The Town of Midland has a Community Improvement Project Area and a Community Improvement Plan for the Downtown pursuant to Section 28 of the Planning Act. The formal process of formulating the Plan commenced in 2003 with the approval of the Town of Midland Official Plan, advanced significantly with the completion and adoption by Council of the Downtown Master Plan and Community Improvement Plan in 2015, and has culminated in 2016 with the adoption of this Plan by Council by By-law 2016-56 on August 22, 2016.
The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) includes a set of goals and objectives that are consistent with the Downtown Master Plan and Community Improvement Plan and a set of revitalization initiatives in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning Act.
The Downtown Community Improvement Plan applies to the lands within the Community Improvement Project Area as described in the Plan and By-law 2016-56. The Project Area corresponds with the limits of the Downtown District as described in the Town of Midland Official Plan and as described in the Downtown Master Plan and Community Improvement Plan.
Two incentive programs for property owners in the Downtown already exist. One is the Town policy to waive Development Charges on new commercial and residential developments in Downtown. The second is the Façade Program administered and funded by the BIA, which offers grants to cover 50% of the cost of exterior façade improvements, such as repainting, restoration, window and sign replacements, up to a maximum grant of $3,000. Both of these programs will be continued.
Revitalization efforts will be focused on encouraging the development and redevelopment of privately held lands in the Downtown. This Plan will implement a comprehensive package of the following three component programs to stimulate investment in buildings that require improvements to meet current building code requirements, or require improvement in their façade or business entrance for appearance or accessibility requirements.
This CIP provides three (3) programs to offset the costs of site improvements and development in the Downtown:
1. Façade Improvement Grant Program
2. Building Renovation Grant Program
3. Application Fees Grant Program
Notice of Adoption CIP Aug 25
Bylaw 2016-56 - Community Improvement Plan
Community Improvement Plan - Fillable Application (*External Link to Midland BIA site and Facade Improvement Program HERE)
