granted by Council, a delegated municipal
official, or such other authority as may be established by the Municipality from time to
time. Where required, approval may also be conditional upon the execution of a formal
agreement and the satisfaction of all applicable program requirements, financial
conditions, and development approvals.
6.3 Changes to Approved Projects
Any proposed change to an approved project shall require review by the Municipality of
Clarington to determine whether the change remains consistent with the intent, eligibility
requirements, and approval conditions of the applicable CIP program. Applicants must
notify the Municipality in writing of any proposed change to the scope of work, project
design, ownership, timing, financing, or other material aspect of the approved application
before the change is implemented. The Municipality reserves the right to revise, suspend,
or cancel an approval where a proposed change alters the basis on which the original
approval was granted, affects program eligibility, or results in non-compliance with the
requirements of this CIP or any associated agreement.
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APPENDIX A: LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY
FRAMEWORK
Planning Act
Municipalities with community improvement policies in their official plans have the
authority under Section 28 of the Ontario Planning Act to designate a Community
Improvement Project Area, hereafter referred to as CIPA, and to prepare and adopt a
Community Improvement Plan (CIP).
“Community improvement” refers to “the planning or replanning, design or redesign,
resubdivision, clearance, development or redevelopment, construction, reconstruction
and rehabilitation, improvement of energy efficiency, or any of them, of a community
improvement project area, and the provision of such residential, commercial, industrial,
public, recreational, institutional, religious, charitable or other uses, buildings, structures,
works, improvements or facilities, or spaces therefor, as may be appropriate or
necessary.”
Local or upper-tier municipalities with community improvement policies in their official
plans have the authority under Section 28 of the Planning Act to designate a Community
Improvement Project Area (CIPA), and to prepare and adopt a Community Improvement
Plan (CIP). As stated in Section 28 (2) “the council may, by by-law, designate the whole or
any part of an area covered by such an official plan as a community improvement project
area.”
Under Section 28(6) of the Planning Act, municipalities through the implementation of the
CIP have the authority to:
(a) construct, repair, rehabilitate or improve buildings on land acquired or held by it in
the community improvement project area in conformity with the community
improvement plan, and sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any such buildings and
the land appurtenant thereto;
(b) sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any land acquired or held by it in the community
improvement project area to any person or governmental authority for use in
conformity with the community improvement plan. In implementing the CIP,
municipalities may also provide “grants or loans, in conformity with the community
improvement plan, to registered owners, assessed owners and tenants of lands and
buildings within the community improvement project area (Planning Act, Section
28(7)).” Eligible costs include those “related to environmental site assessment,
environmental remediation, development, redevelopment, construction and
reconstruction of lands and buildings for rehabilitation purposes or for the provision
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of energy efficient uses, buildings, structures, works, improvements or facilities
(Planning Act, Section 28(7.1)).”
Section 28(7.3) specifies that the maximum amount of financial incentives (including tax
assistance) that is provided in respect of the lands and buildings shall not exceed the
eligible cost of the CIP with respect to those lands and buildings.
Section 28 (1.1) Affordable Housing specifically identifies the provision of affordable
housing as part of community improvement.
Municipal Act
The following sections of the Ontario Municipal Act, 2001 are relevant to the
implementation of community improvement plans:
• Section 106(1) prohibits municipalities from engaging in bonusing (the practice of
providing direct or indirect assistance to manufacturing, industrial or commercial
businesses through the use of financial incentives). However, a municipality
exercising its authority to implement a community improvement plan under Section
28 of the Planning Act is exempt from this section (Municipal Act, Section 106(3)).
• Section 365.2 permits local municipalities, despite the prohibition set out in Section
106, to provide tax reductions or refunds with respect to eligible heritage properties.
Provincial Planning Statement (2024)
The Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) 2024 establishes policy direction on matters of
provincial interest related to land use planning and development. This Community
Improvement Plan (CIP) is consistent with the applicable provisions of the PPS and
supports its objectives through the following policies:
Complete Communities (Section 2.1.6)
Planning authorities should support the achievement of complete communities by:
(a) Accommodating an appropriate range and mix of land uses, housing options,
transportation options with multimodal access, employment, public service
facilities, and other institutional uses (including schools and associated child
care facilities, long-term care facilities, places of worship and cemeteries),
recreation, parks and open space, and other uses to meet long-term needs.
(b) Improving accessibility for people of all ages and abilities by addressing land
use barriers that restrict full participation in society.
(c) Enhancing social equity and overall quality of life for people of all ages, abilities,
and incomes, including equity-deserving groups.
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Housing (Section 2.2.1)
Planning authorities shall provide for an appropriate range and mix of housing options and
densities to meet projected needs of current and future residents by:
(a) Establishing and implementing minimum targets for affordable housing for low-
and moderate-income households, and coordinating land use planning with
Service Managers to address the full range of housing options.
(b) Permitting and facilitating:
1. All housing options required to meet social, health, economic, and well-
being requirements of current and future residents, including additional
needs housing and needs arising from demographic changes and
employment opportunities.
2. All types of residential intensification, including redevelopment of
underutilized commercial and institutional sites (e.g., shopping malls and
plazas) for residential use, introducing new housing options within previously
developed areas, and redevelopment resulting in a net increase in
residential units in accordance with policy 2.3.1.3.
(c) Promoting densities for new housing that efficiently use land, resources,
infrastructure, and public service facilities, and support active transportation.
Intensification and Redevelopment (Section 2.3.1.3)
Planning authorities shall support general intensification and redevelopment to achieve
complete communities, including planning for a range and mix of housing options and
prioritizing investment in necessary infrastructure and public service facilities.
Strategic Growth Areas (Section 2.4.1.2)
To support complete communities, strategic growth areas should be planned to:
(a) Accommodate significant population and employment growth.
(b) Serve as focal areas for education, commercial, recreational, and cultural uses.
(c) Support the transit network and provide connection points for inter- and intra-
regional transit.
(d) Support affordable, accessible, and equitable housing.
Heritage Conservation (Section 4.6.1)
Protected heritage property, which may contain built heritage resources or cultural
heritage landscapes, shall be conserved.
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Brownfield Redevelopment and Intensification
The PPS identifies the redevelopment and intensification of brownfield sites as an
important element in achieving efficient land use patterns and creating strong
communities. This includes:
• Residential intensification, including redevelopment of underutilized commercial
and institutional sites for residential use, and introducing new housing options
within previously developed areas (Section 2.2).
• Settlement areas as the focus of growth and development, with land use patterns
that efficiently use land and resources, optimize infrastructure, and support active
transportation (Section 2.3.1).
• Strategic growth areas that accommodate significant population and employment
growth, support transit networks, and encourage mixed-use development (Section
2.4.1).
• Regeneration in rural areas, including the redevelopment of brownfield sites to
maintain healthy, integrated, and viable rural communities (Section 2.5).
Employment Areas (Section 2.8.2)
PPS section 2.8.2 directs municipalities to protect employment areas and ensure
necessary infrastructure, including access to major goods movement facilities and
corridors.
Section 2.8.2.3 prohibits residential uses, commercial uses, and institutional uses
(including public service facilities) within employment areas and retail and office uses,
except for those associated with the primary employment use.
Additionally, Section 2.8.1 directs the development of major office and major institutional
development to major transit areas or other strategic growth areas.
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APPENDIX B: DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL
PROGRAM GUIDE
Program 1: Façade and Signage Improvement Grant
Rationale and Objective(s)
This is an “all-Inclusive" grant intended to support comprehensive exterior improvements
to publicly accessible commercial properties in the Municipality of Clarington.
The grant is designed to promote façade improvements and to encourage private sector
property owners and/or tenants to implement aesthetic improvements to their
property(ies) that otherwise may not occur due to cost-related issues.
Under the Façade & Signage Improvement Grant Program, matching grants may be offered
to eligible property owners or tenants for building front (primary façade), and where
applicable, side and rear exterior improvements (secondary façade). Additional funds may
be available for qualifying side and/or rear façade improvements.
Eligibility for side and rear façade assistance is at the complete discretion of Municipal
staff, but at a minimum these areas must be publicly accessible (such as with premises
accessed from rear publicly-owned parking lots in the downtowns or corner lots with highly
visible side façades).
Grant also includes provision for exterior signage improvements, walkway signage
between buildings and rear access signage enhancements.
Benefits
• Grant supports the enhanced aesthetic appeal of downtown and commercial areas
within the Downtown Priority Areas through façade and signage improvements.
Associated public realm improvements, infill development and interior building
improvements available under other programs can assist in overall vibrancy,
visitation, economic impacts and assessment growth.
• Potential to leverage private sector investment in modest building façade
improvements which have a direct benefit to the architectural quality of the street.
• Façade improvements have the capacity to self-advertise the benefits of renewed
investment in real property.
Target Group
Registered property owners or commercial tenants (with written consent of the owner),
with an emphasis on commercial retail, office, and mixed-use properties within certain
designations of the Downtown Priority Areas.
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Eligibility
• The applicant meets the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP.
• The applicant is the registered property owner or tenant (with written consent of the
property owner), of an existing commercial or mixed-use (commercial-at-grade)
properties.
• The subject property is located within a Downtown Priority Area and has the
appropriate land use designation under the applicable Official Plan and/or
Secondary Plan;
• The proposed design conforms to the Municipality of Clarington’s Downtown
Design Guidelines.
• Eligible projects may include former residential buildings now used, in part or in
whole, for commercial/office use (that is, commercial/office at-grade).
Program Specifics and Limitations
Applicants may apply for one or more of the following grants to cover eligible renovation
costs and may receive all four grants if they meet the program criteria:
Grant A Façade Improvements:
• Primary Façade Only: Matching grant of up to 50% of eligible costs or a maximum
grant of $10,000 per property, whichever is less for primary façades.
• Primary and Secondary Façade: Matching grant of up to 50% of eligible
improvement costs or a maximum grant of $15,000 per property, whichever is less
for façade improvement projects involving more than one façade (primary and
secondary façades). This is limited to:
o buildings located on corner lots (that is, properties with frontage on two
municipal streets); or
o Buildings with rear or side elevations which face onto a public park, other
public gathering space such as a public square, or a public parking lot.
• The minimum grant is $2,500 per property. Project applications including matching
assistance of less than $2,500 will not be considered.
• Only one successful application per property is permitted during the life of the plan
(5 years) received from either the property owner or the tenant (with written consent
of the property owner) (or a joint application by both).
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Grant B Heritage Façade Top-Up:
• Where applicants are applying for Grant A Façade Improvements and their property
is a heritage property designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA)
and included on the municipal heritage register, the Municipality may, at its sole
discretion, provide up to an additional $5,000 to address heritage-related
requirements as part of the work.
• Only one successful application per property is permitted during the life of the plan
(5 years) received from either the property owner or the tenant (with written consent
of the property owner) (or a joint application by both).
Grant C Signage Improvements:
• Matching grant of up to 50% of eligible costs or a maximum of $4,000 per property,
whichever is less.
• The minimum grant is $1,000 per property. Project applications including matching
assistance of less than $1,000 will not be considered.
