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Staff Report
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Report To: Special Council
Date of Meeting: August 10, 2026 Report Number: CAO-008-26
Authored By: Glen Macfarlane, Economic Development Officer
Paul Pirri, Director, Economic Development
Submitted By
By-law Number:
File Number:
Report Subject:
Mary -Anne Dempster, CAO
Resolution Number:
Recommendation to Adopt an Updated Community Improvement Plan
(CIP)
Recommendations:
1. That Report CAO-008-26, Recommendation to Adopt an Updated Community
Improvement Plan (CIP), be received;
2. That Council adopt Official Plan Amendment COPA2026-0007, as included in
Attachment 2, to designate a municipality -wide Community Improvement Project Area
(CIPA);
3. That Council enact the By-law, as included in Attachment 3, to adopt the Community
Improvement Plan (CIP) for the Municipality of Clarington;
4. That staff be authorized to administer the Community Improvement Plan and its
programs in accordance with the policies outlined in the Plan;
5. That the CAO, or designate, be authorized to execute agreements for all Community
Improvement Plan programs, with the exception of Tax Increment Equivalent Grant
(TIEG) programs, to the satisfaction of the Deputy CAO, Legislative Services, and the
Deputy CAO/Treasurer, Finance and Technology;
6. That staff monitor the uptake and effectiveness of the Community Improvement Plan
programs through 2028 and report back as part of a future budget submission, if
required;
7. That the Community Improvement Plan come into effect on January 1, 2027, in
accordance with the Community Improvement Plan By-law;
8. That Council request the Province of Ontario to explore the establishment of a grant
and/or loan program to assist businesses with financing accessibility improvements
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Report CAO-008-26
required to support compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
(AODA);
9. That a copy of Council's resolution be circulated to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister
for Seniors and Accessibility, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, MPP Todd
McCarthy, MPP David Piccini, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), and
Durham Region for consideration and support; and
10. That all interested parties listed in Report CAO-008-26 and any delegations be advised
of Council's decision.
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Report CAO-008-26
Report Overview
This report seeks Council approval of the final Community Improvement Plan (CIP),
corresponding Official Plan Amendment (OPA), and associated by-laws required to
implement the municipality -wide Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA). The CIP
establishes a comprehensive framework of financial tools and incentive programs intended
to support investment, redevelopment, and economic growth across Clarington.
The draft CIP and OPA were presented at the statutory public meeting on June 15, 2026.
Since that time, staff have reviewed and considered feedback from Council, stakeholders,
and the public, and have refined the documents as appropriate. This report summarizes the
key revisions made to the draft materials and outlines the final CIP, supporting Urban Design
Guidelines, and implementation considerations for Council's consideration.
1. Background
1.1 Report CAO-007-26 was presented to the Planning and Development Committee on
June 15, 2026, as part of the statutory public meeting under the Planning Act to
introduce the draft Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and corresponding Official Plan
Amendment (OPA).
1.2 The June 15, 2026 report provided a comprehensive overview of the proposed
municipality -wide Community Improvement Plan, including its purpose, structure, and
proposed incentive programs, and initiated the statutory public consultation process.
1.3 At the meeting, Council directed staff to receive and consider comments from the public,
agencies, and Council, and to return with a subsequent recommendation report.
1.4 Following the statutory public meeting, staff, in consultation with the Municipality's
consultant, Sierra Planning and Management (SPM), reviewed all feedback received
and refined the draft Community Improvement Plan and Official Plan Amendment, as
appropriate, to respond to comments from Council, agencies, and the public.
1.5 The purpose of this report is to present the final Community Improvement Plan, Official
Plan Amendment, and associated implementing by-laws for Council's consideration,
and to outline the key updates and refinements made since the draft documents were
introduced in June 2026.
2. Summary of Feedback and Key Revisions
Overview of Consultation Process
2.1 As part of the statutory public meeting process under the Planning Act, the draft
Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and corresponding Official Plan Amendment (OPA)
were circulated for review and comment to members of the public, key stakeholders,
agencies, and Council.
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2.2 Feedback was received through written submissions, stakeholder correspondence,
Council comments, and internal departmental review. Submissions were received from
a local Business Improvement Area, a development stakeholder, and members of the
public, in addition to technical comments provided by internal departments and the
Municipality's consultant, Sierra Planning and Management (SPM).
2.3 All feedback received was reviewed and considered by staff in consultation with SPM.
Revisions to the draft CIP were made, where appropriate, to respond to feedback,
clarify program details, and improve the overall effectiveness and administration of the
Plan.
Summary of Key Themes
2.4 A detailed summary of comments received through the consultation process and staff
responses to those comments is provided in Attachment 4.
2.5 Feedback received on the draft CIP was generally supportive of the proposed transition
to a municipality -wide Community Improvement Plan and the introduction of new
incentive programs to support housing, employment, rural economic development, and
brownfield redevelopment.
2.6 Several common themes emerged through the consultation process, including:
• Clarity and Accessibility of Programs: Stakeholders emphasized the
importance of clear eligibility criteria and program definitions, particularly with
respect to how incentives apply to individual properties and tenants within multi-
unit buildings and properties with multiple street addresses.
• Greater Support for Small -Scale Improvements: Feedback highlighted the
need for programs that better support smaller -scale projects by lowering
minimum thresholds and enabling lower -cost improvements, such as signage
and accessibility -related upgrades.
• Downtown Revitalization and Public Realm Improvements: There was strong
support for continued investment in downtown areas, including facade
improvements, building upgrades, and enhancements to the overall safety and
appearance of commercial properties in Clarington's downtown areas.
• Incentive Structure and Flexibility: Input from development stakeholders
focused on the structure of financial incentives for major redevelopment projects,
including the scale of support and the ability to combine or layer incentives.
• Program Scope and Eligibility: Comments were received regarding the scope
of eligible uses and lands, as well as requests to expand or refine eligibility
criteria across certain program areas.
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Key Changes to the Final CIP
2.7 Based on feedback received, the draft Community Improvement Plan was refined by
SPM, in consultation with staff, to improve clarity, program usability, and alignment with
municipal priorities. Key changes to the final CIP include:
Clarification of Program Eligibility and Definitions: Revisions have been
made to clarify how eligibility limits apply to properties containing multiple tenants
or municipal addresses. New definitions for "Property," "Parcel," and "Street
Address" have been added to the CIP, and the Downtown Facade and Signage
Improvement Grant Program has been updated to distinguish between incentives
that apply on a per -property basis and those that apply on a per -street address
basis. Specifically, Facade Improvements and the Heritage Facade Top -Up are
administered per property, while Signage Improvements and Graffiti Remediation
are administered per street address, providing greater clarity for applicants and
supporting consistent program administration.
Clarification of Upper -Floor Residential Conversions: Revisions have been
made to the Commercial Building Renovation Grant Program to clarify that
conversion of upper -floor space to residential and/or office use remains eligible;
however, such improvements must form part of a broader commercial building
renovation project. Additional language has been incorporated confirming that
the Municipality retains discretion in determining whether the level of investment
in the commercial component is sufficient to support grant funding for upper -floor
improvements.
Reduced Minimum Funding Thresholds: Stakeholder consultation identified
potential challenges associated with the originally proposed minimum project
cost thresholds for certain incentive programs. In response, the minimum eligible
project cost threshold for the Signage Improvement Grant was reduced from
$2,500 to $1,000 and the minimum eligible project cost threshold for the Building
Renovation Grant was reduced from $15,000 to $10,000. These revisions were
incorporated into the Draft CIP and have been retained in the Final CIP to
support broader program accessibility and uptake.
Expanded Interpretation of Eligible Costs for Facade Improvements: Eligible
costs under the Facade and Signage Improvement Grant have been expanded to
include certain permanent, preventative built -form improvements that contribute
to the safety, durability, and functionality of commercial properties, such as
enhanced lighting, anti -graffiti coatings, shatter -resistant materials, and other
facade elements that help deter vandalism and improve building resilience.
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Minor Technical and Administrative Updates: Various technical edits and
clarifications have been incorporated throughout the document, including
corrections to terminology, updates to definitions to improve consistency with the
Municipality's Official Plan and Zoning By-law, updates to supporting policy
references and background information, clarification of the role of the Urban
Design Guidelines, and other revisions to improve consistency across program
descriptions.
Updates to the Conference/Banquet Program: Updates have been made to
clarify the intention is to support one (1) destination -oriented conference/banquet
facility, either as part of a hotel development or, where additional criteria are met,
as a standalone facility. The updates also confirm that incentives apply only to
the conference/banquet component of a project and strengthen requirements
related to facility scale, location, and long-term viability.
Clarification of Annual Funding Availability: Revisions have been made to
clarify that funding is subject to annual budget availability and Council -approved
allocations, and eligible applications may be deferred where program funding has
been exhausted.
Updates to the On -Farm Diversified Uses Programs: Clarified language in
eligibility to indicate that the "property is appropriately zoned to permit the
existing or proposed On -Farm Diversified Use".
2.8 While all feedback was carefully considered, not all suggested changes have been
incorporated into the final CIP. Certain suggestions, including requests related to
additional incentive stacking, development charge exemptions, and the expansion of
program scope beyond the intended policy framework, were not advanced in order to
maintain the financial sustainability, clarity, and strategic focus of the Plan.
Accessibility Advocacy and Provincial Funding Support
2.9 During the consultation process, staff received comments expressing support for the
proposed Accessibility Improvement Grant Program and the inclusion of accessibility -
related improvements within the Community Improvement Plan.
2.10 Feedback also highlighted that many accessibility barriers require significant capital
investments, such as accessible washrooms and building retrofits, which can be
challenging for small businesses and property owners to fund.
2.11 In addition to the municipal incentives proposed through the CIP, it was suggested that
Council advocate to the Province of Ontario for the creation of a grant and/or loan
program to assist businesses in financing accessibility -related improvements required
under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
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2.12 While this matter falls outside the scope of the Community Improvement Plan itself, staff
recognize the potential benefit of additional provincial support and have included a
corresponding recommendation for Council's consideration.
3. Final Community Improvement Plan
Overview of the Final CIP
3.1 The final Community Improvement Plan (CIP), attached as Attachment 1 to this report,
builds on the draft CIP presented through Report CAO-007-26 and has been refined
through the statutory public consultation process described above.
