A Community Improvement Plan, or CIP, is a tool that allows a municipality to direct funds and implement policy initiatives toward a specifically defined project area to encourage revitalization initiatives and stimulate development and redevelopment.
Middlesex Centre Community Improvement Plan
- Housing Support Grants and Programs
- Affordable Housing – Building and Planning Fee Grant Program
The Affordable Housing – Building and Planning Fee Grant Program offers grants to offset required fees where a building permit or planning application is required for a project with an affordable housing component. The program is intended to help encourage new development efforts by reducing regulatory costs associated with these major improvements to private properties.
Grants apply to the following application types:
- Building permit fees associated with: demolition permits, building permits, or sign permits
- Planning application fees associated with a zoning by-law amendment, Middlesex Centre official plan amendment, minor variance, consent, and site plan application
Available Grant: The Building and Planning Fee Grant Program will be a maximum of $4,500 or 100% of the Municipality’s fees, whichever is less.
More Information: You are strongly encouraged to review the complete grant information before starting your project, as funding is limited and subject to eligibility requirements. See Section 6 of the Community Improvement Plan for details.- Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Grant
The program is intended to support the development of Additional Residential Units (ARUs) as a means of increasing the diversity of housing throughout the Municipality, to provide more affordable forms of housing including rental housing, and to support multi-generational or alternative household compositions.
ARUs, sometimes called secondary suites or accessory dwelling units, are self-contained residential units with a private kitchen, bathroom facilities and sleeping areas. ARUs are different from other residential uses because they are clearly accessory to the primary dwelling on the property in both use and appearance. ARUs come in many forms and can be located within the main dwelling, within other structures, or as standalone accessory structures.
It is important to review the requirements for ARUs with the Municipality to ensure projects will meet the applicable policies and zoning requirements. See the Additional Residential Units Guide for more information.
Available Grant: The ARU grant program offers a grant of up to 50% of the construction costs up to a total of $15,000.
More Information: You are strongly encouraged to review the complete grant information before starting your project, as funding is limited and subject to eligibility requirements. See Section 6 of the Community Improvement Plan for details.
- Affordable Housing Tax Increment Equivalent Grant
The intent of this program is to help support the development, redevelopment, renovation, or rehabilitation of units that create affordable rental units within the Municipality, by offsetting (or deferring) the increase in municipal taxes as a direct result of the development.
Available Grant: This program provides a grant equivalent to a percentage of the municipal portion of the property tax increment that is incurred because of the redevelopment/improvement of the property, for a period of up to 10 years.
More Information: You are strongly encouraged to review the complete grant information before starting your project, as funding is limited and subject to eligibility requirements. See Section 6 of the Community Improvement Plan for details.
- Municipal Leadership Program – Affordable Housing Concierge Program
The Affordable Housing Concierge Program is a municipal initiative designed to provide personalized guidance and support to affordable housing providers throughout the planning, approval, and building process. Acting as a single point of contact within the Municipality, the program helps developers and non-profit organizations navigate complex regulatory requirements, zoning by-laws, and permitting procedures. Services include coordinating with internal departments, streamlining approvals, and connecting providers to available financial incentives and community resources. The goal is to reduce barriers, accelerate project timelines, and foster the creation of high-quality, sustainable affordable housing.
More Information: You are strongly encouraged to review the complete program information before starting your project, as access is subject to eligibility requirements. See Section 6 of the Community Improvement Plan for details.
- Business and Economic Development Incentive Grants and Programs
- Façade and Signage Improvement Grant
The Façade and Signage Improvements Grant has been designed to enrich the business storefronts, particularly along the main thoroughfare of a community. This grant is intended to encourage commercial property owners and tenants to revitalize, rehabilitate and restore building façades in order to encourage high-quality, attractive improvements to eligible properties. The grant is focused on exterior improvements to buildings that will support local businesses (both urban and rural) and agri-tourism.
Available Grant: The Municipality may provide a grant up to a maximum of $5,000 or 50% of eligible project costs (whichever is less) to improve the exterior façade of an eligible property.
More Information: You are strongly encouraged to review the full grant information before starting your project, as funding is limited and subject to eligibility requirements. See Section 5 of the Community Improvement Plan for details.
- Development Charges Grant
The purpose of the Development Charges Grant is to reduce the costs of development and redevelopment of sites in order to stimulate construction within the Municipality. This is intended to support the establishment of new commercial, industrial/employment, on-farm diversified uses, or significant expansion of existing facilities, which add new jobs and assessment base within the Municipality.
Available Grant: The owner or tenant of a property for which development charges are paid to Middlesex Centre for eligible projects/costs may be provided with a grant equivalent to up to a maximum of 50% of the charges paid, up to a maximum of $10,000.