• Only one successful application per property is permitted during the life of the plan
(5 years) received from either the property owner or the tenant (with written consent
of the property owner) (or a joint application by both).
Grant D Graffiti Remediation:
• Up to a maximum of $500 per property for the remediation of graffiti on a
commercial building’s exterior that is visible to the public.
• Only one successful application per property is permitted during the life of the plan
(5 years) received from either the property owner or the tenant (with written consent
of the property owner) (or a joint application by both).
Eligible Costs
Examples of Eligible Costs (non-exhaustive) include:
Grant A Façade Improvements and Grant B Heritage Façade Top-Up (where
applicable):
• Enhancement, replacement and rehabilitation of doors, windows, and façades.
• Energy efficient window replacements which maintain aesthetic quality of the
façade as intended by this program.
• Restoration of existing façade and surfaces (cleaning, wood, tuck pointing).
Includes repair or restoration of original features or an approved facsimile
(cornices, parapets, eaves, other architectural features).
• Removal of non-original siding or facing.
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• Repair or restoration of authentic historic storefront treatment.
• Painting in original or period colours.
• Exterior lighting improvements.
• Installation of appropriate awnings.
• Renovation of existing storefronts in accordance with Municipality’s Downtown
Design Guidelines.
• Improvements to the principal façades of incompatible buildings being sympathetic
and compatible with the historic character of the area.
• Re-cladding in more traditional materials complementary to the architectural
vernacular.
• Eligible costs include fees associated with the services of a professional architect,
engineer, planner, heritage consultant, or other building specialist necessary to
fully implement plans for building improvement.
• While many of the cost eligibilities noted above will apply to Heritage Properties,
alterations to these properties are subject to the provisions of the Ontario Heritage
Act.
Grant C Signage Improvements:
• Removal and disposal of existing or inappropriate signage, including oversized,
internally illuminated box signs, or signage not compliant with Downtown Design
Guidelines.
• Repair and restoration of building surfaces impacted by removed signage (e.g.,
patching, repainting, masonry repair).
• Fees for graphic designers, sign designers, architects, heritage consultants, or
other qualified professionals required to prepare compliant signage designs.
• Design, fabrication, and installation of new signage that complies with the
Municipality’s Downtown Design Guidelines.
Grant D Graffiti Remediation:
• Removal and cleaning of graffiti from exterior building surfaces, including brick,
stone, concrete, metal, glass, and painted finishes.
• Surface restoration following graffiti removal, including repainting, refinishing, or re-
coating to return surfaces to their original condition.
• Application of protective coatings (e.g., anti-graffiti sealants) to prevent or reduce
future damage.
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• Minor repair of building materials damaged through vandalism or removal
processes (e.g., masonry repair, surface patching).
• Labour, equipment, and materials required for graffiti removal and surface
restoration.
• Professional cleaning services where specialized techniques or materials are
required for effective and non-damaging removal.
Approval Process
• The General Application Process outlined in the CIP applies.
• Professional quotes from multiple licensed contractors (minimum 2) operating at
arm’s length from the applicant will be required.
• Applicants who identify other sources of financial assistance for exterior building
renovations, which result in a higher level of private investment than would have
otherwise occurred, will be given preference in the allocation of funds.
• Applications that can demonstrate significant improvements to external
appearance of properties, and/or definable improvements that maximize leverage
(greater than 50%) will be prioritized.
• Façade & Signage Improvement Grants will be disbursed as follows: 100% on
satisfactory completion as determined by the Municipality.
Other Restrictions
• The Municipality reserves the right to determine whether proposed works constitute
eligible improvements versus general maintenance.
Program 2: Commercial Accessibility Improvement Grant
Rationale & Objective(s)
Designed as a small capital alternative to the Building Renovation Grant Program, the
Commercial Accessibility Improvement Grant assists property owners with the financing
of improvements required to bring older buildings into greater compliance with
accessibility standards.
The Accessibility Improvement Grant promotes improved accessibility to existing
commercial buildings within the Downtown Priority Areas. Proposed accessibility
improvements must adhere to the Clarington Accessibility Design Standards (CADS) to be
approved.
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Benefits
• Encourages private investment in accessibility improvements to commercial
buildings.
• Helps reduce financial barriers to undertaking accessibility upgrades.
• Supports broader accessibility objectives across the Municipality.
• Contributes to a more inclusive and accessible built environment.
Target Group
Registered property owners and commercial tenants (with written consent of the property
owner), within the Downtown Priority Areas who are seeking to undertake small-scale
improvements to enhance accessibility to the building or commercial premises.
Program Specifics and Limitations
Matching grant of up to 50% of eligible costs or a maximum grant of $10,000 per property,
whichever is less. The minimum grant amount is $2,500 per property.
Eligibility
• The applicant meets the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP.
• The applicant is the registered property owner or tenant (with written consent of the
property owner), of an existing commercial or mixed-use (commercial-at-grade)
properties.
• The subject property is located within a Downtown Priority Area and has the
appropriate land use designation under the applicable Official Plan and/or
Secondary Plan;
• The proposed design conforms to the Clarington Accessibility Design Standards
(CADS).
• Eligible projects may include former residential buildings now used, in part or in
whole, for commercial/office use (that is, commercial/office at-grade).
Eligible Costs
Examples of Eligible Costs (non-exhaustive):
• Installation of hand railings on steps;
• Elimination of steps and/or provision of a ramp;
• Widening of doorways and thresholds to accommodate accessibility devices;
• Installation of automatic door openers;
• Changing doorknobs to levers; and
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• Washroom renovations (i.e. grab bars, raised toilets) that are not part of a larger
building renovation.
Approval Process
• The General Application Process outlined in the CIP applies.
• Professional quotes from multiple licensed contractors (minimum 2) operating at
arm’s length from the applicant will be required.
• Applicants who identify other sources of financial assistance for exterior building
renovations, which result in a higher level of private investment than would have
otherwise occurred, will be given preference in the allocation of funds.
• The Building Accessibility Improvement Grant will be disbursed as 100% on
completion of the project to the satisfaction of the Municipality.
Other Restrictions
• Only those costs associated with accessibility improvements to the commercial
portion of the building are eligible for this grant.
• Exterior improvements must not adversely affect the building’s façade or the
surrounding streetscape.
Program 3: Commercial Building Renovation Grant
Rationale and Objective(s)
The Commercial Building Renovation Grant intends to promote functional improvements
and upgrades to an older building stock. Improvements may include building restoration,
renovation, interior improvement or structural upgrades of existing commercial and mixed-
use buildings in downtown commercial areas. This program includes the conversion of
upper floor space to residential and/or office use (where permitted).
Property improvements can include any identified and eligible improvements to the
building interior, its structure, building systems, and major internal fit-up. Project works
must contribute to the significant improvement of the long-term functionality of the
building. General tenant fit-up and end-of-life system replacements etc. will not be
supported.
Benefits
• Leverages private sector investment in interior building renovations and
improvements.
• Helps address the costs of building works in older commercial and mixed-use
buildings.
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• Supports improvements to energy efficiency and accessibility as part of a broader
renovation project.
Target Group
Private sector property owners or tenants, with the written consent of the property owner,
of existing commercial and mixed-use buildings (commercial/retail/office at-grade) within
the Downtown Priority Areas who are seeking to undertake improvements to the building,
subject to the applicable land use designation.
Eligibility
• The applicant meets the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP.
• The applicant is the registered property owner or tenant (with written consent of the
property owner), of an existing commercial or mixed-use (commercial-at-grade)
properties.
• The subject property is located within a Downtown Priority Area and has the
appropriate land use designation under the applicable Official Plan and/or
Secondary Plan;
• The proposed design conforms to the Municipality of Clarington’s Downtown
Design Guidelines.
• The proposed design conforms to the Clarington Accessibility Design Standards
(CADS).
• Eligible projects may include former residential buildings now used, in part or in
whole, for commercial/office use (that is, commercial/office at-grade).
Program Specifics and Limitations
• Matching grant of up to 50% of eligible costs or a maximum grant of $20,000 per
property, whichever is less. The minimum grant amount is $10,000 per property.
Eligible Costs
Eligible Costs for funding as part of this grant include but are not limited to:
• Building works:
o Building, fire and other code compliance upgrades;
o Expansion/additions/conversions for office and/or retail;
o Retrofitting space for residential use (upper floors);
o Structural repairs and building system upgrades, including electrical,
mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, and related systems, where such works form
part of a broader eligible renovation project;
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• Improving accessibility (as part of a larger renovation); and
• Improving energy efficiency.
Specifically excluded are the following categories of works:
• Exterior building improvements (facade and signage);
• Roof replacement where not part of a structural/architectural alteration to the
building;
• Development on the property but not part of the existing structure;
• External landscape, parking and site works of any kind;
• Window replacement where not part of a more comprehensive renovation;
• Furniture Fixtures and Equipment;
• Replacement of building systems or components undertaken as routine lifecycle
maintenance rather than as part of a broader eligible renovation or code
compliance project;
• Leasehold improvements for the benefit of a specific tenant. The purpose of the
interior grant is to provide for works which improve the building regardless of
specific tenant fit-up. For greater clarity, the program will not support expected
lifecycle replacement of shorter-duration assets such as kitchen equipment and
appliances nor will kitchen renovations typically be supported.
The program will prioritize major renovations to existing, older building stock that is found
to be in need of improvement, upgrade, and modernization to better sustain these
properties as income producing commercial and mixed-use buildings.
Approval Process
• The General Application Process outlined in the CIP applies.
• Professional quotes from multiple licensed contractors (minimum 2) operating at
arm’s length from the applicant will be required.
• Applicants are required to disclose other sources of public financial assistance for
interior building renovations, which result in a lower level of private investment than
would have otherwise occurred.
• Applicants will be required to enter into an agreement as to the above terms and
conditions of the grant.
• The Commercial Building Renovation Grant shall be disbursed upon substantial
occupancy, subject to the satisfaction of the Municipality.
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Other Restrictions
• This program is not applicable to new buildings or major floorspace additions to
existing buildings.
• Conditions of approval will be established by the Municipality and may extend to
any reasonable consideration to ensure the interests of the Municipality as funder
are upheld. Generally, all approvals under this program will require that
construction commence within 6 months of an approved building permit, and final
completion within 18 months. The Municipality may at its discretion adjust these
requirements based on the particular circumstances of the construction project
which may necessitate approvals from other agencies and/or delays in construction
which are not in the control of the applicant to overcome.
• If the completed project proves to be inconsistent with the proposed project that
was approved and detailed in the application form and supporting documentation,
then the Municipality has the right to delay (pending correction of the building
works), withhold or cancel the disbursement of funds.
Program 4: Municipal Fees Grant – Downtown Commercial Stream
Rationale and Objective(s)
This program offers property owners with plans to develop new commercial and
commercial mixed-use (commercial at grade) or renovate existing commercial buildings a
grant equivalent to a reduction in applicable site plan control and building permit fees.
Such a grant, in concert with other program support, help encourage new development
efforts through reducing initial regulatory costs.