3.2 As outlined in Report CAO-007-26, the CIP establishes a municipality -wide framework
to guide the use of financial incentives and programs to support key economic
development and community -building objectives, including downtown revitalization,
affordable housing supply, employment growth, rural economic diversification,
brownfield redevelopment, and the development of a conference/banquet facility.
3.3 The overall structure and intent of the CIP remain consistent with the draft document
presented in June 2026, with targeted refinements made to improve clarity, usability,
and responsiveness to stakeholder feedback, as summarized in Section 2 of this report.
Municipality -wide CIPA
3.4 The CIP establishes a municipality -wide Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA);
however, eligibility for individual programs is determined based on the specific
objectives and criteria of each program, including factors such as location, land use
designation, and designated priority areas.
3.5 No changes have been made to the proposed municipality -wide Community
Improvement Project Area (CIPA) since the draft CIP was presented through Report
CAO-007-26. This represents a shift from the Municipality's current approach of
geographically defined CIP areas to a municipality -wide framework.
Program Framework
3.6 The CIP maintains a comprehensive suite of incentive programs designed to address a
range of economic development and planning objectives across the municipality.
3.7 The program framework includes a mix of grant -based and tax -based incentives,
structured to support targeted forms of development, address site -specific barriers, and
encourage private sector investment in priority areas.
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4. Urban Design Guidelines
Purpose of the Guidelines
4.1 The Urban Design Guidelines, attached as Attachment 5 to this report, have been
prepared to support the implementation of the Community Improvement Plan (CIP),
particularly with respect to improvements within Clarington's downtown areas.
4.2 The Guidelines are intended to provide a high-level design resource for property
owners, business owners, and applicants, offering direction on how building
improvements can be undertaken in a manner that is sensitive to the existing
architectural character and context of Clarington's historic downtowns.
4.3 The Guidelines illustrate best practices in urban design, including building materials,
facade composition, signage, lighting, and heritage considerations, and are intended to
help inform and guide investment in high -quality built form throughout the municipality's
downtown priority areas.
Role in CIP Implementation
4.4 The Urban Design Guidelines will be used by applicants and municipal staff in the
preparation and review of CIP applications within the downtown areas.
4.5 For applicants, the Guidelines provide a visual and descriptive reference to assist in
planning improvements that align with the Municipality's design objectives. For staff, the
Guidelines serve as a resource to support the consistent evaluation of applications and
to facilitate discussions regarding design quality and contextual compatibility across a
range of applicable CIP programs.
4.6 While the Guidelines provide clear direction on preferred design approaches, they are
intended to be flexible and may accommodate alternative solutions where an applicant
can demonstrate that the proposal meets the overall intent of the Guidelines.
Relationship to Other Planning Tools
4.7 The Urban Design Guidelines are intended to complement, but not replace, other
applicable planning tools, including the Municipality's Official Plan, Zoning By-law, and
Sign By-law.
4.8 The Guidelines are not a statutory planning document and do not impose regulatory
requirements; however, they are recognized within the Official Plan as an important
implementation tool for the Community Improvement Plan and are used to guide design
outcomes, inform the evaluation of applications, and support decisions related to
funding.
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4.9 In relation to accessibility, the Urban Design Guidelines include general design
considerations; however, all accessibility -related improvements supported through the
CIP will be evaluated in accordance with the Municipality of Clarington Accessibility
Design Standards (CADS), as well as all applicable provincial legislation and
regulations.
Status of the Guidelines
4.10 The Urban Design Guidelines are being introduced as an implementation tool for the
Community Improvement Plan and are intended to be used in conjunction with the CIP
to guide both applicants and staff in the design and evaluation of eligible projects.
5. Official Plan Amendment
Overview
5.1 The proposed Official Plan Amendment (OPA), attached as Attachment 2 to this report,
has been prepared to enable the implementation of the updated Community
Improvement Plan (CIP) and ensure alignment with the Municipality's current approach
to community improvement planning.
5.2 The OPA was introduced through Report CAO-007-26 and was subject to the statutory
public meeting held on June 15, 2026. No oral or written comments were received from
members of the public or Council with respect to the proposed amendment.
Key Components of the OPA
5.3 The primary purpose of the OPA is to designate the entirety of the Municipality of
Clarington as a Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA), in accordance with
Section 28 of the Planning Act, enabling the Municipality to implement community
improvement plans on a municipal -wide basis.
5.4 The OPA also introduces updated policies to provide greater flexibility in the preparation
and implementation of community improvement plans, allowing the Municipality to
define priority programs and geographic focus areas without requiring further
amendments to the Official Plan.
5.5 In support of the updated CIP, the OPA includes new policy direction promoting a high
standard of urban design within Clarington's historic downtown areas and recognizes
the use of Urban Design Guidelines in the evaluation of community improvement
program applications.
5.6 In addition, the OPA removes existing references to geographically defined community
improvement areas and associated mapping, reflecting the transition to a municipality -
wide approach.
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Effect of the Amendment
5.7 The proposed OPA provides the necessary policy framework to support the
implementation of the new CIP and ensures consistency with the Municipality's updated
approach to economic development and community improvement.
5.8 Adoption of the OPA will enable the Municipality to implement flexible, targeted
incentive programs across Clarington while maintaining the ability to direct investment to
priority areas and initiatives over time.
6. Implementation and Transition
Implementation Framework
6.1 Subject to Council approval, the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) will be
implemented through the adoption of the Community Improvement Plan by-law,
attached as Attachment 3 to this report, in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning
Act.
6.2 The By-law adopts the municipality -wide CIP. The associated Official Plan Amendment
designates the entirety of the Municipality of Clarington as a Community Improvement
Project Area (CIPA), enabling the implementation of incentive programs across the
municipality.
Transition from Existing Community Improvement Plans
6.3 The proposed By-law includes provisions to repeal all existing Community Improvement
Plan by-laws currently in effect for Bowmanville, Orono, Newcastle and Courtice.
6.4 The repeal of these by-laws will take effect concurrently with the coming into force of the
new CIP By-law, ensuring a seamless transition between the existing and proposed
framework.
6.5 Until such time as the new CIP By-law comes into force, the Municipality's existing
Community Improvement Plans and associated programs will remain in effect and
continue to be administered in accordance with established practices, subject to
transition -related administrative adjustments.
Effective Date and Transition Period
6.6 The new Community Improvement Plan By-law is proposed to come into force and
effect on January 1, 2027.
6.7 The period between Council adoption of the CIP and the effective date of January 1,
2027 provides staff with the opportunity to finalize program administration details and
prepare for the transition to the new municipality -wide framework.
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Application Intake and Transition Management
6.8 Applications that are submitted and deemed complete on or before December 31, 2026,
will continue to be processed in accordance with the existing Community Improvement
Plans.
6.9 Effective January 1, 2027, all new applications will be subject to the updated
municipality -wide Community Improvement Plan. Applications that have not been
submitted and deemed complete by December 31, 2026, will be required to apply under
the new CIP framework.
7. Stakeholder Engagement
7.1 Stakeholder engagement for the Community Improvement Plan review and update has
occurred throughout the development of the project, including multiple phases of
consultation with Council, internal departments, stakeholders, and the public. A detailed
summary of engagement undertaken during previous phases of the project is provided
in Report CAO-007-26.
7.2 As part of the statutory requirements under the Planning Act, a public meeting was held
on June 15, 2026 to present the draft CIP and associated Official Plan Amendment. The
meeting provided members of the public, stakeholders, and Council with an opportunity
to review the draft documents and provide comments.
7.3 Notice of the statutory public meeting was provided in accordance with the Planning Act,
including circulation through the Municipality's website and social media channels, as
well as direct notification to interested parties, agencies, and stakeholder groups.
7.4 Following the statutory public meeting, staff continued to receive and review written
submissions and stakeholder correspondence, which have informed the refinements to
the CIP as outlined in Section 2 of this report. A detailed summary of comments
received and staff responses is provided in Attachment 4.
8. Next Steps
8.1 Subject to Council approval of the Official Plan Amendment (OPA), Community
Improvement Plan (CIP), and the associated by-laws to adopt the OPA and CIP, staff
will proceed with implementation planning to support the launch of the new CIP on
January 1, 2027.
8.2 In preparation for the program launch, staff will finalize key administrative tools and
materials required to support program delivery, including the development of a
standardized application form and a scoring and evaluation framework to guide the
review of applications.
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8.3 Staff will also prepare and launch an updated CIP webpage to provide clear and
accessible information on program eligibility, application requirements, and available
incentives.
8.4 In collaboration with the Municipality's Communications Division, staff will develop and
implement a communications and marketing strategy to promote the updated CIP,
increase awareness of available programs, and support uptake across the community.
8.5 Additional implementation activities will include the development of internal procedures,
staff training, and coordination across departments to ensure the consistent and
effective administration of the CIP upon launch.
8.6 Staff will continue to work with the project consultant, as needed, to finalize any
outstanding program details and supporting materials prior to implementation.
9. Financial Considerations
9.1 No additional funding is being requested at this time to support the implementation of
the Community Improvement Plan (CIP). The Municipality of Clarington currently
allocates $210,000 annually to support CIP implementation.
9.2 Subject to Council approval of the municipality -wide CIP, staff will work with Finance to
establish a dedicated Community Improvement Plan Reserve to support administration
of the new program framework. Approximately $994,000 currently allocated to existing
Community Improvement Plan programs within the General Capital Reserve will be
transferred into the new reserve.
9.3 In addition, $2 million in developer -funded contributions will be transferred from the
Municipality's Affordable Housing Reserve Fund to the Community Improvement Plan
Reserve and dedicated to the Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) program established
through the CIP.
9.4 Collectively, these funds will provide approximately $3 million in funding to support
implementation of the municipality -wide Community Improvement Plan, including $2
million dedicated specifically to the Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) program.
9.5 The updated CIP is anticipated to operate within the existing annual funding framework
and available reserve funding. The combination of annual funding, reserve funding, and
dedicated ADU funding provides a strong financial foundation for implementation of the
municipality -wide CIP and its associated programs. Staff will continue to monitor
program uptake, performance, and financial impacts over time and report back to
Council as required.
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10. Strategic Plan
10.1 The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) supports the goals of Clarington's Strategic
Plan (2024-27), particularly the priority of building a Strong Local Economy. The CIP is
intended to support economic growth, investment, and revitalization across the
municipality through a range of financial incentive programs.
10.2 In particular, the CIP aligns with the following Strategic Plan priorities:
• Expand Clarington's commercial and industrial tax base; and
• Continue to support business and industry to thrive.
