The Community Improvement Plan is attracting lots of interest in Bracebridge again this year.
It is a program from the Economic Development Branch of the Planning and Development Department. There is $50,000 available starting in July for qualified businesses looking to improve buildings that may be a bit older and in need of attention.
In the past four years, the CIP has given $480,000 to commercial businesses in the town, which in turn has created $3.2 million in private investment.
The Central Business District is home to some of the oldest buildings in the area. The CIP is used to encourage building owners to bring these buildings up to current building standards. This can include upgrading facades, installing new HVAC equipment, or roofing and electrical upgrades.
The Community Improvement Implementation Committee has made a total of $100,000 available in 2019, and it will likely be all used up by mid-year.
There are also grants for commercial units to get a signage upgrade.Â
Those interested in applying should contact Jill Harris, Economic Development Programmer for information on how to apply for the remaining $50,000 that becomes available in the summer.