Benefits
• Supports the preservation and enhancement of commercial areas within the
downtown cores.
• Encourages land-use intensification in Downtown Priority Areas.
• Promotes employment growth and economic activity through development,
redevelopment, and revitalization.
Target Group
Private sector property owners and/or developers seeking the
development/redevelopment of commercial uses or mixed-use commercial (at grade)
within a Downtown Priority Area.
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Eligibility
• The applicant meets the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP.
• The applicant is the registered property owner or tenant (with written consent of the
property owner), of an existing commercial or mixed-use (commercial-at-grade)
properties.
• The subject property is located within a Downtown Priority Area and has the
appropriate land use designation under the applicable Official Plan and/or
Secondary Plan;
• The proposed project meets the Municipality of Clarington’s Downtown Design
Guidelines.
• Eligible projects may include former residential buildings now used, in part or in
whole, for commercial/office use (that is, commercial/office at-grade).
Program Specifics and Limitations
• Site Plan Control Fee Grant: Up to a maximum of $3,000 per property or the cost of
the eligible site plan control fees, whichever is less.
• Building Permit Fees Grant: Up to a maximum of $5,000 per property or the cost of
the combined eligible building permit fees, whichever is less.
• The grant is limited only to those fees outlined in the applicable fee schedule of the
Municipality of Clarington at the time of application and is always limited to the
grant maximums available under this program.
Eligible Costs
Eligible Costs include only applicable site plan control fees and building permit fees.
Approval Process
• The General Application Process outlined in the CIP applies.
• The applicant pays all planning and development fees as required and at the times
required.
• Eligible fees are reimbursed to the applicant, per the approved amount of grant
once relevant approvals are in place:
• Site Plan Control Fee Grant shall be disbursed at time of planning approval;
• Building Permit Fee Grant shall be disbursed at the time of Final Completion of the
works to the satisfaction of the Municipality.
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Other Restrictions
• The Municipality will not provide funding for the fees if the application for planning
approval in question or building permit is refused.
• During the plan period, additional applications for planning approval above and
beyond the approvals subject to an initial application will be considered. Similarly,
additional applications for building permit grants arising from subsequent
additional works, will also be considered.
Program 5: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) – Downtown
Commercial Stream
Rationale and Objective(s)
The Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) program is designed to support the creation of
new commercial space within the Downtown Priority Areas, by providing a grant equal to a
portion of the tax increment over the existing “base” tax liability.
Benefits
• Leverages increased property tax assessment and helps reduce financial costs of
property development for eligible types of development.
• The Municipality benefits by the resulting revaluation and increase in taxes liable on
the property over the long term.
• Development and revitalization of Clarington’s Urban and Village Centres.
Target Group
Private sector landowners/developers who are actively seeking to develop new
commercial space (standalone or as part of mixed-use) within a Downtown Priority Area.
Consideration is subject to:
(i) Approved zoning for the proposed development;
(ii) Site plan/floor plans for rehabilitation, renovation, or (re)development;
(iii) Estimated costs of renovation, rehabilitation or (re)development; and
(iv) Proposed timing for development.
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Eligibility
• The applicant meets the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
• The applicant is the registered property owner and/or developer of the subject
property;
• The subject property is located within a Downtown Priority Area and has the
appropriate land use designation under the applicable Official Plan and/or
Secondary Plan;
• The proposed project includes commercial uses, either in a standalone building or
as part of a mixed-use development (with commercial at grade);
• The proposed design meets the Municipality of Clarington’s Downtown Design
Guidelines; and
• The proposed project will result in the development of a minimum of 300 sq. m of
net new commercial space.
Program Specifics and Limitations
• The maximum of the grant is 50% of the annual Municipal Portion of the tax
increment over the agreed base assessment and property tax liability in Year 1
declining by 10% every year.
• The maximum duration of assistance is 5 years or the total of eligible costs,
whichever occurs first.
Illustrative Annual Grant-Back Share/Amount:
Year
Grant Annual Tax Increment Retained by
Year 1 50% $50,000 $25,000 $25,000
Year 2 40% $50,000 $20,000 $30,000
Year 3 30% $50,000 $15,000 $35,000
Year 4 20% $50,000 $10,000 $40,000
Year 5 10% $50,000 $5,000 $45,000
Total $250,000 $75,000 $175,000
• Program eligibility is limited to those projects/proposals that will result in a
minimum of 300 sq. m of net new commercial space. Under this stream,
renovation of existing buildings is ineligible.
• In the case of mixed-use developments, the grant would only apply the tax
increment applicable to the commercial portion of a development.
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• This program applies only to the municipal portion of the tax rate and does not apply
to the Regional or Education portions.
• Given the nature of the grant program as fundable only upon completion and
revaluation of the property, the Municipality of Clarington may consider approval in
principle, subject to the applicant satisfying all applicable development
requirements and conditions imposed by the Municipality.
• Final approval is only achieved by decision of Council based on confirmation by
staff report that the original intent of the approval in principle and all necessary
conditions have been attained.
• The maximum amount of the grant in any year is limited to the value of the work
undertaken under eligible costs in that year or the increase in municipal property
tax on the property compared to the base (before redevelopment) property tax,
whichever is less. Eligible costs not reimbursed in the year they are incurred can be
rolled over to subsequent years.
Eligible Costs
Eligible project costs supported under this program include (but are not limited to) the
following works:
• Site development and infrastructure work including demolition and disposal off-
site, improvement or reconstruction of existing on-site public infrastructure (water
services, sanitary and storm sewers, other).
• New Construction.
• Costs associated with the assessment of environmental conditions and the
remediation of environmental contamination, and environmental protection.
• Design and engineering directly related to the design, development and
commissioning of the completed building(s).
• Eligible costs exclude both construction financing and long-term debt financing
principal and interest costs.
• All submitted costs will be subject to review and approval by the Municipality of
Clarington.
• Final eligibility will be determined through the demonstrated success of the project
through all stages of application (as required) for planning approval, building permit
issuance and building code compliance, construction, occupancy, financial
viability (as evidenced by the capacity of the owner to pay all required property
taxes on the property) and finally revaluation by the Ontario Municipal Property
Assessment Corporation (MPAC).
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Approval Process
• The General Application Process outlined in the CIP applies.
• The landowner/developer pays for the full cost of development as well as the
resulting annual increase in property tax.
• The Municipality reimburses the landowner for all eligible costs by way of an annual
grant equivalent to a maximum of 50% of the municipal portion of the incremental
property tax increase over an established “base” assessment and tax liability.
• Grant represents foregone income for the Municipality. Site redevelopment creates
tax income, a portion of which is foregone under this program. At expiry of the
program/agreement, 100% of the municipal property tax is retained by the
Municipality.
• In determining the amount of funding up to the maximum permitted, the
Municipality should be cognizant of any significant increase in annual municipal
operating costs as a result of redevelopment of the property in receipt of tax
assistance.
• Grant approval is required in principle prior to the commencement of
construction/development. It should be noted that the Municipality may approve a
level of funding that is lower than the maximum increment provided for under this
program.
• The Municipality of Clarington will determine the existing “base” assessment for the
property – this will normally be defined as being either at the time of approval in
principle of the application for TIEG support or an alternate date as recommended
by the Treasurer or designate of the Municipality of Clarington.
• Where a project is phased over several years the grant will be based on the property
re-assessment and taxable status of the project in each of the interim years before
final project completion. At project completion, the remaining years of the grant (as
applicable) will be based on the assessed property value provided by the Municipal
Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) in each subsequent year.
• The TIEG is operationalized through a legal agreement placed on title. This
agreement specifies the obligations of both the successful applicant and the
Municipality, including the amount of annual grant.
• Annual verification of the grant is based on assessment and payment of taxes by
property owner.
• The Commencement Date for this program (for purposes of calculating the
increment) will be at the discretion of the Municipality of Clarington following
discussions with the applicant based on the merits of the development project and
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resulting estimates of tax increment grant created by the development project over
time.
Other Restrictions
• Funding is limited to one grant per property, regardless of whether development is
phased.
• The grant is assignable by the owner of the property to another party (including a
subsequent owner, tenant, or other assignee) at any time during the term of the
agreement. If the property is sold or otherwise transferred by the original owner, the
Municipality may, in its sole discretion, permit the grant to continue to be assigned
to the previous owner for the remainder of the grant period.
• The Municipality of Clarington has the right to review any and all aspects of the
program, including the purpose, form, method of application, evaluation and
amount of funding of the program, from time to time, or at any time, for any reason,
and at the sole and absolute discretion of the Municipality;
• As necessary, the Municipality may amplify or adjust the application and approval
protocols associated with this program.
• The Municipality may refuse an application if it deems project feasibility to be
limited or for any other reason, at the discretion of the Municipality.
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APPENDIX C: HOUSING PROGRAM GUIDE
Program 6: Additional Dwelling Unit (ARU) Grant
Rationale and Objective(s)
Council has identified increasing housing supply and supporting gentle density as key
priorities. ADUs are an important tool to expand housing options and improve affordability.
The ADU Grant Program is intended to provide a financial incentive to construct new ADUs
throughout the Municipality of Clarington.
Because building permit fees cannot be waived under the Building Code Act, as they must
be collected on a cost-recovery basis, the program is structured as a grant to offset
building permit and related municipal fees.
Benefits
• Encourages gentle intensification and supports the creation of units that are more
affordable to low- and moderate-income residents.
• Streamlines and supports the construction process by offering a simple and
efficient funding approval mechanism.
• Maximizes the use of existing urban serviced lots / rural serviced lots (subject to
servicing provisions).
• Provides income opportunities for homeowners through long-term rentals.
Target Group
Private sector landowners or developers who are actively seeking to develop new ADUs.
Eligibility
• The applicant meets the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
• The subject property is located within the Municipality of Clarington;
• The subject property is serviced and has zoning permissions to allow for an ADU;
• The applicant has received all required agency approvals (e.g., Conservation
Authority, Durham Health Department); and
• The applicant has obtained a new ADU building permit.
Program Support and Limitations
• Each eligible ADU will receive a one-time grant of $5,000, payable upon issuance of
an occupancy permit and submission of a complete grant application.
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• The owner will be required to submit a signed attestation to maintain the unit as
affordable, per CMHC definitions, for a period of 5 years.
• Applicants must apply for this grant program; it is not automatically issued. The
program applies only to new ADUs that receive occupancy after the CIP is enacted.
Owners may apply for the grant once a building permit has been issued, but funding
is not released until occupancy.
• The total program funding will be capped at $2,000,000 and provided from the
Affordable Housing Contribution Fund.
Approval Process
• The General Application Process outlined in the CIP applies.
• Owners will submit a building permit application for an ADU online and pay the full
permit fee. A separate online application will be available to apply for the grant.
• The Planning Department will review the grant application to confirm that:
o Required drawings (e.g., elevations, site plan) have been submitted.
o The owner has signed an attestation confirming the unit will remain
affordable, per CMHC definitions, for five years.
o The owner agrees that the grant will be paid only upon occupancy.