10.3 The CIP also advances the Municipality's Economic Development Action Plan, fulfilling
the 2025/2026 action to undertake a Community Improvement Plan review as part of a
broader "Best -in -Class" approach to supporting economic development.
11. Climate Change
11.1 The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) supports the Municipality's climate change
objectives by encouraging sustainable development and improvements to the built
environment. This includes supporting upgrades that may improve energy efficiency and
building performance, where applicable.
12. Concurrence
12.1 Staff from Finance and Technology, Planning and Infrastructure and Legislative
Services served on the project Steering Committee.
12.2 The Deputy CAO/Treasurer, Finance and Technology and the Deputy CAO, Planning
and Infrastructure, or their respective designates, have reviewed the report and concur
with its recommendations.
13. Conclusion
13.1 It is respectfully recommended that Council approve the Official Plan Amendment
(OPA), Community Improvement Plan (CIP), and enact the associated by-laws to adopt
the OPA and CIP.
13.2 The proposed CIP introduces a comprehensive, municipality -wide framework to support
economic development, revitalization, and investment across Clarington. The Plan has
been refined through consultation with stakeholders, Council, and internal departments,
and is supported by the necessary policy and administrative framework to enable
effective implementation.
13.3 Subject to Council approval, the CIP will come into effect on January 1, 2027, providing
staff with the opportunity to complete final implementation steps and ensure a smooth
transition from the existing Community Improvement Plans.
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Staff Contacts:
Paul Pirri, Director, Economic Development, ppirri(a�clarington.net
Glen Macfarlane, Economic Development Officer, gmacfarlane(a�clarington.net
Attachments:
Attachment 1 — Municipality of Clarington Community Improvement Plan
Attachment 2 — Clarington Community Improvement Plan Official Plan Amendment
Attachment 3 — Clarington Community Improvement Plan By-law
Attachment 4 — Draft Community Improvement Plan Feedback Summary Table
Attachment 5 — Urban Design Guidelines — Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
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
July 2026
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 CIP Purpose
1.2 CIP Duration
1.3 Key GoaLs by Program Sector
1.4 Document Structure
1.5 Definitions
2 CIP APPLICABILITY
2.1 Community Improvement Project Area
2.2 Downtown Priority Areas
2.3 Geographic Applicability by Program Sector
3 WHO CAN APPLY
3.1 General Eligibility
3.2 Retroactivity
3.3 Additional Conditions for Affordable Housing
4 INCENTIVE PROGRAMS OVERVIEW
4.1 Downtown Commercial
Program 1: Facade 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
4.2 Housing
Program 6: Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant
Program 7: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG)-Affordable Rental Housing Stream
4.3 Employment Lands
Program 8: Development Charges (DC) Grant — Business Expansion
Program 9: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) — Major New Investment
4.4 On -Farm Diversification
Program 10: Agricultural Signage Improvement Grant
Program 11: Agricultural Building Renovation Grant
Program 12: Municipal Fees Grant —Agricultural Stream
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
4.5 Brownfields
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Program 13: Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Grant
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Program 14: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) - Brownfields Stream
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4.6 Conference/Banquet Facilities
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Program 15: Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) - Conference/Banquet Facility Stream
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5 HOW TO APPLY
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5.1 Step -By -Step Application Process
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5.2 Timing and Intake Considerations
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5.3 Stacking and Combining CIP Programs
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6 REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS
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6.1 Discretion in Assistance
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6.2 Approval Authority
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6.3 Changes to Approved Projects
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APPENDIX A: LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY FRAMEWORK
A-1
APPENDIX B: DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL PROGRAM GUIDE
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APPENDIX C: HOUSING PROGRAM GUIDE
C-1
APPENDIX D: EMPLOYMENT LANDS PROGRAM GUIDE
D-1
APPENDIX E: ON -FARM DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM GUIDE
E-1
APPENDIX F: BROWNFIELDS PROGRAM GUIDE
F-1
APPENDIX G: CONFERENCE/BANQUET FACILITIES PROGRAM GUIDE
G-1
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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 PlanningAct, 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:
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• Downtown Commercial: support facade, 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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 Unit (ADU) means a self-contained dwelling unit located within a
permitted residential dwelling or a permitted accessory building and secondary to the
principal dwelling on the same lot (Municipality of Clarington Official Plan).
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).
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
PlanningAct which permits planning and financial assistance programs involving lands,
buildings, loans, grants and tax assistance for designated community improvement project
areas.
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).
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
Conference/Banquet Facility means a specialized venue dedicated to hosting large-scale
corporate, social, and public events. These facilities generally include a main
ballroom/banquet hall space, divisible meeting spaces and break out rooms, reception
lobby, commercial catering kitchen, bar/service area, storage rooms, loading/service
access, event administration office, etc.
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).
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
Parcel means a legally described lot, block, parcel, tract or other area of land capable of
being conveyed and identified through a reference plan, Plan of Subdivision, parcel
register, deed or other legal description. A Parcel may form all or part of a Property.
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.
Property means a legally conveyable parcel of land, or group of parcels, that is assessed
by MPAC and taxed as a single property. A Property may contain multiple units,
businesses, or municipal addresses. For the purposes of this Plan, eligibility limits and
incentives apply on a per -Property basis and not on the basis of individual street
addresses, unless otherwise specified in the provisions of an individual incentive program.
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 RiskAssessment 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.
Street Address means the municipal address assigned to a building, unit, tenant space, or
Property. For the purposes of this Plan, the existence of multiple Street Addresses on a
Property shall not create separate eligibility for financial incentives unless otherwise
specified in the provisions of an individual incentive program.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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 PolicyArea and the Goodyear Redevelopment Special StudyArea, as
defined in the Official Plan.
Figure 2. Bowmanville Downtown Priority Area
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Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
Figure 3. Newcastle Downtown Priority Area
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Municipality of Clarington I 1�
Community Improvement Plan
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
•
Municipality -wide CIPA (ADUs)
•
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);
differs by program
On -Farm Diversification
•
Municipality -wide CIPA
•
Scoped by Official Plan land use designation
(Prime Agricultural Area and Rural Area)
Brownfields
•
Municipality -wide CIPA
Conference/Banquet
•
Municipality -wide CIPA
Facilities
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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 PlanningAct.
• 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, Urban Design Guidelines — Downtown Community
Improvement Plan Areas, 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. For the purposes of determining eligibility limits, all lands assessed by
MPAC as a single Property shall be treated as one Property, irrespective of the
number of municipal addresses, buildings, businesses, tenants, or ownership
interests located thereon. Eligibility for grants on Properties containing multiple
addresses shall be governed by the specific provisions of each incentive program.
• Applications in respect of properties that are in default of any municipal by-law,
subject to outstanding propertytax 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
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
to the subject Property. An application may be reinstated once all outstanding tax
arrears and municipal charges have been paid in full.
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 longterm 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
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
indicating the tenant's name and affordable rental rate, as well as proof of
payment aligning with the lease terms.
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 maybe 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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: Facade 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: Facade and Signage Improvement Grant
Program Purpose:
To support comprehensive exterior improvements to publicly accessible commercial
properties. The grant is designed to promote facade and signage improvements and to
encourage private sector property owners and/or tenants to implement aesthetic
improvements to their property(ies).
The program is intended to support coordinated private investment in downtown building
improvements by enabling applicants to access multiple funding streams through a single
application process. Applicants may apply for one or more of the grants offered under this
program to offset eligible renovation costs and may be eligible to receive funding from all
four grant streams, provided they satisfy the applicable program requirements and
eligibility criteria.
• Grant A: Facade Improvements
• Grant B: Heritage Facade Top -Up
• Grant C: Signage Improvements
• Grant D: Graffiti Remediation
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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 area property owner or tenant (with written consent of the property owner) of
an existing commercial or mixed -use (commercial -at -grade) property; 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 Urban Design
Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas.
Financial Incentive:
Grants will be applied as follows:
• Grant A: Facade Improvements: 50% cost matching up to a maximum of $10,000
per Property OR $15,000 for properties with more than one facade. 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 Facade Top -Up: For facade 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 Street Address. The minimum grant is $1,000 per Street Address. This grant may
be used once per Street Address 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 Street Address during the five-year CIP
period.
Additional Considerations:
• The grant is applicable to facade 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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;
❑ 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 area property owner or tenant (with written consent of the property owner) of
an existing commercial or mixed -use (commercial -at -grade) property; 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 facade 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, building code compliance upgrades, 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), provided such improvements form part of a broader commercial
building renovation project.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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) property; 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 Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community
Improvement Plan Areas (as applicable).
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).
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
• 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
• 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.
• 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
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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;
❑ 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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 developer of the subject Property;
❑ 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
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 x 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 x 40% = $20,000 eligible tax increment.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
o TIEG rate: $20,000 x 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.
• 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 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 businesses that wish to expand.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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% 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).
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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%
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.
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
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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 Use as determined by
the Municipality per the Official Plan, or reference to equivalent;
❑ Your Property is appropriately zoned to permit the existing or proposed On -Farm
Diversified Use for which the signage improvements are being undertaken;
❑ 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;
❑ 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
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
enhancements 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 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 Property is appropriately zoned to permit the existing or proposed On -Farm
Diversified Use for which the building renovations are being undertaken.
❑ 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 publiclyvisible 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.
Additional Considerations:
• This program is not applicable to new 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement 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 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 Property is appropriately zoned to permit the existing or proposed On -Farm
Diversified Use for improvements which require site plan control and/or building
permits.
❑ 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 publiclyvisible 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.
• 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
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
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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
Year3and4:65%
Year 5 and 6: 50%
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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 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 one (1) high -quality, purpose-built
conference and event venue capable of supporting tourism, business attraction,
conferences, weddings, and other large-scale gatherings. The program seeks to address a
strategic gap in the Municipality's hospitality and event infrastructure by supporting the
development of a destination -oriented facility that contributes to economic growth,
increases visitor spending, and strengthens Clarington's ability to host regional and
destination events.
Eligibility:
❑ You meet the general eligibility criteria set out in Section 3.1 of this CIP;
❑ You are the registered property owner and/or developer of the subject Property;
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
❑ The subject Property is serviced and has an appropriate land use designation to
enable the development of a conference/banquet facility;
❑ The subject Property is located within a strategically identified redevelopment area
or priority growth location within the Municipality of Clarington (as identified by the
Municipality).
