Using Planning Tools to Support Farm Viability:
How do Community Improvement Plans work for Value Added Ag?
November 3rd, Municipal Agriculture Economic Development Forum
Total population: 45,000+
5 “Urban” Centres
Major Industries: Manufacturing
Health Care
Agriculture
Tourism development is a focus for the division
Haldimand County
Community Improvement Plans
• NO BONUSING!!! • But…Section 28 of the
Planning Act allows for creation of Community Improvement Plans (CIPs)
• CIPs urban renewal and brownfield redevelopment tools in larger communities
Haldimand County Downtown Areas CIP
Since 2008: 105 approved downtown grants - $900,000 has gone on to leverage approx. $4.6 Million
Full suite of grants: façade improvements, interior renovations for certain uses, apartments renos, permits, DCs
Identified “downtowns” – strict boundaries
Complements Public Realm Improvements “Streetscaping” and supports to BIAs/Chambers of Commerce
Builds on:
Builds on previous efforts: zoning by-law reforms for value added agriculture, “Harvests of Haldimand”
Augments: rural streetscaping plans in hamlets, public realm improvements to waterfront, trail development, cycling tourism development, signage
Financial Incentives for Rural Development
Improve physical and visual qualities of the County’s Hamlets
Support Vale-Added Agriculture such as agri-tourism or small scale and on farm processing
Development of Commercial Roofed Accommodations
Preserve Heritage Buildings by investing in heritage features and encouraging commercial uses.
Program Eligible Properties Example Eligible Costs
Grant Amount
Facade, Landscape and Signage Improvement Grant
Agricultural/Rural Areas: Commercial Roofed Accommodation Value-Added Agricultural activity buildings Hamlets: Commercial Roofed Accommodation, commercial and mixed-use buildings. Urban Areas excluding the Downtown Areas CIPA: Commercial Roofed Accommodation only.
Replacement and rehabilitation of commercial/retail doors; Enhancement, windows, and façades Signage Improvements
•Grant valued at 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $10,000; Can increase to $15,000 if visible from the Grand River. •Landscaping improvements will be funded to a maximum 15% of the total grant.
Building Restoration, Renovation and Improvement Grant
Agricultural/Rural Areas: Renovated and new agricultural commercial or industrial use buildings Hamlets: Conversion of underutilized space to use as a restaurant, market, or other place of assembly related to arts, culture, and recreation. Commercial Roofed Accommodations across the Rural Business and Tourism CIPA.
•Building, fire and other code compliance •Expansion or additions; •General Retrofitting; •Potentially additional on-site development (small-scale).
Grant valued at 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $25,000.
Incentive Summary Table
Incentive Summary Table
Program Eligible Properties Eligible Costs Grant Amount
Development Charge, Planning Fees and Building Permit Grant
Rural/Agricultural Areas: Value-Added Agricultural development that is not exempt from DCs (i.e. any building which is assessed as being industrial or commercial); Hamlets: Commercial Roofed Accommodation, commercial or mixed-use properties. Urban Areas excluding the Downtown Areas CIPA: Commercial Roofed Accommodation only.
Minor Variance; Site Plan approval; Building Permit fees; Plumbing permit fees; Sewage system permits; and Sign permits
•Grant valued at 100% of Development Charges. No maximum dollar amount. •Grant valued at 100% of eligible Planning and Building Permit Fees to a
Tax-based Redevelopment Grant (TIG)
Agricultural/Rural: Value-Added/Agriculture-related activity and commercial roofed accommodations Hamlets: commercial roofed accommodations, restaurants, markets or other places of assembly related to arts, culture, and/or recreation.
Urban Areas: commercial roofed accommodations. Approval for this program makes applicant ineligible for all other incentive programs
Site development and infrastructure work including demolition;
Major building rehabilitation;
New construction; and Design, engineering,
legal, insurance, and other professional fees.
The maximum amount of the grant is 50% of the annual County tax increment for a maximum duration of 10 years
At the County’s sole discretion, annual rebates of up to 90%
Incentive Summary Table Program Eligible Properties Eligible Costs Grant Amount
Heritage Property Commercial Use Grant
All Designated Heritage Properties located within the Rural Business and Tourism CIPA.
Improvement work to preserve, restore and enhance historic character/architectural elements of Heritage Properties which have/are being utilized for commercial enterprise.
Grant valued at 50% of construction costs to a maximum of $10,000. Can increase to $15,000 if visible from the Grand River
Hamlets - Façade Improvement
Façade Improvement Project
Hamlet of Fisherville
Project approved for $10,000 towards $20,325
Heritage Commercial Use
Heritage Commercial Use, Façade Improvement and Fee Rebate
Hamlet of York
$27,295 in grants leveraged $125,000+
Commercial Roofed Accommodations
Heritage Commercial Use, Building Restoration and Fee rebates
Dunnville
$19,362 leveraged a total of $35,716
Value Added Agriculture
Building Restoration and Fee rebates
South Cayuga
$13,388 leveraging $23,266
Success so far
11 Applications approved, $128,222 leveraging a total of $336,638 – For every dollar of grant there is additional $1.5 in investment
Projects approved in all target areas
Ongoing inquiries and consultation
Thanks!
Zach Gable MAES, EcD, CEcD Haldimand County Economic Development and Tourism [email protected]