• The Planning Department will also confirm with the Tax Department that all property
taxes are up to date.
• The grant will be issued to the owner once the ADU receives occupancy.
Other Restrictions
To be eligible, the grant must apply to a new ADU. “New” refers to a unit receiving its first
building permit approval and counted as a new housing start in Clarington. This includes:
• A new unit within an existing dwelling.
• A new ADU in an accessory structure.
• A new unit in a new dwelling on a new or existing lot.
An ADU receiving an occupancy permit, where permitted by zoning regulations. As long as
zoning permissions exist, the ADU is eligible. The program applies to all dwellings and lots
eligible at the time of permit submission; there is no requirement related to the age of the
principal dwelling or the date the lot was created.
The affordability requirement will be secured through a signed attestation only. No formal
affordable housing agreement will be registered on title.
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Program 7: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) – Affordable
Rental Housing Stream
Rationale and Objective(s)
The Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) program is designed to support the creation of
new Affordable Purpose-Built Rental Housing, by providing a grant equal to a portion of the
tax increment over the existing “base” tax liability.
The program may apply to residential or mixed-use developments, including those with
commercial or other non-residential uses at grade and purpose-built rental housing above;
however, where a development includes both affordable and market-rate units, the grant
will be prorated and applied solely to the affordable unit component, and will not apply to
market-rate units.
Benefits
• Leverages increased property tax assessment and help reduce financial costs of
property development for eligible types of development.
• The Municipality benefits by the resulting revaluation and increase in taxes liable on
the property over the long term.
• Increases the supply of Affordable Purpose-Built Rental Housing units in the Urban
Areas.
Target Group
Private sector landowners/developers who are actively seeking to develop new Affordable
Purpose-Built Rental units within an Urban Area. Consideration is subject to:
(i) Approved zoning for the proposed development;
(ii) Site plan/floor plans for rehabilitation, renovation, or (re)development;
(iii) Estimated costs of renovation, rehabilitation or (re)development; and
(iv) Proposed timing for development.
Eligibility
• The applicant meets the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
• The applicant is the registered property owner and/or developer of the subject
property;
• The subject property is located within an Urban Area and has the appropriate land
use designation to enable residential development under the applicable Official
Plan and/or Secondary Plan;
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• The proposed design meets the Municipality of Clarington’s Downtown Design
Guidelines; and
• The proposed development is a purpose-built rental building that includes
Affordable rental units.
Program Specifics and Limitations
• The maximum of the grant is 80% of the annual Municipal Portion of the tax
increment over the agreed base assessment and property tax liability.
• The maximum duration of assistance is 10 years or the total of eligible costs,
whichever occurs first.
• Program eligibility is limited to those projects/proposals that will result in the
development of net new Affordable rental units. Under this stream, renovation of
existing buildings is ineligible.
• For mixed-use development, tax assistance is limited to the residential portion that
is determined to be Affordable in nature only. The non-residential and market rate
residential portions are not eligible for this TIEG stream.
• This program applies only to the municipal portion of the tax rate and does not apply
to the Regional or Education portions.
• Given the nature of the grant program as fundable only upon completion and
revaluation of the property, the Municipality of Clarington may consider approval in
principle, subject to the applicant satisfying all applicable development
requirements and conditions imposed by the Municipality.
• Final approval is only achieved by decision of Council based on confirmation by
staff report that the original intent of the approval in principle and all necessary
conditions have been attained.
• The maximum amount of the grant in any year is limited to the value of the work
undertaken under eligible costs in that year or the increase in municipal property
tax on the property compared to the base (before redevelopment) property tax,
whichever is less. Eligible costs not reimbursed in the year they are incurred can be
rolled over to subsequent years.
Eligible Costs
Eligible project costs supported under this program include (but are not limited to) the
following works:
• Site development and infrastructure work including demolition and disposal off-
site, improvement or reconstruction of existing on-site public infrastructure (water
services, sanitary and storm sewers, other).
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• New Construction.
• Costs associated with the assessment of environmental conditions and the
remediation of environmental contamination, and environmental protection.
• Design and engineering directly related to the design, development and
commissioning of the completed building(s).
• Eligible costs exclude both construction financing and long-term debt financing
principal and interest costs.
• All submitted costs will be subject to review and approval by the Municipality of
Clarington.
• Final eligibility will be determined through the demonstrated success of the project
through all stages of application (as required) for planning approval, building permit
issuance and building code compliance, construction, occupancy, financial
viability (as evidenced by the capacity of the owner to pay all required property
taxes on the property) and finally revaluation by the Ontario Municipal Property
Assessment Corporation (MPAC).
Approval Process
• The General Application Process outlined in the CIP applies.
• The landowner/developer pays for the full cost of development as well as the
resulting annual increase in property tax.
• The Municipality reimburses the landowner for all eligible costs by way of an annual
grant equivalent to a maximum of 80% of the municipal portion of the incremental
property tax increase over an established “base” assessment and tax liability.
• Grant represents foregone income for the Municipality. Site redevelopment creates
tax income, a portion of which is foregone under this program. At expiry of the
program/agreement, 100% of the municipal property tax is retained by the
Municipality.
• In determining the amount of funding up to the maximum permitted, the
Municipality should be cognizant of any significant increase in annual municipal
operating costs as a result of redevelopment of the property in receipt of tax
assistance.
• Grant approval is required in principle prior to the commencement of
construction/development. It should be noted that the Municipality may approve a
level of funding that is lower than the maximum increment provided for under this
program.
• The Municipality of Clarington will determine the existing “base” assessment for the
property – this will normally be defined as being either at the time of approval in
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principle of the application for TIEG support or an alternate date as recommended
by the Treasurer or designate of the Municipality of Clarington.
• Where a project is phased over several years the grant will be based on the property
re-assessment and taxable status of the project in each of the interim years before
final project completion. At project completion, the remaining years of the grant (as
applicable) will be based on the assessed property value provided by the Municipal
Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) in each subsequent year.
• The TIEG is operationalized through a legal agreement placed on title. This
agreement specifies the obligations of both the successful applicant and the
Municipality, including the amount of annual grant.
• Annual verification of the grant is based on assessment and payment of taxes by
property owner.
• The Commencement Date for this program (for purposes of calculating the
increment) will be at the discretion of the Municipality of Clarington following
discussions with the applicant based on the merits of the development project and
resulting estimates of tax increment grant created by the development project over
time.
Other Restrictions
• Funding is limited to one grant per property, regardless of whether development is
phased.
• The grant is assignable by the owner of the property to another party (including a
subsequent owner, tenant, or other assignee) at any time during the term of the
agreement. If the property is sold or otherwise transferred by the original owner, the
Municipality may, in its sole discretion, permit the grant to continue to be assigned
to the previous owner for the remainder of the grant period.
• The Municipality of Clarington has the right to review any and all aspects of the
program, including the purpose, form, method of application, evaluation and
amount of funding of the program, from time to time, or at any time, for any reason,
and at the sole and absolute discretion of the Municipality;
• As necessary, the Municipality may amplify or adjust the application and approval
protocols associated with this program.
• The Municipality may refuse an application if it deems project feasibility to be
limited or for any other reason, at the discretion of the Municipality.
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APPENDIX D: EMPLOYMENT LANDS PROGRAM
GUIDE
Program 8: Development Charges (DC) Grant – Business Expansion
Rationale and Objective(s)
The objective of this program is to aid with the expansion of existing buildings or
development of new buildings on existing property by further reducing the cost of
development related to Development Charges (DCs) for existing businesses that wish to
expand.
Benefits
• Supports existing industrial businesses looking to expand buildings or add new
development on their current property.
• Helps reduce Development Charges to make business expansion more financially
feasible.
• Encourages reinvestment in employment lands, increasing assessment and
economic activity for the Municipality.
Target Group
Private sector industrial property or business owners seeking to expand on their current
property.
Eligibility
• The applicant meets the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
• The subject property is located within the Municipality of Clarington and has the
appropriate land use designation (General Industrial or Light Industrial) under the
applicable Official Plan and/or Secondary Plan;
• The applicant is actively seeking the expansion of existing industrial buildings
(where the proposed expansion is more than 50 percent of existing gross floor area
and therefore subject to DCs) and/or development of new buildings on an existing
property; and
• The proposed development is a permitted employment use and assessed by MPAC
as “Industrial” (per pre-assessment with MPAC).
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Program Specifics and Limitations
• For Eligible Properties (General and Light Industrial), the grant is equivalent to a
maximum of 25% of Development Charges levied by the Municipality or a maximum
of $50,000 whichever is less.
• The Municipality has discretion to allocate the maximum grant amount where a
project is deemed to have significant benefit to the local economy.
• Payment of the DC grant should be no later than 3 months following the issuance of
the building permit. At its discretion, the Municipality may determine whether
payment can be made at an earlier date or at the time of development charge
payment by the applicant.
• Unless otherwise notified by the Municipality in response to individual applications
for financial support under this program, the grant excludes any application to
Regional or Education Development Charges.
Approval Process
• The General Application Process outlined in the CIP applies.
• The landowner or developer pays 100% of the DC at the time of building permit (per
current Provincial legislation). This cost is reimbursed to the landowner or
developer, in the form of a grant based on the in-force DC rates.
Other Restrictions
• The Municipality has the right to review any and all aspects of the program,
including the purpose, form, method of application, evaluation and amount of
funding of the program, from time to time, or at any time, for any reason, and at the
sole and absolute discretion of the Municipality.
• As necessary, the Municipality may amplify or adjust the application and approval
protocols associated with this program.
• Grants are for DC charges only and do not absolve an applicant of the responsibility
for funding studies and site technical reviews or executing actions to remove other
conditions of approval as may be required by the Municipality.
• If during construction, the applicant is in default of relevant By-laws or payments to
the Municipality and fails to remedy this within a reasonable period determined by
the Municipality, the applicant will be required to repay the DC grant in part or in
whole at the discretion of the Municipality.
• If the applicant is in tax arrears in any subsequent year, regarding this or other
properties in its ownership in the Municipality, the applicant will, at the discretion of
the Municipality, be required to repay part or the entire DC grant as determined by
the Municipality.
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• These obligations will be confirmed by the execution of an agreement between the
successful applicant and the Municipality in a form acceptable to the Municipality.
• If the completed project proves to be inconsistent with the proposed project that
was approved and detailed in the application form and supporting documentation,
the Municipality retains the right to cancel the disbursement of funds.
Program 9: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) – Major New
Investment Stream
Rationale and Objective(s)
The Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) program is designed to support major new
inward investment in a target sector for the development of Prestige Industrial lands within
the Municipality of Clarington, by providing a grant equal to a portion of the tax increment
over the existing “base” tax liability.
Benefits
• Leverages increased property tax assessment and helps reduce financial costs of
property development for eligible types of development.
• The Municipality benefits by the resulting revaluation and increase in taxes liable on
the property over the long term.
• This program supports the Municipality’s objectives to create jobs and support new
development and intensification of Employment Lands within the target sectors.