❑ Your proposed development includes a new -build conference/banquet hall facility
associated with a hotel or a new -build standalone facility (minimum of 930 sq. m/
10,000 sq. ft.) and incorporates design, servicing, and operational features
appropriate for a conference -ready venue capable of supporting events, meetings,
and tourism -related activity.
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.
• Only the eligible municipal property tax increment is reimbursable under this
program; all other taxes, levies, fees, and charges are not eligible for
reimbursement.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
5 HOWTOAPPLY
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
Program funding is subject to annual municipal budget allocations and availability.
Applications may be deferred or deemed ineligible for funding where approved program
funds have been fully allocated for the current funding year, regardless of whether the
application otherwise meets program eligibility requirements. The Municipality retains
sole discretion to increase, reallocate, or supplement funding for any CIP program, subject
to Council approval and available municipal resources. Applicants are encouraged to
confirm current funding availability and program requirements prior to submitting an
application.
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
Program Combination
Restriction
Program 2 and 3
Not permitted for the same project. Program 2 is intended for
stand-alone accessibility improvements, whereas
accessibility -related works that form part of a broader
building renovation are to be considered under Program 3.
Any two TIEG programs
Not permitted. Only one TIEG stream may apply to a given
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 anyTIEG 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.
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. 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.
The Municipality also retains sole and absolute discretion to provide assistance through
alternative funding sources, reserve funds, partnership arrangements, municipal
programs, or other financial and non -financial incentive mechanisms where deemed
appropriate to advance the objectives of the CIP. Nothing in this Plan obligates the
Municipality to provide funding, and all decisions respecting the form, amount, timing, and
conditions of assistance remain at the Municipality's discretion, subject to applicable
legislation, Council direction, and available resources. 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,
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
Regional Revitalization Program (RRP)
The Regional Revitalization Program (RRP) supports significant redevelopment,
intensification, and brownfield projects that align with the Durham Regional Official Plan
and are included in a local Community Improvement Plan (CIP). Regional funding may
match, but not exceed, the area municipality's contribution.
Eligible projects must be municipally endorsed, supported by a business case, and
located in priority areas such as urban growth centres, regional centres, corridors, or
brownfield sites. Projects must advance residential or employment growth, support
transit -accessible and people -oriented development, and deliver broader economic or
community benefits.
Projects must also be in good standing, not already under construction, subject to a
funding agreement, and agree to five years of post -occupancy review.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
APPENDIX B: DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL
PROGRAM GUIDE
Program 1: Facade 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 facade 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 Facade and Signage Improvement Grant Program, matching grants may be
offered to eligible property owners or tenants for building front (primary facade), and where
applicable, side and rear exterior improvements (secondary facade). Additional funds may
be available for qualifying side and/or rear facade improvements.
Eligibility for side and rear facade 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 facades).
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 facade 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 facade
improvements which have a direct benefit to the architectural quality of the street.
• Facade 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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)
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 design conforms to the Municipality of Clarington's Urban Design
Guidelines — Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas.
• 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
The program is intended to support coordinated private investment in downtown building
improvements by enabling applicants to access multiple funding streams through a single
application process. Applicants may apply for one or more of the grants offered under this
program to offset eligible renovation costs and may be eligible to receive funding from all
four grant streams, provided they satisfy the applicable program requirements and
eligibility criteria.
Grant A Facade Improvements:
• Primary Facade Only: Matching grant of up to 50% of eligible costs or a maximum
grant of $10,000 per Property, whichever is less for primary facades.
• Primary and Secondary Facade: Matching grant of up to 50% of eligible
improvement costs or a maximum grant of $15,000 per Property, whichever is less
for facade improvement projects involving more than one facade (primary and
secondary fagades). 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).
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
Grant B Heritage Facade Top -Up:
• Where applicants are applying for Grant A Facade 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 Street
Address, whichever is less.
• The minimum grant is $1,000 per Street Address. Project applications including
matching assistance of less than $1,000 will not be considered.
• Only one successful application per Street Address 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 Street Address for the remediation of graffiti on a
commercial building's exterior that is visible to the public.
• Only one successful application per Street Address 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 Facade Improvements and Grant B Heritage Facade Top -Up (where
applicable):
• Enhancement, replacement and rehabilitation of doors, windows, and facades.
• Energy efficient window replacements which maintain aesthetic quality of the
facade as intended by this program.
• Restoration of existing facade 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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 Urban Design
Guidelines — Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas.
• Improvements to the principal facades 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.
• Costs associated with measures that enhance the durability, safety, and resilience
of a building facade may be eligible when undertaken as part of a broader facade
improvement project. Eligible measures may include shatter -resistant or laminated
glazing, anti -graffiti coatings and surfaces, enhanced exterior lighting, security -
focused facade elements, and other improvements that protect the building
envelope, deter vandalism, and support the long-term appearance and
maintenance of the Property. Removable infrastructure (e.g., surveillance cameras,
etc.) is not eligible.
• 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 Urban Design
Guidelines — Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas.
• 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 Urban Design Guidelines — Downtown Community Improvement Plan
Areas.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
• 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.
• Fa�ade & 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
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)
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 design conforms to the Clarington Accessibility Design Standards
(CADS).
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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
• 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 facade or the
surrounding streetscape.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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, building code compliance upgrades, 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), provided such improvements form part of a broader commercial
building renovation project.
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.
• 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)
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;
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• The proposed design conforms to the Municipality of Clarington's Urban Design
Guidelines — Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas.
• 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:
• Buildingworks:
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;
• 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;
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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
completion, subject to the satisfaction of the Municipality.
Other Restrictions
• This program is not applicable to new buildings or major floorspace additions to
existing buildings.
• The Municipality shall have sole discretion in determining whether the level of
investment in the commercial component is sufficient to support grant funding for
upper -floor conversions or improvements.
• 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
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)
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 meets the Municipality of Clarington's Urban Design
Guidelines — Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas.
• Eligible projects may include former residential buildings now used, in part or in
whole, for commercial/office use (that is, commercial/office at -grade) and
retrofitting upper floor space for residential use (in a building with commercial uses
at ground floor).
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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.
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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 development or redevelopment;
(iii) Estimated costs of development or redevelopment; 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 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 Urban Design
Guidelines — Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas; and
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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
Share
Annual Tax Increment
on Municipal Portion
Grant Value Payable
Taxes
Retained by
Municipality
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.
• 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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;
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
APPENDIX C: HOUSING PROGRAM GUIDE
Program 6: Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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.
• Anew 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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 development or redevelopment;
(iii) Estimated costs of development or redevelopment; 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;
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• The proposed design meets the Municipality of Clarington's Urban Design
Guidelines — Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas; 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).
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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% 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).
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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 development or redevelopment;
(iii) Estimated costs of development or redevelopment; 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;
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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
Share
Annual Tax Increment
on Municipal Portion
Grant Value Payable
Taxes
Retained by
Municipality
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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;
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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 is appropriately zoned to permit the existing or proposed On -
Farm Diversified Use for which the signage improvements are being undertaken;
• 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;
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• Directional, wayfinding, identification, and welcome signage intended to improve
visitor access and on -site visibility;
• 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
Eligible improvements may include building, fire, and other code compliance upgrades,
including public occupancy load -related building enhancements, 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
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• The subject Property is appropriately zoned to permit the existing or proposed On -
Farm Diversified Use for which the building renovations are being undertaken.
• 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.
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;
• 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;
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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.
• 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
completion, subject to the satisfaction of the Municipality.
Other Restrictions
• This program is not applicable to new 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
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
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 subject Property is appropriately zoned to permit the existing or proposed On -
Farm Diversified Use for improvements which require site plan control and/or
building permits.
• 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
• 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 Grant 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 applications 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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:
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
(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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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.
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 renovation, rehabilitation, 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
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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.
Illustrative Annual Grant -Back Share/Amount:
Year
Grant
Share
Annual Tax Increment
on Municipal Portion
Grant Value
Payable
Taxes
Retained by
Municipality
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
Total
$500,000
$250,000
$250,000
• 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 bythe 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,
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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).
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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).
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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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.
• 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
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) — Conference/Banquet Facility Stream is
intended to encourage the development of one (1) high -quality, purpose-built conference
and event venue capable of supporting tourism, business attraction, conferences,
weddings, and other large-scale gatherings. The program seeks to address a strategic gap
in the Municipality's hospitality and event infrastructure by supporting the development of
a destination -oriented facility that contributes to economic growth, increases visitor
spending, and strengthens Clarington's ability to host regional and destination events.
The Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) program provides a grant equal to a portion of
the tax increment over the existing "base" tax liability.
Conference/banquet facilities generally include a main ballroom/banquet hall space,
divisible meeting spaces and break out rooms, reception lobby, commercial catering
kitchen, bar/service area, storage rooms, loading/service access, event administration
office, etc.
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 a new
conference/banquet facility located in the Municipality of Clarington. Consideration is
subject to:
(i) Approved zoning for the proposed development;
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
(ii) Site plan/floor plans for development;
(iii) Estimated costs of 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 serviced and has an appropriate land use designation to
enable the development of a conference/banquet facility;
• The subject Property is located within a strategically identified redevelopment area
or priority growth location within the Municipality of Clarington (as identified by the
Municipality).
• The proposed development includes a new -build conference/banquet hall facility
associated with a hotel or a new -build standalone facility (minimum of 930 sq. m/
10,000 sq. ft.) and incorporates design, servicing, and operational features
appropriate for a conference -ready venue capable of supporting events, meetings,
and tourism -related activity.
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
Share
Annual Tax Increment
on Municipal Portion
Grant Value Payable
Taxes
Retained by
Municipality
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
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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.
• The Municipality reserves the right to limit support to one (1) project that addresses
an identified market gap and aligns with broader community -building and/or
redevelopment objectives.
• 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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.
• 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
• 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.
• Given the specialized nature of this facility type and the need to ensure long-term
viability, support will be limited to one (1) project that is appropriately scaled,
financially sustainable, and located within strategic redevelopment or growth areas
identified by the Municipality. The program is not intended to support small-scale
banquet facilities or multiple competing venues that may not be capable of
sustaining conference -ready operations over the long term.
• Facilities located within industrial areas and conversions/expansions of existing
banquet halls are not eligible.
• Standalone hotel developments that do not include a conference/banquet facility
are not eligible for incentives under this program.