More Information: You are strongly encouraged to review the complete grant information before starting your project, as funding is limited and subject to eligibility requirements. See Section 5 of the Community Improvement Plan for details.
- Building and Planning Fee Grant Program
The Building and Planning Fee Grant Program offers grants to offset required fees where a building permit OR planning application is required for a construction project. The program is intended to help encourage new development efforts by reducing regulatory costs associated with these major improvements to private properties.
Grants apply to the following application types:
- Building permit fees associated with demolition permits, building permits, or sign permits
- Planning application fees associated with a zoning by-law amendment, Middlesex Centre official plan amendment, minor variance, consent, and site plan application
Available Grant: The Building and Planning Fee Grant Program will be a maximum of $4,500 or 100% of the Municipality’s fees, whichever is less.
More Information: You are strongly encouraged to review the complete grant information before starting your project, as funding is limited and subject to eligibility requirements. See Section 5 of the Community Improvement Plan for details.
- Accessibility Upgrades
This program encourages property owners to make external accessibility improvements to commercial or agricultural properties to bring them into compliance with Provincial Legislation. Relevant legislation includes the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).
Accessibility improvements should not significantly compromise the character of the building or property and as such, this grant will assist owners in designing and implementing accessibility improvements that maintain key architectural elements.
Available Grant: Middlesex Centre will provide a maximum grant of $2,500 or 50% of the eligible costs, whichever is less.
More Information: You are strongly encouraged to review the complete grant information before starting your project, as funding is limited and subject to eligibility requirements. See Section 5 of the Community Improvement Plan for details.
- Allowance for Renovation or Construction Costs related to a Significant Public Health Event
Should a significant public health event be declared by the Federal, Provincial and/or Middlesex London Health Unit, the Municipality will support area businesses for renovation or construction costs as a result of the pandemic.
These costs must be a direct result of the public health infection control directives and/or any associated by-laws that are implemented to combat the pandemic.
Available Grant: Middlesex Centre will provide eligible businesses a one-time grant up to $2,500 to offset the costs associated with a significant health event such as a pandemic.
More Information: You are strongly encouraged to review the complete grant information before starting your project, as funding is limited and subject to eligibility requirements. See Section 5 of the Community Improvement Plan for details.
- Energy Efficiency and Retrofit Grant
The Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grant is intended to provide financial support to our business community who are environmentally conscious, to incorporate sustainable improvements that reduce the impact of our built environment on the natural environment.
This grant will encourage the pursuit of improvements to buildings and properties that incorporate Low Impact Design (LID) elements, green technologies, sustainable building materials, and energy efficiency. This should generally not simply represent a life-cycle replacement but represent a significant investment in energy efficiency.
Available Grant: Middlesex Centre will provide financial support to eligible businesses who undertake green initiatives with a grant of 50% of the construction costs of the eligible works, up to $7,500.
More Information: You are strongly encouraged to review the complete grant information before starting your project, as funding is limited and subject to eligibility requirements. See Section 5 of the Community Improvement Plan for details.
- Industrial Tax Increment Equivalent Grant
This program is intended to support the development of new Employment/Industrial facilities within the Municipality’s Employment Lands in order to support the creation of jobs and diversify the Municipality’s existing tax assessment base over the long term.
Available Grant: This program provides a grant equal to up to 100% of the tax increment increase for up to 10 years following completion and occupancy of a facility.
More Information: You are strongly encouraged to review the complete grant information before starting your project, as funding is limited and subject to eligibility requirements. See Section 5 of the Community Improvement Plan for details.
- Site Readiness – Feasibility, Design and Study Grant
This grant is intended to support pre-development projects through the completion of professional studies and plans that will investigate the potential of, or support the establishment of, a new business or land development project.
Available Grant: A grant may be provided for up to 50% of the eligible costs up to a total of $5,000, whichever is less.
More Information: You are strongly encouraged to review the complete grant information before starting your project, as funding is limited and subject to eligibility requirements. See Section 5 of the Community Improvement Plan for details.
- Recreational Facility Loan Program
The Municipality of Middlesex Centre is committed to enhancing community infrastructure and supporting economic development through its Community Improvement Plan. This loan program is designed to assist local businesses in constructing buildings for recreational purposes, fostering vibrant spaces for residents and visitors alike.
Available Grant: The Recreational Facility Loan Program provides low‑interest municipal loans of up to $2.5 million to support the construction or major improvement of recreational/institutional facilities in Middlesex Centre, with repayment terms of up to 15 years at the prevailing Infrastructure Ontario rate.