Target Group
Private sector landowners/developers who are actively seeking the
development/redevelopment of properties located on Prestige Employment lands for new
inward investment. Consideration is subject to:
(i) Approved zoning for the proposed development;
(ii) Site plan/floor plans for rehabilitation, renovation, or (re)development;
(iii) Estimated costs of renovation, rehabilitation or (re)development; and
(iv) Proposed timing for development.
Eligibility
• The applicant meets the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
• The applicant is the registered property owner and/or developer of the subject
property;
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• The subject property is located within the Municipality of Clarington and has the
appropriate land use designation (Prestige Employment) under the applicable
Official Plan and/or Secondary Plan;
• The proposed development is in one of the Municipality’s target industry sectors;
and
• The proposed development is at least 3,700 sq. m in size.
Program Specifics and Limitations
• The maximum of the grant is 50% of the annual Municipal Portion of the tax
increment over the agreed base assessment and property tax liability in Year 1
declining by 10% every year.
• The maximum duration of assistance is 5 years or up to $1,000,000, whichever
occurs first.
Illustrative Annual Grant-Back Share/Amount:
Year
Grant Annual Tax Increment Retained by
Year 1 50% $100,000 $50,000 $50,000
Year 2 40% $100,000 $40,000 $60,000
Year 3 30% $100,000 $30,000 $70,000
Year 4 20% $100,000 $20,000 $80,000
Year 5 10% $100,000 $10,000 $90,000
Total $500,000 $150,000 $350,000
• This program applies only to the municipal portion of the tax rate and does not apply
to the Regional or Education portions.
• Given the nature of the grant program as fundable only upon completion and
revaluation of the property, the Municipality of Clarington may consider approval in
principle, subject to the applicant satisfying all applicable development
requirements and conditions imposed by the Municipality.
• Final approval is only achieved by decision of Council based on confirmation by
staff report that the original intent of the approval in principle and all necessary
conditions have been attained.
• The maximum amount of the grant in any year is limited to the value of the work
undertaken under eligible costs in that year or the increase in municipal property
tax on the property compared to the base (before redevelopment) property tax,
whichever is less. Eligible costs not reimbursed in the year they are incurred can be
rolled over to subsequent years.
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Eligible Costs
Eligible project costs supported under this program include (but are not limited to) the
following works:
• Site development and infrastructure work including demolition and disposal off-
site, improvement or reconstruction of existing on-site public infrastructure (water
services, sanitary and storm sewers, other).
• New Construction.
• Costs associated with the assessment of environmental conditions and the
remediation of environmental contamination, and environmental protection.
• Design and engineering directly related to the design, development and
commissioning of the completed building(s).
• Eligible costs exclude both construction financing and long-term debt financing
principal and interest costs.
• All submitted costs will be subject to review and approval by the Municipality of
Clarington.
• Final eligibility will be determined through the demonstrated success of the project
through all stages of application (as required) for planning approval, building permit
issuance and building code compliance, construction, occupancy, financial
viability (as evidenced by the capacity of the owner to pay all required property
taxes on the property) and finally revaluation by the Ontario Municipal Property
Assessment Corporation (MPAC).
Approval Process
• The General Application Process outlined in the CIP applies.
• The landowner/developer pays for the full cost of development as well as the
resulting annual increase in property tax.
• The Municipality reimburses the landowner for all eligible costs by way of an annual
grant equivalent to a maximum of 50% of the municipal portion of the incremental
property tax increase over an established “base” assessment and tax liability.
• Grant represents foregone income for the Municipality. Site redevelopment creates
tax income, a portion of which is foregone under this program. At expiry of the
program/agreement, 100% of the municipal property tax is retained by the
Municipality.
• In determining the amount of funding up to the maximum permitted, the
Municipality should be cognizant of any significant increase in annual municipal
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operating costs as a result of redevelopment of the property in receipt of tax
assistance.
• Grant approval is required in principle prior to the commencement of
construction/development. It should be noted that the Municipality may approve a
level of funding that is lower than the maximum increment provided for under this
program.
• The Municipality of Clarington will determine the existing “base” assessment for the
property – this will normally be defined as being either at the time of approval in
principle of the application for TIEG support or an alternate date as recommended
by the Treasurer or designate of the Municipality of Clarington.
• Where a project is phased over several years the grant will be based on the property
re-assessment and taxable status of the project in each of the interim years before
final project completion. At project completion, the remaining years of the grant (as
applicable) will be based on the assessed property value provided by the Municipal
Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) in each subsequent year.
• The TIEG is operationalized through a legal agreement placed on title. This
agreement specifies the obligations of both the successful applicant and the
Municipality, including the amount of annual grant.
• Annual verification of the grant is based on assessment and payment of taxes by
property owner.
• The Commencement Date for this program (for purposes of calculating the
increment) will be at the discretion of the Municipality of Clarington following
discussions with the applicant based on the merits of the development project and
resulting estimates of tax increment grant created by the development project over
time.
Other Restrictions
• Funding is limited to one grant per property, regardless of whether development is
phased.
• The grant is assignable by the owner of the property to another party (including a
subsequent owner, tenant, or other assignee) at any time during the term of the
agreement. If the property is sold or otherwise transferred by the original owner, the
Municipality may, in its sole discretion, permit the grant to continue to be assigned
to the previous owner for the remainder of the grant period.
• The Municipality of Clarington has the right to review any and all aspects of the
program, including the purpose, form, method of application, evaluation and
amount of funding of the program, from time to time, or at any time, for any reason,
and at the sole and absolute discretion of the Municipality;
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• As necessary, the Municipality may amplify or adjust the application and approval
protocols associated with this program.
• The Municipality may refuse an application if it deems project feasibility to be
limited or for any other reason, at the discretion of the Municipality.
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APPENDIX E: ON-FARM DIVERSIFICATION
PROGRAM GUIDE
Program 10: Agricultural Signage Improvement Grant
Rationale and Objective(s)
This grant is intended to support the design, fabrication, and installation of on-site signage
for On-Farm Diversified Uses, such as agri-tourism, farm retail, and other complementary
farm-based businesses. Eligible signage may include welcome signs, directional signage,
wayfinding signage, and other forms of visitor-oriented identification signage for publicly
accessible properties.
The program is intended to improve the visibility, accessibility, and overall appearance of
on-farm diversified uses, while helping offset the costs of signage improvements that may
not otherwise proceed without financial assistance. Funding may be provided to eligible
property owners or tenants for the replacement, improvement, or installation of signage
attached to a main building or provided as a ground-mounted sign.
Assistance is limited to properties with eligible On-Farm Diversified Uses that are publicly
visible and accessible, and that meet all applicable municipal requirements.
Benefits
• Supports improved visibility, wayfinding, and visitor access for On-Farm Diversified
Uses.
• Enhances the appearance and professionalism of farm-based businesses that
welcome the public.
• Helps leverage private investment in signage improvements that strengthen on-site
branding and the overall visitor experience.
• Contributes to the economic viability and promotion of on-farm diversified activities
by making them easier to identify and access.
Target Group
Eligible applicants include registered property owners, or tenants (with written consent of
the property owner), of lands containing eligible On-Farm Diversified Uses that are publicly
accessible and visible from the public realm.
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Eligibility
• The applicant meets the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
• The subject property is located within the Municipality of Clarington and designated
as Prime Agricultural Area or Rural Area;
• The proposed signage is associated with an eligible On-Farm Diversified Use, as
determined by the Municipality in accordance with the Official Plan and/or any
other applicable municipal policy framework;
• The subject property contains an existing building or use that is publicly visible and
accessible, where such visibility and accessibility support the function of the
proposed signage;
• The proposed signage complies with all applicable municipal by-laws, standards,
and approval requirements, including any signage, zoning, or design-related
requirements, as may be in force from time to time; and
• The applicant is the registered owner of the property, or a tenant (with written
consent of the property owner) to undertake the proposed signage improvements.
Program Specifics and Limitations
• Matching grant of up to 50% of eligible costs or a maximum of $4,000 per property,
whichever is less.
• The minimum grant is $1,000 per property. Project applications including matching
assistance of less than $1,000 will not be considered.
• This grant can include improvement of existing signage or the development of new
signage attached to a main building or a ground mounted sign.
• Only one successful application per property is permitted during the life of the plan
(5 years) received from either the property owner or the tenant (with written consent
of the property owner) (or a joint application by both).
Eligible Costs
Examples of Eligible Costs (non-exhaustive) include:
• Design, fabrication, and installation of new on-site signage associated with an
eligible On-Farm Diversified Use;
• Replacement, improvement, or restoration of existing signage serving an eligible
On-Farm Diversified Use;
• Directional, wayfinding, identification, and welcome signage intended to improve
visitor access and on-site visibility;
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• Removal and disposal of outdated, damaged, or inappropriate existing signage, and
any associated minor surface repair required as a result of such removal;
• Professional design fees, including fees for graphic designers, sign designers, or
other qualified professionals required to prepare signage concepts and
specifications; and
• Labour, materials, and equipment directly related to the installation of approved
signage improvements.
Approval Process
• The General Application Process outlined in the CIP applies.
• Professional quotes from multiple licensed contractors (minimum 2) operating at
arm’s length from the applicant will be required.
• Applicants who identify other sources of financial assistance for exterior signage
improvements, which result in a higher level of private investment than would have
otherwise occurred, will be given preference in the allocation of funds.
• Agricultural Signage Improvement Grants will be disbursed as follows: 100% on
satisfactory completion as determined by the Municipality.
Other Restrictions
• The Municipality reserves the right to determine whether proposed works constitute
eligible improvements versus general maintenance.
• Incentives offered under this program sector are limited to On-Farm Diversified
Uses that are publicly visible and accessible, specifically agri-tourism uses and
uses that produce value-added agricultural products. Home occupations, home
industries, and electricity generation/transmission and energy storage systems are
not eligible for grants under this program.
Program 11: Agricultural Building Renovation Grant
Rationale and Objective(s)
This grant is intended to support and leverage private sector investment in internal and
external renovations and improvements to existing agricultural buildings that are used, or
proposed to be used, for eligible On-Farm Diversified Uses. The program is intended to
assist with the re-purposing, retrofitting, renovation, and modernization of agricultural
buildings to support value-added agricultural uses, agri-tourism, farm retail, and other
permitted on-farm diversified activities.
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Eligible improvements may include building, fire, and other code compliance upgrades,
including public occupancy load-related building enhancements, expansions or additions,
general retrofitting, structural repairs, accessibility improvements, and building system
upgrades necessary to improve the long-term functionality, safety, and suitability of the
building for its intended use. This may include buildings that already accommodate an On-
Farm Diversified Use, as well as buildings proposed to be adapted or repurposed to
accommodate such a use.
Benefits
• Supports investment in the renovation and re-purposing of agricultural buildings.
• Helps offset costs related to retrofitting, modernization, and code compliance.
• Improves the functionality and suitability of buildings for eligible On-Farm
Diversified Uses.
• Supports farm diversification and new revenue-generating opportunities.