• The proposed project must demonstrate long-term financial sustainability and
operational viability, supported by a business model and market demand sufficient
to ensure the facility's continued success over time.
• 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.
Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan
Attachment 2 to Report CAO-008-26
The Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington
Amendment Number 154 to the Municipality of Clarington Official Plan
Purpose: This amendment to the Clarington Official Plan will update policies to
continue to enable the development and implementation 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 entirety of the Municipality
of Clarington as a Community Improvement Project Area, eliminating the
need for Map I `Community Improvement Project Areas'.
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 community improvement plan is based upon a range of stakeholder
and public input.
Actual Amendment:
Note: Unless otherwise indicated in the Amendment, newly added text is shown with
underlining and deleted text is shown with a strike -through.
The Clarington Official Plan is hereby amended as follows:
1. By amending Section 1.3 Organization of the Plan by deleting reference to Map
Community Improvement Project Areas and amending the section as follows:
Official Plan 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
Attachment 2 to Report CAO-008-26
F Natural Environment — Natural Hazards and Waste Disposal
Assessment Areas
G Potential Aggregate Resource Areas
H Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine
J Transportation Network — Roads and Transit
K Trails
2. By amending existing Policy 16.6.5 (Special Policy Area E — Wellington
Enterprise Area) as follows:
"16.6.5 The Wellington Enterprise Area is located within the R1
Community Improvement Project Area. In the preparation of tthe a
Community Improvement Plan, considerations for the redevelopment of
this site the Wellington Enterprise Area will be included."
3. By amending existing Policy 17.4.5 (Special Study Area 3 —Goodyear
Redevelopment Area) as follows:
"17.4.5 The Goodyear Redevelopment Area is located within the B3
Community Improvement Project Area. In the preparation oft e. a
Community Improvement Plan, considerations for the redevelopment of
this the Goodyear Redevelopment Area will be included."
4. By amending the existing Section 22.1 Community Improvement Goal 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."
5. By amending existing Section Community Improvement Policy Objectives 22.2
by adding new objective 22.2.5 as follows:
"22.2.5 To promote a high standard of design for improvements within
Clarington's historic downtowns of Bowmanville, Newcastle, and Orono."
6. By amending the existing Section 22.3 Community Improvement Policies as
follows:
a) 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
Attachment 2 to Report CAO-008-26
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."
b) By deleting Table 22-1 Community Improvement Areas.
c) By renumbering and amending existing Policy 22.3.3 as follows:
"22.3.3 2`2.3.2 Conn 22 Z to � be used only as a guide in the
Section . aa rc
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."
d) By adding the new policy 22.3.3 as follows:
"22.3.3 Community improvement oroaram aoolications within Clarinaton's
historic downtowns will be reviewed against the Municipality of Clarington
Community Improvement Plan Urban Design Guidelines, as
amended. Proiects that do not demonstrate a hiah level of urban desian
will not be funded."
7. By Deleting Map I Community Improvement Project Areas.
Implementation: The provisions set forth in the Municipality of Clarington Official
Plan regarding the implementation of the Plan shall apply in regard
to this Amendment.
Interpretation: The provisions set forth in the Municipality of Clarington Official
Plan regarding the interpretation of the Plan shall apply in regard to
this Amendment.
Attachment 3 to Report CAO-008-26
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
July, 2026 contained in report CAO-xxx-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 July,
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
N
Community Improvement Plan By-law
II
11S
\41----
�jj''�9I hh5�aq
Orono
Courtice
Bowrna nville
Newcastle
V{Y�7dI
Municipality of Claringti n CIP
0 Municipality -wide C1PA p Urban Areas and Hamlets
QIJKilortret rs
Source: 5PM
Attachment 4 to Report CAO-008-26
Attachment 4 - Draft CIP Feedback Summary Table
Comment
Comment Summary
Response
Source
Lifelong
Suggested introducing a
Comment acknowledged and
Developments
Development Charge
considered. No changes made.
exemption for brownfield
Additional brownfield incentives may be
sites within Downtown
available through Durham Region's
Priority Areas.
Regional Revitalization Program.
Lifelong
Suggested allowing
Comment acknowledged and
Developments
applicants to stack the
considered. Tax Increment Equivalent
Affordable Housing TIEG
Grants (TIEG) are not stackable by
and Brownfield
nature.
Remediation TIEG
programs.
Bowmanville
Requested clarification
Accepted. Language was revised
BIA
regarding the definition
throughout Program 1 to clarify that
of "property" and
eligibility is assessed on the basis of
whether each distinct
individual
street address within a
street addresses, including where
building is eligible for
multiple addresses are located on the
funding under Program 1
same property or within the same
grants, including signage
building.
grants.
Bowmanville
Suggested reducing the
Comment acknowledged and
BIA
minimum expenditure
considered. The minimum signage
requirement for the
project cost thresholds were reduced
Signage Improvement
during the consultation
Grant to better
process prior to release of the Draft CIP.
accommodate small
These revised thresholds were included
businesses,
in the Draft CIP and are proposed to
remain unchanged in the Final CIP.
Bowmanville
Expressed support for
Comment acknowledged.
BIA
the inclusion of graffiti
remediation funding.
Bowmanville
Suggested splitting the
Larger accessibility improvements are
BIA
Accessibility
eligible costs within the Commercial
Improvement Program
Building Renovation Grant while smaller
into separate streams for
accessibility improvements will be
smaller and larger
directed to the Commercial Accessibility
projects.
Improvement Grant.
Bowmanville
Expressed support for
Comment acknowledged.
BIA
the inclusion of code
compliance upgrades
within the Building
Renovation Program,
particularly for older
downtown buildings.
Bowmanville
Suggested creating a
Costs associated with measures that
BIA
grant stream for safety
enhance the durability, safety and
and security
resilience of a building facade have
improvements, such as
been added as
lighting, cameras, and
eligible costs within Program 1 - Grant A
other security features.
Facade Improvements
Jungle Cat
Suggested considering
This type of support to be considered as
World
the inclusion of tourism-
part of Municipal Accommodation Tax
related businesses in
(MAT) programming.
future CIP eligibility
requirements to support
tourism development
objectives and
complement the
Municipal
Accommodation Tax
program.
Councillor
Suggested adding
Select energy -efficiency improvements
Margaret Zwart
stronger consideration of
are included as eligible costs for multiple
energy -efficiency
programs.
improvements within
downtown -focused
incentive programs.
Durham
Noted that not all
Appendix A has been updated to include
Region -
projects eligible under
information regarding Durham Region's
Community
the Clarington CIP will
Regional Revitalization Program (RRP).
Growth
necessarily be
Division
eligible for Regional
Revitalization Program
(RRP) funding and
provided clarification
regarding RRP eligibility
criteria, including eligible
project types and funding
limitations.
Ministry of
Recommended revising
Definition of Additional Dwelling Unit
Municipal
the definition of
updated to align with Clarington Official
Affairs &
"Additional Dwelling
Plan.
Housing
Unit" to align with the
(MMAH)
Municipality of Clarington
Official Plan and Zoning
By-law 84-63, or
providing rationale for
the use of an alternative
definition.
Clarington
Expressed support for
Comment acknowledged. A
Resident
the proposed
recommendation has been included
Accessibility
within the staff report requesting that
Improvement Grant
Council advocate
Program and suggested
to the Province of Ontario for the
that Council advocate to
establishment of a grant and/or loan
the Province of Ontario
program to support accessibility -related
for the creation of a grant
improvements for businesses.
and/or loan program to
assist businesses in
funding accessibility -
related capital
improvements required
under the Accessibility
for Ontarians with
Disabilities Act (AODA).
ban Dp--ql-c
Municipality of Clarington
Clarington
•raII@r:
n.j P L A N N I N G
URBAN DESIGN
& LANDSCAPE
MHBC ARCHITECTURE
Contents
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Overview & Purpose 2
1.2 Community Improvement Programs for Downtown Areas 3
1.3 Goal of the Guidelines 4
2.0 Character & Context 5
2.1 Downtown Bowmanville 6
2.2 Downtown Newcastle 8
2.3 Downtown Orono 10
3.0 Urban Design Guidelines
12
3.1 Built Form
13
3.2 Architectural Character
15
3.3 Facade Articulation & Composition
16
3.4 Heritage Considerations
19
3.5 Restoration & Repair of Historic Buildings
20
3.6 Additions to Historic Buildings
21
3.7 Building Materials
22
3.8 Accessibility
23
3.9 Lighting
24
3.10 Signage
25
3.11 Landscaping
26
4.0 Implementation 27
4.1 Applicability of the Guidelines 28
4.2 Review Process 28
5.0 Appendix A - Visual Guide
29
5.1 Awnings
30
5.2 Windows
31
5.3 Doors & Entrances
32
5.4 Building Materials
33
5.5 Colour Palette
34
5.6 Lighting
35
5.7 Signage
36
5.8 Signage that is Not Supported
37
Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Overview & Purpose
The Municipality of Clarington has undertaken a number of
initiatives in recent years with focus on sustaining and improving
the downtown areas. The Downtowns are intended to be the
most intensive and functionally diverse areas of Clarington,
collectively serving as the Municipality's primary business,
cultural, and administrative centre.
As part of a new and expanded Community Improvement Plan
(CIP), the Municipality of Clarington continues to offer incentive
programs benefitting the downtown areas of Bowmanville,
Newcastle and Orono.
These Urban Design Guidelines have been prepared to support
the implementation of the Community Improvement Plan (CIP),
particularly with respect to improvements within Clarington's
downtown areas. These Guidelines are intended to provide
a high-level design resource for property owners, business
owners, and applicants, offering direction on how building
improvements can be undertaken in a manner that is sensitive
to the existing architectural character and context of Clarington's
historic downtowns.
These Guidelines illustrate best practices in urban design,
including building materials, facade composition, signage,
lighting, and heritage considerations, and are intended to
help inform and guide investment in high -quality built form
throughout the municipality's downtown priority areas.
These Guidelines will be used by applicants and municipal staff
in the preparation and review of CIP applications within the
downtown areas. While the Guidelines provide clear direction
on preferred design approaches, they are intended to be flexible
and may accommodate alternative solutions where an applicant
can demonstrate that the proposal meets the overall intent of
the Guidelines.
These Guidelines are being introduced as an implementation
tool for the Community Improvement Plan and are intended to
be used in conjunction with the CIP to guide both applicants and
staff in the design and evaluation of eligible projects.
Figure 1.1: Clarington's downtown areas.
Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
1.2 Community Improvement
Programs for Downtown Areas
The Municipality of Clarington's Community Improvement Plan
sets out a package of potential financial incentive programs
to stimulate development and redevelopment in Clarington,
including programs directed towards the downtown areas.
The CIP applies to the entire municipality. The guidelines
contained herein apply to the Downtown Priority Areas and relate
specifically to the facade improvement and signage programs.
These guidelines have been prepared to assist the Municipality,
property owners, businesses, developers and public in ensuring
that development, redevelopment and renovation projects
achieve the Municipality's vision for high -quality built form
within Clarington's downtown areas. These design guidelines
are intended to support the implementation of the overall CIP,
by providing applicants with a visual guide on the types building
modifications supportable through the CIP
Figure 1.2: Image of downtown Bowmanville.
Municipality of Clarington 3
1.3 Goal of the Guidelines
The guidelines contained herein are intended to complement
and assist CIP programs, including the Facade Improvement
Program. These guidelines are intended to be a design tool to
assist in creating and sustaining vibrant Downtown areas. The
goal of these guidelines is:
• To improve overall quality of building fa�ades in the priority
areas and support the ongoing revitalization efforts of the
historic downtown areas, by helping to create an attractive
place for people to work, live, be entertained, shop and
undertake business.
• To strengthen the role of Clarington's Downtowns as vibrant
commercial and retail centres.
• To improve the visual appearance of building fa�ades along
main streets.
• To support property owners in their efforts to upgrade their
properties and improving their tenant space and storefronts,
providing a high -quality appearance for their establishments
and improve their attractiveness to potential customers.
• To encourage and support the restoration and reinstatement
of historic building fa�ades within the program area.
Figure 1.3: Support creating and sustaining vibrant downtown areas.
4 Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
2.0 Character
& Context
2.1 Downtown Bowmanville
King Street is the traditional main street of Downtown
Bowmanville. It has been, and will continue to be, the principal
thoroughfare and the retail/civic heart of the community.
At its western end, the historic blocks of the downtown are
characterized by a 2 to 3 storey street wall continuously along
the street edge, ground floor retail, mixed uses above, and tree -
lined pedestrian -friendly sidewalks.
It is the intent and vision for Downtown Bowmanville that this
built form will be continued to the east, presently characterized
by auto -oriented development, so that over time, the entire
length of King Street will become an active, walkable main spine
lined by great buildings.
Much of the downtown features historic buildings with the
majority being 2-3 storeys in height. The historic Downtown
has a consistent character and feel. The eastern section of the
Downtown (between George Street and Mearns Avenue) has a
more varied built form and does not have the same consistent
street edge as the historic core. While generally buildings in
the historic Downtown area are well-preserved, there remains
facades that could still benefit from facade improvement or
signage incentives.
Figure 2.1: Images illustrating the character of downtown Bowmanville.
6 Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
The below map illustrates the Priority Area for applications
related to the Facade Improvement and Signage programs
within Downtown Bowmanville.
PROUT"' LORRAINE n
z CRT
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HOBBS DR
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Figure 2.2: Downtown Bowmanville Priority Area.
Municipality of Clarington 7
2.2 Downtown Newcastle
Downtown Newcastle (the Village Centre) is a focal point that
celebrates the historic roots of Clarington while providing a
year-round destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.
Similar to Bowmanville, the downtown Village area has two
distinct character areas: the historic downtown and the east
district. The historic downtown includes several listed heritage
buildings and buildings with historic value. The Village includes
the Newcastle Community Hall, the primary landmark in the
downtown area. The historic district features traditional built
forms, with many buildings having ground -floor commercial
uses and residential units above.
The East District is comprised of a mix of one -and two -storey
buildings and a range of uses including commercial, residential,
mixed -use, and community facilities. Lot parcels tend to be
larger in the East District, compared to the historic downtown.
The East District also generally has larger setbacks and more
gaps in the streetscape. There is less street furniture in this area,
but many mature trees. Within the historic Village of Newcastle,
there have been several larger -scale developments, including
the No Frills and Shoppers Drug Mart, designed to complement
the existing character of the Village.
Figure 2.3: Images illustrating the character of downtown Newcastle.
Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
The below map illustrates the Priority Area for applications
related to the Facade Improvement and Signage programs
within Downtown Newcastle.
ANDREW ST
92L
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ALLENS LANE
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CAROLINE ST E s
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a
CAROLINE ST W
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Figure 2.4: Downtown Newcastle Priority Area.
a
0
0
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0 Meters
Municipality of Clarington 9
Figure 2.5: Images illustrating the character of downtown Orono.
2.3 Downtown Orono
The Orono Downtown area has the character of a small rural
town and features a mix of buildings from different eras and
representing different architectural styles. When compared to
Bowmanville and Newcastle, Orono has a more quaint, rural
village character. Several businesses have received CIP funding
to improve their facade and signage. There are several historic
buildings within Downtown Orono, many of which present
accessibility challenges.
Orono's growth is constrained by the lack of servicing. There is
no municipal sewage system in the Orono urban area. It is served
by private septic services and holding tanks. This limits growth,
(re)development potential and defines the types of businesses
that are located here.
5 - I
A..
10 Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
The below map illustrates the Priority Area for applications
related to the Facade Improvement and Signage programs
within Downtown Orono.
ST,q%,VST
F -
J
Figure 2.6: Downtown Orono Priority Area.
CENTREVIEW ST
PARK ST
V)
U
70
U Meters
Municipality of Clarington
3.0 Urban Design
Guidelines
3.1 Built Form
• Development should be designed with careful consideration
of the scale, separation, and massing of adjacent buildings
and the character of the immediate streetscape.
Building height, placement, and orientation must respond
appropriately to surrounding land uses and built form.
Where an established street wall exists, new development
should reinforce and extend this condition to create a
consistent and cohesive streetscape. This can be achieved
through aligning building setbacks with adjacent properties,
establishing a building base that is comparable in height and
proportion to neighbouring buildings, or clearly distinguishing
upper storeys through step -backs, material changes, or
architectural articulation.
• Potential shadow impacts on neighbouring properties,
particularly residential uses and public spaces such as parks,
should be evaluated in determining building height, massing,
and orientation.
Development should incorporate design strategies to
mitigate impacts related to height, where possible.
Appropriate measures may include setbacks, step -backs,
and building orientation.
Figure 3.1: Image illustrating the existing
scale in downtown Bowmanville.
Figure 3.2: Traditional downtown built forms.
Figure 3.3: Place new buildings to reinforce the traditional street -wall pattern through consistent setbacks compared to the existing built form.
Municipality of Clarington 13
Buildings are encouraged to be designed to reinforce the
street edge and define the public realm. Clear and legible
signage should be oriented toward the public street. Retail
facades should incorporate transparent glazing at grade to
provide visual connection and natural surveillance.
Buildings should provide active frontages with principal
entrances that face the public street. Entrances shall be
clearly visible, directly accessible from the sidewalk, and
architecturally emphasized.
Weather protection elements, such as canopies or
overhangs, are encouraged over building entrances to
enhance pedestrian comfort and year-round usability.
Figure 3.4: Traditional downtown buildings with distinguished base, signage, material changes, and architectural articulation.
14 Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
3.2 Architectural Character
The architectural character of the downtown areas should
contribute to a strong and cohesive community character.
This can be achieved by reflecting the established rhythm of
adjacent buildings through consistent massing, proportions,
and the use of similar architectural details.
• Building materials and colour palettes should complement
those of neighbouring properties to support visual harmony
while allowing for thoughtful contemporary expression.
• Buildings should be designed to avoid blank facades.
• Facades should be articulated through a balanced
composition of vertical and horizontal elements, varied
materials, and architectural detailing that creates visual
interest.
• Designs that promote pedestrian -scale development are
encouraged, including the incorporation of large ground -floor
windows and clearly defined entrances oriented towards the
street.
• Building edges, primary entrances, and street -facing
elevations should be defined with architectural features that
are sensitive to the overall building scale, historic context,
and the pedestrian experience.
• Street corners of an intersection should be emphasized with
prominent architectural design through defined massing
and detailing.
• Where existing buildings are being retained or adapted, the
original architectural character, proportions, ornamental
details, and facade composition should be preserved
wherever feasible. Restoration or recreation of historic
architectural features is encouraged to maintain the integrity
and cultural value of the downtown areas.
Figure 3.5: Building materials and colour
palettes should complement those of
neighbouring properties.
Figure 3.6: Traditional building expression.
Figure 3.7: Contemporary building palette.
Municipality of Clarington 15
3.3 Facade Articulation &
Composition
• Neighbouring buildings should share elements that link
them horizontally, such as awnings, decorative bands and
window positions. These can visually connect the facades
and produce a well -ordered and attractive streetscape.
Where there are neighbouring buildings of different heights,
horizontal architectural elements should be incorporated
on the shorter building to help establish a visual transition
between the two such as aligning the cornice above the
ground floor.
• Original facade elements and architectural articulation
should be preserved and restored wherever feasible.
• Doors, hardware, roof overhangs, siding, molding, light
fixtures and details easily effect the scale of the building and
should be considered carefully.
• Existing wood, brick, or masonry materials should be repaired
rather than replaced and should not be concealed. Where
replacement is necessary, matching materials and detailing
is encouraged.
• Colour selections should complement primary building
materials and follow a consistent, cohesive palette. Historic
colour palettes (offered at most major paint suppliers) are
preferred.
• Compatible awning forms and placement are encouraged
to visually coordinate adjacent facades while allowing
for architectural variety. Where upper -storey awnings are
proposed, they should be consistent in terms of colour and
material selection with ground floor awnings.
A balanced range of colours, textures, materials, and
detailing should be incorporated to create visual interest
without detracting from overall streetscape cohesion.
Building edges and main entrances should be defined with
architectural details that are sensitive to the building scale,
historic character, and pedestrian experience. All exterior
building finishes should be durable, easy to maintain, and
reflect high -quality urban design.
Figure 3.8: Opportunities for secondary
entrances to activate alleyways.
Figure 3.9: Upper storey awnings consistent
with ground floor awnings.
Figure 3.10: Original facade elements
including window openings should be
preserved wherever feasible.
16 Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
Horizontal Articulation
Buildings will typically be divided horizontally into storeys
that accommodate different uses. Each storey may be
horizontally demarcated on the building facade through the
use of projecting mouldings, intermediate cornices, changes
in material, changes in colour and masonry coursing.
