Downtown Revitalization Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Programs

Purpose: Provides relief for property owners looking to improve the façade of buildings and financially support upgrades to heritage designated properties.

Eligibility: For commercial, mixed-use, or institutional properties within the Downtown Improvement Area. Only buildings designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act are eligible for Rebate D.

Incentives:

• Rebate A: Up to $3,500 for the costs of professional fees related to the design of façade improvements.
• Rebate B: Up to 50% of the cost of construction for the front or side façade improvements, to a maximum of $15,000.
• Rebate C: Up to 50% of the cost of construction for the rear façade improvements (fronting the Moira River), to a maximum of $15,000.
• Rebate D: Up to 25% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $20,000 per eligible property for additional costs associated with renovations of designated heritage buildings.

Additional Considerations: Façade improvements must meet the Facade Improvement Program Design and Improvement Criteria.

View the Program 7 Summary Page and Checklist for full details.

Purpose: Supports businesses that invest in their exterior signages.

Eligibility: For business owners that rent or lease a commercial unit within the Downtown Improvement Area.

Incentive: Up to 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $4,000.

Additional Considerations: Proposed signage must meet the signage designs standards within the Facade Improvement Program Design an Improvement Criteria.

View the Program 8 Summary Page and Checklist for full details.

Purpose: Assist property owners that renovate their property to introduce “safety by design” measures to reduce rates of accidents, injury, crime or nuisances.

Eligibility: For property owners within Downtown Improvement Area.

Incentive: Up to 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $10,000.

Additional Considerations: Ineligible costs include, but are not limited to, security cameras, alarm systems, rolldown security shutters, barbed/razor wire, and costs associated with security staff. Measures such as fencing may not reduce or restrict visibility through an outdoor space.

View the Program 9 Summary Page and Checklist for full details.

Purpose: Increase accessibility of downtown shops, services and housing.

Eligibility: For property owners with properties with commercial or mixed-use zoning within the Downtown Improvement Area.

Incentive: Up to 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $10,000.

View the Program 10 Summary Page and Checklist for full details.

Through the City’s federal funding under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), all allocated monies must be used by December 18, 2028, to achieve the City’s HAF housing targets. To support this objective, an Enhanced HAF Funding Program will provide additional financial incentives beyond the base funding offered through applicable housing and brownfield programs. This enhanced funding is intended to further encourage the creation of new housing units. The program will expire on December 18, 2028.

Eligibility for Enhanced HAF Funding is limited to applicants who have applied for one or more of the following programs:

• Program 2: Accessory Dwelling Unit Rebate
• Program 3: Accessibility Top-Up Rebate
• Program 4: Missing Middle Per-Door Grant
• Program 5: High Density Residential Municipal Fees Rebate
• Program 11: Brownfield ESA Rebate
• Program 13: Brownfield Building Permit Fees Rebate

City staff will review all eligible applications and allocate HAF funds as available. Funding amounts will vary depending on the applicable program and the number of new housing units proposed. Staff anticipate the use of HAF funds will significantly contribute to the development of new housing units in the City. Access to Enhanced HAF Funding may become unavailable if all funds have been allocated. At their discretion, City Staff may approve only a portion of the requested funding should remaining HAF funds be limited.

*Please note, this program is applied as a top-up to other programs while funding from the Housing Accelerator Fund lasts.

View the Program 15 Summary Page for full details.

All applicants must schedule and attend a pre-consultation with the City’s Policy Planning section to confirm application requirements for the incentive programs in this CIP.

Request and submit a completed pre-consultation form to planning@belleville.ca in order to meet with City staff.

Submission Requirements for Downtown Revitalization Applications (Programs 7-10):

1. Downtown Revitalization Application Form
2. Program Summary and Checklist (see each program dropdown above)

Submit your Downtown Revitalization application through the CityView portal.

• City staff to evaluate application and supporting materials and may conduct a site visit. Applicants will be notified if their submission is complete and whether the application has been approved or denied.
• For applications that are approved, a Financial Assistance Agreement may be prepared and executed.

Notes:

• Please refer to each program summary and checklist for approval requirements (see above under each program dropdown).
• Any program commitments may be cancelled if work does not commence within six months of approval of an application of if a project is not undertaken or completed in accordance with the Financial Assistance Agreement. 
• City staff may grant an extension for community improvement works following receipt of a written request by the owner setting out the reasons for the extension and providing a new date of completion. 
• Should the applicant fall into default or any of the requirements of the incentive program or to the requirements established by the City, incentives may be delayed, reduced, or cancelled. Applicants may be required to repay benefits to the City. 

Upon project completion:

• The applicant must provide a statement with supporting invoices and proof of payment to the City.
• The work will be inspected by the City and, if approved, Notice of Completion will be issued and the financial assistance will be initiated.

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