Target Group
Private sector property owners or tenants (with written consent of owner) of lands
containing existing agricultural buildings that are used, or proposed to be used, for eligible
On-Farm Diversified Uses.
Eligibility
• The applicant meets the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
• The subject property is located within the Municipality of Clarington and designated
as Prime Agricultural Area or Rural Area;
• The applicant is the registered property owner or tenant (with written consent of the
property owner) of lands containing existing agricultural buildings that are used, or
proposed to be used, for eligible On-Farm Diversified Uses.
• The proposed project is for On-Farm Diversified uses as determined by the
Municipality per the Official Plan, or reference to equivalent; and
• The proposed project includes a publicly visible and accessible building intended
for public occupancy, per the Building Code.
Program Specifics and Limitations
• Matching grant of up to 50% of eligible costs or a maximum grant of $20,000 per
property, whichever is less. The minimum grant amount is $10,000 per property.
• Applicants of this program may also apply for the Agricultural Signage Improvement
Grant, however, the Municipality, at its sole discretion, may introduce a cap on the
total amount of funding per applicant and/or property.
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Eligible Costs
Eligible Costs for funding as part of this grant include but are not limited to:
• Building, fire, and other code compliance upgrades, including works required to
support public occupancy, where applicable;
• Interior and exterior renovations necessary to improve the functionality, safety, and
suitability of an existing agricultural building for an eligible On-Farm Diversified Use;
• Re-purposing and retrofitting of existing agricultural buildings to accommodate
value-added agriculture, agri-tourism, farm retail, or other permitted On-Farm
Diversified Uses;
• Structural repairs and building system upgrades, including electrical, mechanical,
HVAC, plumbing, and related systems, where such works form part of a broader
eligible renovation project;
• Expansions, additions, or alterations to existing agricultural buildings, where such
works are necessary to support the intended eligible use; and
• Accessibility improvements and other building enhancements required to improve
safe and functional public access, where applicable.
Specifically excluded are the following categories of works:
• Routine maintenance and minor repairs;
• New standalone buildings or structures not connected to the renovation of an
existing agricultural building;
• Site works, including landscaping, parking, driveways, and fencing;
• Furniture, fixtures, equipment, and movable assets;
• Replacement of building systems or components undertaken as routine lifecycle
maintenance rather than as part of a broader eligible renovation or code
compliance project;
• Tenant-specific fit-up or improvements that do not provide a lasting building
improvement; and
• Any works that do not comply with applicable municipal requirements or that
commence prior to grant approval.
Approval Process
• The General Application Process outlined in the CIP applies.
• Professional quotes from multiple licensed contractors (minimum 2) operating at
arm’s length from the applicant will be required.
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• Applicants are required to disclose other sources of public financial assistance for
interior building renovations, which result in a lower level of private investment than
would have otherwise occurred.
• Applicants will be required to enter into an agreement as to the above terms and
conditions of the grant.
• The Agricultural Building Renovation Grant shall be disbursed upon substantial
occupancy, subject to the satisfaction of the Municipality.
Other Restrictions
• This program is not applicable to new buildings or major floorspace additions to
existing buildings.
• Conditions of approval will be established by the Municipality and may extend to
any reasonable consideration to ensure the interests of the Municipality as funder
are upheld. Generally, all approvals under this program will require that
construction commence within 6 months of an approved building permit, and final
completion within 18 months. The Municipality may at its discretion adjust these
requirements based on the circumstances of the construction project which may
necessitate approvals from other agencies and/or delays in construction which are
not in the control of the applicant to overcome.
• If the completed project proves to be inconsistent with the proposed project that
was approved and detailed in the application form and supporting documentation,
then the Municipality has the right to delay (pending correction of the building
works), withhold or cancel the disbursement of funds.
• Incentives offered under this program sector are limited to On-Farm Diversified
Uses that are publicly visible and accessible, specifically agri-tourism uses and
uses that produce value-added agricultural products. Home occupations, home
industries, and electricity generation/transmission and energy storage systems are
not eligible for grants under this program.
Program 12: Municipal Fees Grant – Agricultural Stream
Rationale and Objective(s)
This program offers property owners proposing eligible On-Farm Diversified Uses a grant to
offset applicable site plan control and building permit fees. In combination with other
program supports, the grant is intended to help reduce upfront regulatory costs and
encourage investment in agricultural diversification projects.
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Benefits
• Helps reduce upfront regulatory costs associated with eligible On-Farm Diversified
Use projects.
• Supports private sector investment in agricultural diversification and value-added
farm-related development.
• Encourages implementation of eligible projects by helping offset applicable
municipal approval fees.
Target Group
Registered property owners, or tenants with the written consent of the property owner,
proposing eligible On-Farm Diversified Uses on lands within the Municipality of Clarington.
Eligibility
• The applicant meets the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
• The subject property is located within the Municipality of Clarington and designated
as Prime Agricultural Area or Rural Area;
• The applicant is the registered property owner or tenant (with written consent of the
property owner) of lands containing existing agricultural buildings that are used, or
proposed to be used, for eligible On-Farm Diversified Uses.
• The proposed project includes an eligible On-Farm Diversified Use, as determined
by the Municipality in accordance with the Official Plan and/or any other applicable
municipal policy framework; and
• The applicant is applying for eligible municipal approvals and associated fees
required to implement the proposed On-Farm Diversified Use project.
Program Specifics and Limitations
• Site Plan Control Fee Grant: Up to a maximum of $3,000 per property or the cost of
the eligible site plan control fees, whichever is less.
• Building Permit Fees Grant: Up to a maximum of $5,000 per property or the cost of
the combined eligible building permit fees, whichever is less.
• The grant is limited only to those fees outlined in the applicable fee schedule of the
Municipality of Clarington at the time of application and is always limited to the
grant maximums available under this program.
Approval Process
• The General Application Process outlined in the CIP applies.
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• The applicant pays all planning and development fees as required and at the times
required.
• Eligible fees are reimbursed to the applicant, per the approved amount of grant
once relevant approvals are in place:
o Site Plan Control Fee Grant shall be disbursed at time of planning approval;
o Building Permit Fee Gant shall be disbursed at the time of Final Completion
of the works to the satisfaction of the Municipality.
Other Restrictions
• The Municipality will not provide funding for the fees if the application for planning
approval in question or building permit is refused.
• During the plan period, additional applications for planning approval above and
beyond the approvals subject to an initial application will be considered. Similarly,
additional application for building permit grants arising from subsequent additional
works, will also be considered.
• Incentives offered under this program sector are limited to On-Farm Diversified
Uses that are publicly visible and accessible, specifically agri-tourism uses and
uses that produce value-added agricultural products. Home occupations, home
industries, and electricity generation/transmission and energy storage systems are
not eligible for grants under this program.
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APPENDIX F: BROWNFIELDS PROGRAM GUIDE
Program 13: Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Grant
Rationale & Objective(s)
The Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Grant program supports the assessment and
redevelopment of privately owned brownfield sites in the Municipality of Clarington by
assisting with the costs of Phase Two ESAs and related studies, including Remediation
Action Plans, Risk Assessments, and other work required to support remediation and
enable a Record of Site Condition.
Benefits
• Encourages land contamination assessment as the first step to clean-up privately
owned Brownfields, regardless of where they are located within the Municipality.
• Supports the re-development of Brownfields within the Municipality by funding
Phase Two ESAs and other required studies required to inform remediation.
Target Group
Private sector landowners or developers who are actively seeking renovation,
redevelopment or re-use of their properties and are able to provide results of a Phase One
ESA conducted by a qualified environmental consultant (Qualified Professional) indicating
a requirement for a Phase Two ESA to be completed.
Eligibility
• The applicant meets the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
• The subject property is located within the Municipality of Clarington;
• The applicant is a registered landowner and/or developer of a Brownfield property
that requires a Phase Two ESA study; and
• The applicant provides a Phase One ESA for the site conducted by a Qualified
Person indicating a requirement for a Phase Two ESA.
Program Specifics and Limitations
• The maximum individual grant is $20,000 or 50% of the cost of the Phase Two ESA
(or related study), whichever is less.
• The maximum assistance per Project, as defined by the Municipality of Clarington,
is:
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(i) Maximum of 2 studies per Project; and
(ii) Maximum of $35,000 for the duration of this CIP.
• Assistance under this program is limited to the costs of the Phase Two ESA,
remediation risk management and compliance with environmental regulatory
requirements.
• Studies which do not contribute to the prescribed regulatory process will not be
approved for funding support. The Phase Two ESA and other subsequent analysis
must conform in methodology, content and reporting with the requirements of
Ontario Regulation 153/04.
• The above limits are at the discretion of the Municipality of Clarington. Funding may
be increased at the discretion of the Municipality based on the merits of each
individual application as determined by the Municipality. Applicants may be
required to furnish the Municipality with additional information, relinquish
ownership of ESA reports and enter into additional agreements as necessary to the
satisfaction of the Municipality.
• Conversely the Municipality, acting in its discretion, may decline funding if it is
determined that the project is unlikely to be viable or otherwise does not meet the
objectives of the CIP. This may include, for example, a Phase One ESA that is
indeterminate as to the necessity for a Phase Two ESA in order to achieve the stated
land use.
Eligible Costs
• Eligible costs are limited to Phase Two ESA, studies, Remediation Action Plans, Risk
Assessments, and other studies that are part of the regulatory submission
requirements to enable a Record of Site Condition acknowledged by the Ministry of
Environment, Conservation and Parks (MCEP).
• An ESA can cover multiple parcels of ownership. The assistance of the Municipality
is predicated on an ESA including one or more parcels and is considered to be the
Project for which the ESA is undertaken. For greater clarity, funding will not be
permitted if ESAs are split into two parcels of ownership.
Approval Process
• All study fees are to be paid to the qualified consultant by the proponent. In order to
receive the grant(s), the proponent must submit the relevant invoices to the
Municipality along with a full copy (in pdf form) of the Phase Two ESA and any
supporting supplementary reports.
• Applications will be prioritized for those properties, which, in the opinion of the
Municipality, have a likelihood of successful redevelopment.
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• To achieve maximum leverage of non-municipal funds, applicants who identify
other sources of financial assistance for ESA and relevant studies will be given
preference in the allocation of funds.
• Total combined assistance toward the costs of ESA from all public sources will not
exceed 50% of total costs. Municipal funding will be the funding of a last resort
where other sources of public assistance exist.
Other Restrictions
• The Municipality will, at its sole discretion, determine if a second follow-up or a
complimentary study is eligible for funding and in all cases the initial environmental
site assessment study must represent a full and complete Phase One ESA. The
Municipality will refuse funding where any attempt is made to divide an
environmental site assessment into two (2) studies for purposes of maximizing
grant assistance.
Program 14: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) - Brownfield
Stream
Rationale and Objective(s)
The Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) - Brownfield Stream is designed to support the
remediation and redevelopment of environmentally contaminated lands (brownfield sites)
within the Municipality of Clarington, by providing a grant equal to a portion of the tax
increment over the existing “base” tax liability.
Benefits
• Leverages increased property tax assessment and helps reduce financial costs of
property (re)development.