Horizontal articulation should reinforce established facade
rhythms and proportions of the building and/or surrounding
buildings.
Individual storeys may be defined through protecting
mouldings, intermediate cornices, masonry coursing,
material transitions, or changes in colour.
Where neighbouring buildings vary in height, horizontal
datum lines, such as aligned cornices or awnings, should be
introduced to create a cohesive visual transition.
�W=aur=al
Figure 3.12: Maintain existing horizontal expression of buildings.
Figure 3.11: The above images illustrate
horizontal articulation shown through
intermediate cornices and changes in colour.
Municipality of Clarington 17
Vertical Articulation
• Buildings will typically be divided vertically into symmetrical
:,
fr}�
facade units referred to as "bays".
• Vertical articulation should maintain and reflect the
established rhythm of narrow bay widths typical of historic
downtown development patterns.
—
expressed
• Vertical divisions between bays ex may be through
masonry coursing, material or colour changes, and
architectural elements such as projecting piers, pilasters, or
columns.
_..._
• Established bay patterns defined by consistent facade
widths and window arrangements should be preserved, and
signage should not obscure or disturb vertical division.
r
all*
II II
Figure 3.13: Vertical articulation shown
through columns and aligned window
arrangment.
IL
II 1 1-
1 1 1 11��
1 _ 1 1IIri
II 11 11
jjI
II I
i i i J!jii ii ii II_
9ljiHhFiIE&II
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Figure 3.14: Maintain existing vertical expression of buildings.
18 Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
3.4 Heritage Considerations
The conservation of significant heritage resources is a
fundamental consideration within the downtown areas of
Clarington. Built heritage resources and significant cultural
heritage landscapes should be conserved and protected to
maintain the historical integrity and cultural identity of the
area.
• Where improvements are proposed to a designated heritage
property, a heritage permit may be required. This should be
discussed with the Municipality prior to applying for any CIP
programs.
• Adaptive re -use of heritage resources is strongly encouraged
and should be prioritized over demolition where possible.
• Adaptive re -use initiatives must retain and respect the
defining character, scale, materials, and heritage attributions
of the building, while accommodating viable new uses that
ensure long-term sustainability.
• Additions to cultural heritage resources should be designed
to be clearly distinguishable, while remaining compatible
with the existing context.
• Alterations to properties designated under the Ontario
Heritage Act shall comply with the Parks Canada Standards
and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in
Canada to ensure best practices in heritage conservation is
achieved.
Figure 3.15: The downtowns of Bowmanville,
Newcastle, and Orono feature a rich historic
built form that shapes their character.
Municipality of Clarington 19
3.5 Restoration & Repair of Historic
Buildings
The conservation of significant cultural heritage resources
is encouraged, with adaptive re -use prioritized as a preferred
alternative to demolition. Retaining and revitalizing existing
buildings supports cultural continuity while contributing to
the character and vitality of the streetscape.
Alterations to cultural heritage resources should be
compatible with and sensitive to the building's authentic
elements, defining attributes, and architectural style.
Modifications should respect original design intent and
avoid the removal of significant features. Where feasible,
previously concealed architectural elements should be
reintroduced to restore the integrity of the building facade.
• In commercial areas, the re-establishment of traditional
features such as a strong horizontal cornice and signage
is encouraged to reinforce the historic rhythm and visual
cohesion of the streetscape.
• Original windows should be repaired or restored wherever
possible. Where replacement is necessary, new windows
should replicate the original form, proportions, and detailing.
• Wood elements should be repaired rather than replaced. If
replacement is unavoidable, the same material and profile
should be used to maintain authenticity.
• Brick and masonry repairs should be undertaken using
appropriate materials and conservation methods. Repair
must match the original facade in comparison, colour,
and profile, and should be completed by an experienced
professional.
• Cleaning of buildings should occur in a nondestructive
manner. The choice of cleaning methods for facades should
be carefully chosen based on the building materials.
Existing Condition
I!! �duuuNitmlio-- — _
11111 jL ... I �� � i � t�
�l
Restoration
iu iuuumtio _ !
Renovation
Figure 3.16: The above graphics illustrate
the difference between restoration and
renovation.
Figure 3.17: Positive example of building
restoration and storefront design.
20 Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
3.6 Additions to Historic Buildings
• Additions should be compatible with, yet distinguishablefrom,
the original built form. New additions should complement
the rhythm, proportions, and architectural expression of the
existing structure without replicating it.
• Original masonry and significant facade materials are to
be maintained and conserved. Historic masonry surfaces
should not be concealed with new cladding as part of facade
improvements.
• New infill development within Clarington's downtown
areas should respect the established character of the area,
including consideration of scale, massing, height, rooflines,
or bay divisions.
• Building facades should reflect the established rhythm
and proportions of adjacent buildings, while remaining
contemporary in expression. Colour palettes for additions
and new construction should compliment the historic tones
of the downtown to ensure visual continuity and a timeless
appearance.
• Contemporary designs are encouraged to be context -
sensitive and should not dominate their surroundings.
• New buildings and additions should contribute positively to
the public realm, encouraging new infill development to front
and animate the surrounding streetscape.
• On prominent corner sites, buildings should frame
intersections by addressing both abutting streets, as well as
locating facades close to the street edge.
• Infill development should enhance the streetscape by
responding to established contextual elements such as
materials, cornice lines, window and door placement, and
projections and recesses, ensuring a thoughtful transition
within the existing urban fabric.
Figure 3.18: Examples of high -quality
modern materials incorporated into an
existing building, while complementing
surrounding heritage fabric.
Municipality of Carington 21
3.7 Building Materials
Facade improvements should incorporate building materials
already found within Clarington's downtown areas. Within the
Downtown areas of Clarington, brick is the predominant facade
material. Siding can also be found throughout the Downtown
areas, in particular within Orono and Newcastle. The predominate
materials that already exist play an important role to the identity
of the Downtown areas and should remain as the predominant
building materials.
• All exterior building finishes should be durable, easy to
maintain and reflect a high quality of workmanship.
• New siding should be wood or composite style. Vinyl or
aluminium siding is discouraged.
• The rear of the building or any exposed sides should be
finished in similar materials as the principal street facade,
though usually with fewer decorative elements.
• Colour schemes should relate to the historic colour palette
of the downtown area with the objective of consistency and
timeless appeal.
• In new facades, or facade improvements, precast concrete
may be considered for lintels and other decorative detailing.
• Modern facades should consider an attention to scale,
massing and proportion that is consistent with existing and
adjacent buildings.
• The original masonry should be maintained and conserved
when completing facade improvements. Historic masonry
surfaces should not be covered with other cladding materials.
• In some cases, building facades have stucco or similar as
the predominant building facade. Where a building already
has non-traditional building materials, this may be an
appropriate solution, however, cladding over brick facades,
or replacing siding with stucco or other like material is
generally discouraged. Maintaining brick or replacing siding
with high -quality durable siding is preferred.
- I"U
Figure 3.19: Where original materials have
been painted, colour palettes should be
selected from a historic palette to create a
timeless appearance.
Figure 3.20: Siding is also found within the
downtown areas. New siding should be high
quality, durable, and should reflect a historic
colour palette.
Figure 3.21: Brick is one of the predominate
materials found in the historic downtowns.
22 Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
3.8 Accessibility
• All new development shall comply with the Accessibility
for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and all other
applicable provincial legislation.
• Where possible, ground -floor commercial units are
encouraged to incorporate barrier -free entrances that are
level with, or seamlessly connected to, adjacent sidewalks
and public walkways.
• It is recognized that a number of principal building entrances
within the Downtown are not currently accessible. Where
front entrances cannot be made accessible, consideration
should be given to making secondary entrances accessible.
• A continuous, unobstructed path of travel shall be provided
from the public sidewalk to building entrances.
• Accessible routes shall incorporate safe, firm, and slip -
resistant surfaces. Ramps should include handrails on
both sides and be designed in accordance with applicable
accessibility standards.
• Dedicated pedestrian walkways should be clearly
distinguishable using paving materials, landscaping, and
lighting to enhance visibility, safety, and wayfinding.
• All public spaces and common outdoor areas should apply
the principles of universal design.
• Street trees, landscaping, seating, public art, and signage
should be carefully positioned to avoid obstructing pedestrian
travel routes, where applicable. Tactile and visual cues, such
as paving materials, should be incorporated to assist with
orientation and hazard recognition.
Figure 3.22: Principal building entrance
located directly off of the public sidewalk.
Figure 3.23: Tactile strip used to assist in
orientation and hazard recognition.
Municipality of Clarington 23
3.9 Lighting
• Incorporate and locate lighting to allow for surveillance,
particularly around building entrances and parking facilities.
Ensure lighting design provides even distribution and avoids
shadows and glare.
• In street environments where buildings are built to the edge
of the sidewalk, fixtures are encouraged to be mounted
directly on buildings.
• Where appropriate, coordinate exterior lighting with adjacent
businesses to develop a consistent approach to building
lighting, including location and lamination level.
• Gooseneck style building lighting is preferred within the
Downtown areas.
• New lighting should be energy efficient (LED or equivalent)
and should illuminate only the signage band with no
uplighting or back lighting.
• Warm white light is preferred over bright white lighting.
• Backlit signs will not be permitted. Any lighting that consists
of flashing, animated or intermittent lighting is prohibited
and will not be eligible for CIP funding.
• Traditional lighting methods are encouraged.
• Excessive illumination of buildings should be avoided.
• Ensure window displays are appropriately lit.
Figure 3.24: Examples of contemporary light fixtures that complement the historic architecture of the building.
24 Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
3.10 Signage
Permitted signage must comply with the Sign By -Law,
where applicable. In some cases, these guidelines may be
more restrictive than the Sign By -Law in terms of signage
that is discouraged and/or not permitted as part of a fa�ade
improvement application.
• Signage is encouraged to be integrated into the overall
design of the fa�ade and should positively contribute to the
overall streetscape and existing character of the area.
• The shape, material, texture, and colours of signage should
be compatible with the building's architecture and massing.
• Lettering materials should be made from high -quality
materials, and the text should be non -reflective and be of
a strong contrasting colour compared to the background,
promoting legibility. Simple and clear type is the most
effective.
• A sign should be designed in proportion to the building and
not dominate or overwhelm the fagade and the placement
should not compromise pedestrian and vehicular sight lines
to ensure safety and visibility.
