As part of the Thames Centre Strategic Plan, one of the key strategic pillars is, Community Development which serves as a comprehensive framework outlining Thames Centre’s multifaceted objectives across short, medium, and long-term horizons. The Municipality wants to initiate guiding community improvement activities in existing businesses and in maintaining Thames Centres as a desirable place to live and work.
The development of Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for Thames Centre will not only support the development of a vibrant, safe community for all stages of life, but will also provide the Municipality with tools to sustain and grow the community. If approved by Council, the Municipality may provide financial incentives, in the form of grants, loans, rebates, and tax assistance, to eligible landowners and tenants to help with physical improvements to private property. The project will also include additional insight into the implementation, marketing, and monitoring strategies to better assist the Municipality with the implementation of the CIP.
What is a CIP?
A CIP is a strategic municipal planning and economic development tool under the Ontario Planning Act that is used by municipalities across Ontario. Although there are hundreds of CIPs in effect, they are not a commonly known planning tool. Therefore, it is useful to describe what a CIP is intended to achieve.
Similar to an Official Plan or a Zoning By-law, a CIP is primarily focused on the use of land and buildings within certain areas of a Municipality. A CIP is also like an Official Plan or Zoning By-law in that the Ontario Planning Act sets out how and when it can be used (as discussed later in this section of the report). However, a CIP is different than other municipal plans and planning tools because it is not intended to direct/regulate how land and buildings are used; rather, it has one or more of the following overarching goals:
- Facilitating change and transition in certain areas
- Stimulating economic growth and development
- Motivating rehabilitation and redevelopment of private buildings/properties
- Raising awareness to local needs and priorities
Simply put, a CIP is a plan or framework that sets out tools and strategies for improving the built, economic, and social environment in a designated area of a Municipality.
View Thames Centre DRAFT CIP Here
Contacts
Moira Davidson, Project Manager
Stantec Consulting Ltd.
moira.davidson@stantec.com
T. 289-244-8222
Marc Bancroft, Director of Planning & Development Services
T. 519-268-7334 Ext. 223
Attachments