• The Municipality benefits by the resulting revaluation and increase in tax liable on
the property over the long term.
• Remediation of environmentally Contaminated Lands and Brownfield development.
• Support to achieve environmental improvements, productive re-use of Brownfield
Sites, and continued investment.
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Target Group
Private sector landowners/developers who are actively seeking the rehabilitation,
renovation, (re)development or re-use of properties within the Municipality-wide CIPA for
Contaminated Land remediation. Consideration is subject to:
(i) Approved zoning for the proposed development;
(ii) Site plan/floor plans for rehabilitation, renovation, or (re)development;
(iii) Estimated costs of renovation, rehabilitation or (re)development; and
(iv) Proposed timing for development.
Eligibility
• The applicant meets the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
• The subject property is located within the Municipality of Clarington;
• The applicant is a registered landowner and/or developer of a Brownfield property;
• The subject property is comprised of privately-owned lands proposed for
rehabilitation, renovation, (re)development or (re)use and Contaminated Land
remediation;
• The applicant has completed a Phase Two ESA for the site; and
• There is a demonstrated need for remediation, defined as a site with a Phase Two
ESA which indicates that site conditions do not meet standards (under the
Environmental Protection Act) to permit filing of a Record of Site Condition.
Program Specifics and Limitations
• The maximum of the grant is 80% of the annual municipal tax increment over the
agreed base assessment and property tax liability in Year 1 declining by 15% every
two years.
• The maximum duration of assistance is 10 years or when the total cumulative grant
equals the total eligible costs, whichever occurs first.
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Illustrative Annual Grant-Back Share/Amount:
Year
Grant Annual Tax Increment Grant Value Retained by
Year 1 80% $50,000 $40,000 $10,000
Year 2 80% $50,000 $40,000 $10,000
Year 3 65% $50,000 $32,500 $17,500
Year 4 65% $50,000 $32,500 $17,500
Year 5 50% $50,000 $25,000 $25,000
Year 6 50% $50,000 $25,000 $25,000
Year 7 35% $50,000 $17,500 $32,500
Year 8 35% $50,000 $17,500 $32,500
Year 9 20% $50,000 $10,000 $40,000
Year 10 20% $50,000 $10,000 $40,000
• This program applies only to the municipal portion of the tax rate and does not apply
to the Regional or Education portions.
• Given the nature of the grant program as fundable only upon completion and
revaluation of the property, the Municipality of Clarington may consider approval in
principle, subject to the applicant satisfying all applicable development
requirements and conditions imposed by the Municipality.
• Final approval is only achieved by decision of Council based on confirmation by
staff report that the original intent of the approval in principle and all necessary
conditions have been attained.
• The maximum amount of the grant in any year is limited to the value of the work
undertaken under eligible costs in that year or the increase in municipal property
tax on the property compared to the base (before redevelopment) property tax,
whichever is less. Eligible costs not reimbursed in the year they are incurred can be
rolled over to subsequent years.
Eligible Costs
Eligible project costs supported under this program include (but are not limited to) the
following works:
• Site development and infrastructure work including demolition and disposal off-
site, improvement or reconstruction of existing on-site public infrastructure (water
services, sanitary and storm sewers, other).
• New Construction.
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• Costs associated with the assessment of environmental conditions and the
remediation of environmental contamination, and environmental protection.
• Design and engineering directly related to the design, development and
commissioning of the completed building(s).
• Eligible costs exclude both construction financing and long-term debt financing
principal and interest costs.
• All submitted costs will be subject to review and approval by the Municipality of
Clarington.
• Final eligibility will be determined through the demonstrated success of the project
through all stages of application (as required) for planning approval, building permit
issuance and building code compliance, construction, occupancy, financial
viability (as evidenced by the capacity of the owner to pay all required property
taxes on the property) and finally revaluation by the Ontario Municipal Property
Assessment Corporation (MPAC).
Specific to Contaminated Lands, eligible costs are included above but are also further
specified below:
• Environmental remediation and costs of achieving acknowledgement of a Record of
Site Condition by the MECP and Certificate of Property Use as may be required.
This includes remedial action plans, risk management plans, and implementation
costs.
• Waste transfer of contaminated (impacted) soils only to landfill and tipping fees for
contaminated soils land fill. This explicitly excludes excess soil removal as part of
the required development for soils which are not contaminated.
• Fill and grading to replace only contaminated soils.
• At the discretion of Council, demolition of existing buildings or structures required
as part of remediation efforts.
• At the discretion of Council, site development and infrastructure work including
improvement or reconstruction of existing on-site infrastructure and development,
triggered by the existence of contamination and requirements for remediation.
• Legal fees directly related to site investigation, remediation and filing of a Record of
Site Condition and compliance with any Certificate of Property Use.
• Insurance premiums for Cost Cap Insurance and Pollution Legal Liability (PLL)
Insurance.
• Ongoing site environmental monitoring and management (part of risk management
strategies).
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Approval Process
• The landowner/developer pays for the full cost of remediation and rehabilitation as
well as the resulting annual increase in property tax.
• The Municipality reimburses the landowner for all eligible costs by way of an annual
grant equivalent to a maximum of 80% of the municipal portion of the incremental
property tax increase over an established “base” assessment and tax liability.
• Grant represents foregone income for the Municipality. Site redevelopment creates
tax income, a portion of which is foregone under this program. At expiry of the
program/agreement, 100% of the municipal property tax is retained by the
Municipality.
• In determining the amount of funding up to the maximum permitted, the
Municipality should be cognizant of any significant increase in annual municipal
operating costs as a result of redevelopment of the property in receipt of tax
assistance.
• Grant approval is required in principle prior to the commencement of
construction/development. It should be noted that the Municipality may approve a
level of funding that is lower than the maximum increment provided for under this
program.
• The Municipality of Clarington will determine the existing “base” assessment for the
property – this will normally be defined as being either at the time of approval in
principle of the application for TIEG support or an alternate date as recommended
by the Treasurer or designate of the Municipality of Clarington.
• Where a project is phased over several years the grant will be based on the property
re-assessment and taxable status of the project in each of the interim years before
final project completion. At project completion, the remaining years of the grant (as
applicable) will be based on the assessed property value provided by the Municipal
Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) in each subsequent year.
• The TIEG is operationalized through a legal agreement placed on title. This
agreement specifies the obligations of both the successful applicant and the
Municipality, including the amount of annual grant.
• Annual verification of the grant is based on assessment and payment of taxes by
property owner.
• The Commencement Date for this program (for purposes of calculating the
increment) will be at the discretion of the Municipality of Clarington following
discussions with the applicant based on the merits of the development project and
resulting estimates of tax increment grant created by the development project over
time.
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Other Restrictions
• Funding is limited to one grant per property, regardless of whether development is
phased.
• The grant is assignable by the owner of the property to another party (including a
subsequent owner, tenant, or other assignee) at any time during the term of the
agreement. If the property is sold or otherwise transferred by the original owner, the
Municipality may, in its sole discretion, permit the grant to continue to be assigned
to the previous owner for the remainder of the grant period.
• The Municipality of Clarington has the right to review any and all aspects of the
program, including the purpose, form, method of application, evaluation and
amount of funding of the program, from time to time, or at any time, for any reason,
and at the sole and absolute discretion of the Municipality;
• As necessary, the Municipality may amplify or adjust the application and approval
protocols associated with this program.
• The Municipality may refuse an application if it deems project feasibility to be
limited or for any other reason, at the discretion of the Municipality.
• All land uses are eligible. The need for remediation must be demonstrated through
an Environmental Site Assessment, any required Risk Assessment, and a
remediation plan that meets the Environmental Protection Act and its regulations.
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APPENDIX G: CONFERENCE/BANQUET
FACILITIES PROGRAM GUIDE
Program 15: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) –
Conference/Banquet Facility Stream
Rationale and Objective(s)
The Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) program is designed to support the
development of conference/banquet facilities associated with a hotel within the
Municipality of Clarington, by providing a grant equal to a portion of the tax increment over
the existing “base” tax liability.
Benefits
• Leverages increased property tax assessment and help reduce financial costs of
property development for eligible types of development.
• The Municipality benefits by the resulting revaluation and increase in taxes liable on
the property over the long term.
• Increases the Municipality’s capacity to host business events, conferences,
weddings, and community gatherings while supporting tourism, visitor spending,
and overnight stays in Clarington.
Target Group
Private sector landowners/developers who are actively seeking the development of
conference/banquet facilities associated with a hotel located in the Municipality of
Clarington. Consideration is subject to:
(i) Approved zoning for the proposed development;
(ii) Site plan/floor plans for rehabilitation, renovation, or (re)development;
(iii) Estimated costs of renovation, rehabilitation or (re)development; and
(iv) Proposed timing for development.
Eligibility
• The applicant meets the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
• The applicant is the registered property owner and/or developer of the subject
property;
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• The subject property is serviced, located within the Municipality of Clarington and
has an appropriate land use designation to enable the development of a
conference/banquet facility associated with a hotel;
• Your proposed development includes a conference/banquet hall facility (in the
range of 370 sq. m/4,000 sq. ft.) associated with a hotel.
Program Specifics and Limitations
• The maximum of the grant is 50% of the annual Municipal Portion of the tax
increment over the agreed base assessment and property tax liability in Year 1,
declining by 10% every year.
• The maximum duration of assistance is 5 years, or up to the total eligible costs,
whichever occurs first.
• Illustrative Annual Grant-Back Share/Amount:
Year
Grant Annual Tax Increment Retained by
Year 1 50% $100,000 $50,000 $50,000
Year 2 40% $100,000 $40,000 $60,000
Year 3 30% $100,000 $30,000 $70,000
Year 4 20% $100,000 $20,000 $80,000
Year 5 10% $100,000 $10,000 $90,000
Total $500,000 $150,000 $350,000
• This program applies only to the municipal portion of the tax rate and does not apply
to the Regional or Education portions.
• Tax assistance is limited to the conference/banquet facility portion of the
development only. The hotel or other non-conference/banquet facility portions are
not eligible for this TIEG stream.
• Given the nature of the grant program as fundable only upon completion and
revaluation of the property, the Municipality of Clarington may consider approval in
principle, subject to the applicant satisfying all applicable development
requirements and conditions imposed by the Municipality.
• Final approval is only achieved by decision of Council based on confirmation by
staff report that the original intent of the approval in principle and all necessary
conditions have been attained.
• The maximum amount of the grant in any year is limited to the value of the work
undertaken under eligible costs in that year or the increase in municipal property
tax on the property compared to the base (before redevelopment) property tax,
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whichever is less. Eligible costs not reimbursed in the year they are incurred can be
rolled over to subsequent years.
Eligible Costs
• Eligible project costs supported under this program include (but are not limited to)
the following works:
• Site development and infrastructure work including demolition and disposal off-
site, improvement or reconstruction of existing on-site public infrastructure (water
services, sanitary and storm sewers, other).
• New Construction.
• Costs associated with the assessment of environmental conditions and the
remediation of environmental contamination, and environmental protection.