• Fa�ade mounted signage should be placed between the
storefront cornice and the top of the window display area.
• Locate free-standing and high -quality design signage along
the site frontage where buildings are set further back from
the roadway. Locate near the site entrance.
• Rooftop signage is discouraged.
Figure 3.25: Lettering materials should be a
contrasting colour compared to the facade.
Figure 3.26: A sign should be designed in
proportion to the building.
Figure 3.27: A sign should not dominate or
overwhelm the fa�ade.
Figure 3.28: Fa�ade mounted signs should be placed between the storefront cornice and the top of the window display area.
Municipality of Clarington 25
3.11 Landscaping
Climate impacts (wind, sun, snow, salt, etc.) should be
considered during landscape planning.
Landscape Plans should provide a palette of planting that is
sustainable, native, non-invasive, salt and drought tolerant,
and resistant to diseases and pests. Landscapes should
also include planting configurations and species that reflect
the existing context.
• Reduce the heat island effect by planting trees or other
vegetation.
• Integrate stormwater and drainage requirements into
the landscape design, such as low impact development
techniques and plant selection that slow run off and increase
infiltration.
• Design landscape areas in accordance with Crime Prevention
Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, avoiding
entrapment areas or impeded views.
• Pedestrian areas including walkways, seating areas, and
human -scale design elements should be provided.
• Low -height plantings and pedestrian -scaled lighting should
be used along walkways and sidewalks to ensure clear lines
of sight and safe paths of travel. Barrier -free paths of travel
should be included between sidewalks, building entrances,
and accessible parking spaces with tactile cues to aid in
navigation.
Figure 3.29: Example of public realm landscaping within downtown Bowmanville.
Figure 3.30: Planters are an easy way to
improve the streetscape with landscaping.
Figure 3.31: Patios and railings offer
opportunities for landscaping.
Figure 3.32: Creative and unique landscaping
adjacent to storefronts contriubtes to overall
character.
26 Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
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4.0 Implementat*ion
4.1 Applicability of the Guidelines
As previously noted, these Guidelines are being introduced as
an implementation tool for the Community Improvement Plan
and are intended to be used in conjunction with the CIP to guide
both applicants and staff in the design and evaluation of eligible
projects.
These Guidelines are intended to complement, but not replace,
other applicable planning tools, including the Municipality's
Official Plan, Zoning By-law, and Sign By-law. These Guidelines are
not a statutory planning document and do not impose regulatory
requirements; however, they the Guidelines are recognized
within the Official Plan as an important implementation tool for
the Community Improvement Plan and are used to guide design
outcomes, inform the evaluation of applications, and support
decisions related to funding.
In relation to accessibility, these Guidelines include general
design considerations; however, all accessibility -related
improvements supported through the CIP will be evaluated in
accordance with the Municipality of Clarington Accessibility
Design Standards (CADS), as well as all applicable provincial
legislation and regulations.
4.2 Review Process
In implementing these Guidelines, it is recognized that site -
specific conditions and unique design opportunities may
warrant exceptions. In certain cases, a proposal that achieves
an exceptional standard of design may justify an alternative
from a specific guideline where it can be clearly demonstrated
that the proposed approach better fulfills the overall objectives.
The Guidelines should reflect contextual factors and each area's
distinct character. Where a proposal does not conform to one or
more Guideline, the onus is on the applicant to provide a clear
and compelling rational demonstrating how the proposal aligns
with the broader vision and intent of the Guidelines.
Should questions or disagreements arise regarding the
interpretation or application of the Guidelines, matters may be
elevated to the municipality for review. The municipality will
work collaboratively with all affected parties to achieve a fair and
timely resolution that upholds the vision, purpose, and integrity
of the approved Urban Design Guidelines.
28 Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
5.0 Appendix
Appendix A provides image examples of various facade features
outlined within these guidelines to assist the applicant in
selecting the correct materials and elements when applying for
the grant. The examples in this appendix generally represent the
types of improvements that are supported by the Municipality.
5.1 Awnings
Awnings with a traditional design and appearance are
encouraged as facade elements.
They serve to protect pedestrians from the sun and rain, provide
a secondary location for signage, add colour and interest to
building storefronts and facades, and add emphasis to display
windows and doorways.
Traditional
Traditional
without sides
& hard valance
Traditional
with hard
valance
Dome
Awnings and canopies are designed to match the main structural
elements of the lower facade and overall storefront. Fabric is a Elongated
traditional colour, made of a durable material, and installed in a Dome
manner that does not alter the overall building's design.
Barrel
Figure 5.1: Examples of traditional and contemporary awning styles.
30 Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
5.2 Windows
Original windows should be retained and repaired whenever
possible. Windows should not be boarded off or reduced in
size. Replacement windows should be the same size and
configuration as the original windows they replace.
Muntin
Rail
Pane
Sill
Apron
Figure 5.2: Elements of Traditional Window Design.
Cornice
Lintel
Frame
Casing
Stile
❑❑ ❑❑❑
❑❑ hiiiiiiiiII
iI
❑❑❑
❑❑ ❑❑❑
4/4 Window 1/1 Window 6/6 Window
In. _____ _____
1/1 Window with round 6/1 Window 2/1 Window with
head arched head
Figure 5.3: Other Window Styles.
Figure 5.4: Examples of historic window
openings in the downtown areas.
Municipality of Clarington 31
Recessed Entry Paneled Bulkhead
5.3 Doors & Entrances
The storefront refers to the portion of the facade at street level
which represents the business within. The building facade and
the storefront have significant potential to enhance the overall
downtown district character. In addition to projecting an image
of the business within, storefronts can reflect the image of the
neighbourhood. Attention to design, architectural details and
maintenance are all ways to create an attractive storefront.
Building entryways are levelled with the sidewalk to improve
accessibility.
Cornice - Signboard
Transom Windows
Display Windows
Piers
Figure 5.5: Elements and examples of traditional storefront design.
32 Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
5.4 Building Materials
The material palette within Clarington's downtown areas is
predominantly brick material, followed by siding. Where a
building already has non-traditional building materials, this may
be an appropriate solution, however, cladding over brick facades,
or replacing siding with stucco or other like material is generally
discouraged.
Siding, where used, is oriented and coloured appropriately to
complement other building facade elements.
Exterior finishes are durable, easy to maintain, and well -crafted
Modern facades consider attention to scale, massing, and
proportion that elevates the existing character of heritage
buildings.
0
Figure 5.6: Original masonry detailing should be preserved and maintained, where possible.
Municipality of Clarington 33
5.5 Colour Palette
Clarington's downtown areas predominantly feature historic
building materials and colours. Facade improvements that
incorporate new colours should generally be selected from a
historic palette for the primary facade material and signage.
Most paint companies carry a historic paint palette. Brighter
colours may be considered for accents (e.g. a bright front door
can add to the character of the area).
The below colour selections are an example from Benjamin
Moore & Co. Limited — Historic Colour Collection.
Concord Ivory
HC -12
Sheraton Beige
HC -8l
chippendais
HC -5B
HC -59 Pink
HC -89
Queen Anne Pink -
HC t
Crownsville Gray Louisburg Green
HC -106 HC -n3
Gettysburg Gray Saybrook Sage
HC -I07 Inc iia
i
Monroe Bisque Montgomery White
HC -26 HC -33
Monterey White Wilmington Tan
HC -27 HC -34
Litchfield Gray
Greenbrier Beige
HC -79
Bleaker Beige
HC -80
IF IValley Forge Brown Manchester Tan
HC -la HC -el
Van Alen Green Fairmont Green
HC -127
Clearspring Green
HC 128
Coventry Gray Annapolis Gray
HC -169
Stonington Gray Richmond Bisque
HC -170 HC -ill
Figure 5.7: Historic colour collection (Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited).
F
Greenfield Pumpkin rooklin,i Beige
HC -a0
Richmond Gold
HC-
ur
II kkrgaper Carrington Beige
HC -86
Ashley Gray Old Salem Gray
HC -87 n-C-aa
Sag Harbour Gray
Hollingsworth Green
HC -141
34 Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
5.6 Lighting
Lighting should be incorporated to promote surveillance,
particularly around building entrances and parking facilities. It
creates a feeling of security for the passerby and is an important
factor in a downtown setting.
A variety of light sources and locations should be considered
carrying out storefront and building renovations. Sign lights,
display window lights, architectural lighting and general area
lighting are encouraged to advertise the business, highlight
features, and illuminate dark areas.
Figure 5.8: Contemporary light fixtures that complement the historic architecture of the building.
Municipality of Clarington 35
5.7 Signage
Signage should provide information that is simple and legible, of
a size and location that avoids competing with or obscuring the
architecture of the building.
In general, the number of signs on a facade should be kept to the
minimum necessary to effectively communicate the messages
being conveyed.
Signage should be unique to the Municipality rather than being
generic, and add focus on advertising local businesses, not
national product brand names or logos.
4
fi
Figure 5.9: Facade mounted signs should be placed between the storefront cornice and the top of the window display area.
36 Urban Design Guidelines - Downtown Community Improvement Plan Areas
5.8 Signage that is Not Supported
All signage within the Downtown area shall conform to the
Municipality of Clarington Sign By -Law. With respect to
prohibited signage, these guidelines may be more restrictive
than the Sign -By -Law. When considering applications for facade
improvements within the downtown areas, the Municipality of
Clarington has a high design standard.
The following sign types will not be supported by facade
improvement grants:
• Roof signs.
• Signage with removable lettering.
• Pylon signs.
• Any type of third -party signage unless it relates to
temporary window advertising for contractors when they
are working on the building.
• Inflatable signs.
• Obsolete or unsafe signs.
• Handwritten signs (excluding sandwich boards).
• Digital, electronic, neon or otherwise internally illuminated
signs, except for small "open for business" signs in retail
windows.
• Buildings as signs.
• Signs attached to street furnishings.
• Animated signs.
• Movable signs (excluding sandwich boards).
• Box signage.
Figure 5.10: Roof signs.
Figure 5.11: Backlit signage.
E3LOOMFIELD
GRAND OPENING COMING IN MAY
FRIDAY IRONMAN
APRIL25 SPEED RACER
FOR INFO CALL NARNIA
860 242 FILM INDIANA JONES
Figure 5.12: Signage with removable letters.
Figure 5.13: Digital or electronic signage.
Figure 5.14: Movable/portable signage.
Municipality of Clarington 37
Clarington