MANITOUWADGE-- Manitouwadge town council approved the second phase of the Community Improvement Program at Wednesday’s regular council meeting. Submitted by Katie Law, Director of Community and Economic Development, and presented by town CAO, Florence MacLean, the project is aimed at providing grants to businesses and residents wishing to make improvements to their buildings, residences and yards.
The grants are made possible by the Community Improvement Plan (CIP), which is a legislated program approved through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) whereby municipalities in Ontario can offer financial incentives to encourage new growth and development within specifically defined areas of municipality.
The first phase of the program, which was rolled out in May of this year, focused on the improvement of downtown businesses, offering grants up to $2,500 for building façade improvement, including the restoration of brickwork, wood or masonry, the replacement or addition of windows, doors, awnings and other façade features which would enhance the appearance of the business and help renew the vibrancy of the downtown shopping area.
A $500 grant was made available for sign and lighting improvements, and another which offered up to $5,000 for the creation of murals which reflect a notable event, person, place, or characteristic related to the historic development of Manitouwadge. All of these grants were of a ‘split the cost’ concept, the grants covering up to 50% of the total eligible costs.
Although there were some applications made for this grant money, the businesses were not within the selected boundaries of the downtown area. Fortunately, the project is now being opened up to all businesses within the town of Manitouwadge, regardless of their location.
There’s good news for residents of Manitouwadge! Homeowners and tenants can now access similar grants as the second phase has been approved. Grants of up to $500 (comprising of up to 50% of the total eligible costs) can be secured by any property owners or tenants (with the owner’s approval) who upgrade or improve the landscaping on their property. This can include the replacement or improvement of front or side driveways, professional landscaping (including the installation of flowers, shrubs and trees), installation or improvement of retaining walls, fences or pedestrian walkways, innovative storm water management systems and more!
The Township hopes that these grants will improve and beautify Manitouwadge’s physical environment, as well as create new jobs, new capital investment and increase the municipal tax base.
For more information on any of these grants, or to download an application, see the township’s Community Improvement Program web page or contact Katie Law at (807) 826-3227, extension 226.