• Design and engineering directly related to the design, development and
commissioning of the completed building(s).
• Eligible costs exclude both construction financing and long-term debt financing
principal and interest costs.
• All submitted costs will be subject to review and approval by the Municipality.
• Final eligibility will be determined through the demonstrated success of the project
through all stages of application (as required) for planning approval, building permit
issuance and building code compliance, construction, occupancy, financial
viability (as evidenced by the capacity of the owner to pay all required property
taxes on the property) and finally revaluation by the Ontario Municipal Property
Assessment Corporation (MPAC).
Approval Process
• The landowner/developer pays for the full cost of development as well as the
resulting annual increase in property tax.
• The Municipality reimburses the landowner for all eligible costs by way of an annual
grant equivalent to a maximum of 50% of the municipal portion of the incremental
property tax increase over an established “base” assessment and tax liability.
• Grant represents foregone income for the Municipality. Site redevelopment creates
tax income, a portion of which is foregone under this program. At expiry of the
program/agreement, 100% of the municipal property tax is retained by the
Municipality.
• In determining the amount of funding up to the maximum permitted, the Municipality
should be cognizant of any significant increase in annual municipal operating costs
as a result of redevelopment of the property in receipt of tax assistance.
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• Grant approval is required in principle prior to the commencement of
construction/development. It should be noted that the Municipality may approve a
level of funding that is lower than the maximum increment provided for under this
program.
• The Municipality of Clarington will determine the existing “base” assessment for the
property – this will normally be defined as being either at the time of approval in
principle of the application for TIEG support or an alternate date as recommended
by the Treasurer or designate of the Municipality of Clarington.
• Where a project is phased over several years the grant will be based on the property
re-assessment and taxable status of the project in each of the interim years before
final project completion. At project completion, the remaining years of the grant (as
applicable) will be based on the assessed property value provided by the Municipal
Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) in each subsequent year.
• The TIEG is operationalized through a legal agreement placed on title. This
agreement specifies the obligations of both the successful applicant and the
Municipality, including the amount of annual grant.
• Annual verification of the grant is based on assessment and payment of taxes by
property owner.
• The Commencement Date for this program (for purposes of calculating the
increment) will be at the discretion of the Municipality of Clarington following
discussions with the applicant based on the merits of the development project and
resulting estimates of tax increment grant created by the development project over
time.
Other Restrictions
• Funding is limited to one grant per property, regardless of whether development is
phased.
• Standalone hotel developments that do not include a conference/banquet facility
are not eligible for incentives under this program.
• The grant is assignable by the owner of the property to another party (including a
subsequent owner, tenant, or other assignee) at any time during the term of the
agreement. If the property is sold or otherwise transferred by the original owner, the
Municipality may, in its sole discretion, permit the grant to continue to be assigned
to the previous owner for the remainder of the grant period.
• The Municipality of Clarington has the right to review any and all aspects of the
program, including the purpose, form, method of application, evaluation and
amount of funding of the program, from time to time, or at any time, for any reason,
and at the sole and absolute discretion of the Municipality;
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• As necessary, the Municipality may amplify or adjust the application and approval
protocols associated with this program.
• The Municipality may refuse an application if it deems project feasibility to be
limited or for any other reason, at the discretion of the Municipality.
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Amendment No. XXX
to the Clarington Official Plan
Purpose: This amendment to the Clarington Official Plan will enable the
development of community improvement plans pursuant to Section 28 of
the Ontario Planning Act, addressing a range of community improvement
objectives. The amendments also include the designation of the
Municipality of Clarington as a Community Improvement Project Area,
required under legislation to develop and implement community
improvement plans.
In addition, this Amendment seeks to recognize urban design guidelines
prepared in support Clarington’s Community Improvement Plan.
Location: This Amendment applies to the Municipality of Clarington in its entirety.
Basis: The municipality of Clarington intends to implement a comprehensive
community improvement plan addressing a range of matters including:
• Commercial development in the downtowns of Bowmanville,
Newcastle and Orono;
• Affordable housing development;
• Employment; and
• Agricultural on-farm diversification.
The plan is based upon a range of stakeholder and public input.
Actual Amendment
Unless otherwise indicated, in the Amendment, newly added text is
shown with underlining and deleted text is shown with a strike through.
1. By amending Section 1.3 Organization of the Plan by deleting reference
to Map I Community Improvement Project Areas and amending the
section as follows:
Maps:
A Land Use
B Urban Structure
C Secondary Plan Areas
D Natural Environment – Natural Heritage System
E Natural Environment – Aquifer Vulnerability and
Oak Ridges Moraine Landforms
F Natural Environment – Natural Hazards and Waste
Disposal Assessment Areas
G Potential Aggregate Resource Areas
H Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine
I Deleted “I Community Improvement Project
Areas”
J Transportation Network – Roads and Transit
K Trails
2. By amending the existing Community Improvement Goal 22.1 as
follows:
“22.1.1 To provide for and encourage public and private sector
activities for the purpose of the maintenance, enhancement,
development and redevelopment of the existing built environment of
the Municipality.”
3. By amending existing Community Improvement Policy Objectives 22.2
by adding new objective 22.2.8 as follows:
“22.2.8 To promote a high standard of design for improvements
within Clarington’s historic downtowns of Bowmanville, Newcastle,
and Orono.”
4. By amending the existing section 22.3 Community Improvement
Policies as follows:
1. By deleting policies 22.3.1, and 22.3.2 in their entirety and adding
a new policy 22.3.1 as follows:
“22.3.1 For purposes of implementing community improvement plans,
the entirety of the Municipality of Clarington is designated as a
Community Improvement Project Area. The Municipality may, from time
to time, implement one or more community improvement plans applied
to part or all of the Community Improvement Project Area, as warranted
in keeping with the objectives of community improvement.”
2. By deleting Table 22-1 Community Improvement Areas.
3. By renumbering and amending existing policy 22.3.3 as follows:
“22.3.3 22.3.2 Section 22.3.2 is to be used only as a guide in the
preparation of community improvement plans. Community improvement
plans, whether municipal-wide or otherwise, may identify priority
programs or priority areas for community improvement. Program
choices, financial constraints, on-site project necessities, and funding
criteria may change the priorities or application of programs to sub-areas.
The Municipality may revise its program priorities without the necessity
of an amendment to this Plan.”
4. By adding new policy 22.3.3 as follows:
“22.3.3 Community Improvement program applications within
Clarington’s historic downtowns will be reviewed against the Municipality
of Clarington Community Improvement Plan Urban Design Guidelines, as
amended. Projects that do not demonstrate a high level of urban design
will not be funded.”
5. By amending policy 16.6.5 by amending the existing policy as
follows:
“16.6.5 The Wellington Enterprise Area is located within the B1
Community Improvement Project Area. In the preparation of the
a Community Improvement Plan, considerations for the
redevelopment of this site the Wellington Enterprise Area will be
included.“
6. By amending policy 16.7.11.2 by amending the existing policy as
follows:
“16.7.11.2 In order to support the implementation for the Municipal
Wide Park the Municipality of Clarington will consider the
development of a Community Improvement Plan and/or Heritage
Conservation District, under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act.”
7. By amending policy 17.4.5 by amending the existing policy as
follows:
“17.4.5 The Goodyear Redevelopment Area is located within the B3
Community Improvement Project Area. In the preparation of the
a Community Improvement Plan, considerations for the
redevelopment of this site the Goodyear Redevelopment Area will be
included.”
8. Delete Map I Community Improvement Project Areas.
By-law YYYY-NNN
Community Improvement Plan By-law
The Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington
By-law 2026-NN
Being a By-law to adopt a Municipality wide Community Improvement Plan.
Whereas By-law 2003-186, as amended by By-laws 2005-041 and 2018-004
designated a Community Improvement Plan Area for Bowmanville;
And whereas By-law 2005-123, as amended by By-laws 2008-185 and 2018-004
approved the Community Improvement Plan prepared for the Bowmanville community
improvement project area;
And whereas By-law 2003-124, as amended by By-laws 2005-038 and 2018-003
designated a Community Improvement Plan Area for Orono pursuant to subsection
28(2) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13, as amended;
And whereas By-law 2005-039, as amended by By-law 2008-112 approved the
Community Improvement Plan prepared for the Orono community improvement project
area;
And whereas By-law 2008-086 as amended by 2018-005 designated a Community
Improvement Plan and Community Improvement Plan Area for Newcastle pursuant to
subsection 28(2) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13, as amended;
And whereas By-law 2016-093, designated a Community Improvement Plan and
Community Improvement Plan Area for Courtice pursuant to subsection 28(2) of the
Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13, as amended;
And whereas the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington deems it
advisable to adopt the Municipality of Clarington Community Improvement Plan dated
May, 2026 contained in report CAO-xxx-26;
Attachment 3 to Report CAO-007-26
Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Clarington enacts as
follows:
1.That the area shown as Municipality of Clarington Community Improvement Plan
Area on Schedule 1 to this by-law is hereby designated as a Community
Improvement Project Area.
2.That the Municipality of Clarington Community Improvement Plan dated May XX,
2026, attached hereto as Schedule 2, forms part of the by-law and is hereby
adopted.
3.That the by-law may be referred to as the “Clarington Community Improvement
Plan By-law.”
4.That the following by-laws are hereby repealed, effective when this by-law comes
into force and effect:
•By-Law 2003-186, Being a By-law to initiate the study of the
Bowmanville urban area as a Community Improvement Area
•By-Law 2005-041, being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2003-186
respecting the Bowmanville community improvement project area
•By-Law 2005-123, being a By-law to adopt Bowmanville Community
Improvement Plan
•By-Law 2008-185, being a By-law to adopt Bowmanville Community
Improvement Plan Amendment No. 1
•By-law 2018-004, Being a By-law to adopt Bowmanville Community
Improvement Plan Amendment Number 2
•By-law 2003-124, being a By-law to initiate the study of the Orono
urban area as a Community Improvement Area
•By-law 2005-038, being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2003-124
respecting the Orono community improvement project area
•By-law 2005-039, being a By-law to adopt Orono Community
Improvement Plan
•By-law 2008-112, being a By-law to adopt Orono Community
improvement Plan Amendment NO.1;
•By-law 2018-003, Being a By-law to adopt Orono Community
Improvement Plan Amendment No. 2;
•By-law 2018-005, Being a By-law to adopt Newcastle Village
Community Improvement Plan Amendment Number 1;
•By-law 2008-086, being a By-law to adopt the Newcastle Village
Community Improvement Plan
• By-law 2016-093, being a By-law to adopt the Courtice Main Street
Community Improvement Plan;
5. That this by-law shall come into force and effect on January 1, 2027.
Passed in Open Council this XX day of MMMM, YYYY.
_____________________________________
Name, Mayor
_____________________________________
Name, Municipal Clerk
By signing this by-law on XXXX XX, YYYY, Mayor FIRST LAST NAME will not exercise
the power to veto this by-law and this by-law is deemed passed as of this date.
Schedule 1 to
By-law YYYY-NNN
Community Improvement Plan By-law