More Information: You are strongly encouraged to review the complete program information before starting your project, as program access is subject to eligibility requirements. See Section 5 of the Community Improvement Plan for details.
- 2026 CIP Grant Program
On April 22, 2026, Council approved an update to the CIP. Owing to the update, the start of the CIP intake period will be delayed in 2026. New intake forms and other materials will be posted to this page over the coming weeks.
- Applying for CIP Funding
Middlesex Centre puts out calls for applications for CIP funding each year. We publicize that applications are being accepted in a number of ways, including social media and our e-newsletter. Once the call for applications is made, the process for applying is as follows:
- Read over the Middlesex Centre CIP document, which outlines the process from application to project completion.
- Meet with the municipal staff prior to submitting a grant application through the CIP. Middlesex Centre's Manager of Planning & Development is the primary contact and will coordinate the initial consultation meeting between proponents and municipal staff.
- After discussing your project with municipal staff, complete the grant application form (coming soon). You will need to provide details about the project work planned, estimated costs and timelines.
Additional Funding: Community Futures Middlesex offers loans that can be put towards matching and/or up-front costs related to approved CIP grants. Visit the Community Futures website to learn more about this opportunity.
- Past CIP Recipients
- 2025 Grants
At their meeting on May 7, 2025, Council approved 2025 CIP funding totaling $16,218 for four local businesses (report). The grants are supporting improvements to façades and signage and energy efficiency, with a total project value of $33,395.
Approved 2025 CIP grants:
- 124 Birr Inc (13216 Ilderton Road – Car and Truck Coin Wash) for façade and signage improvements (total estimated project cost of $3,734; municipal contribution of $1,867)
- Hickory Ridge Golf Course for façade and signage improvements (total estimated project cost of $8,701; municipal contribution of $4,351)
- Rolling Ridge Maple Products for energy efficiency and retrofits (total estimated project cost of $15,000; municipal contribution of $7,500)
- Stewart Overhead Door to improve accessibility (total estimated project cost of $5,960; municipal contribution of $2,500)
- 2024 Grants
At their meeting on April 17, 2024, Council approved 2024 CIP funding totaling $31,066 for eleven local businesses (report). The grants are supporting improvements to façades and signage and energy efficiency, with a total project value of $298,928.
Approved 2024 CIP grants:
- 80’s Pizza Grill for façade and signage improvements (total estimated project cost of $5,925; municipal contribution of $2,962.50)
- Active Chiropractic for façade and signage improvements (total estimated project cost of $4,425; municipal contribution of $2,212.50)
- Cambridge Environmental for façade and signage improvements (total estimated project cost of $1,754.80; municipal contribution of $877.40)
- Floral Temptations for façade and signage improvements (total estimated project cost of $6,100.00; municipal contribution of $3,050.00)
- Fringe Hair Spa for façade and signage improvements (total estimated project cost of $3,761.92; municipal contribution of $1,880.96)
- Kilworth Storage for energy efficiency and retrofits (total estimated project cost of $249,795.32; municipal contribution of $7,500.00 pending an approved site plan and project completion in 2024)
- Melville Church for energy efficiency and retrofits (total estimated project cost of $9,952.38; municipal contribution of $4,976.19 pending the doors are confirmed to be Energy Star rated)
- SARI for modifications to improve accessibility (total estimated project cost of $2,712.00; municipal contribution of $1,356.00)
- Trish Major for façade and signage improvements (total estimated project cost of $2,978.56; municipal contribution of $1,489.28)
- Urbshott Insurance for façade and signage improvements (total estimated project cost of $5,350.00; municipal contribution of $2,675.00)
- Vinters of Kilworth for façade and signage improvements (total estimated project cost of $4,173.00; municipal contribution of $2,086.50)
- 2023 Grants
At their meeting on May 17, 2023, Council approved CIP funding totaling $14,187 for three local businesses (report). The grants are supporting improvements to façades and signage and energy efficiency, with a total project value of $28,374.
Approved 2023 CIP grants:
- McLachlan Pancakes for energy efficiency and retrofits (total estimated project cost of $13,769.07; municipal contribution of $6,884.54)
- Sakata Sushi for façade and signage improvements (total estimated project cost of $7,065.00; municipal contribution of $3,532.50)
- Komoka Mortgage for façade and signage improvements (total estimated project cost of $7,540.00; municipal contribution of $3,770.00)
- 2022 Grants
At their meeting on May 4, 2022, Council approved CIP funding totaling $18,568 for local five businesses (report). The grants are supporting improvements to façades and signage, with a total project value of $63,080.
Approved 2022 CIP grants:
- Angels Daycares (Arva) for façade and signage improvements (municipal contribution of $5,000)
- BJ’s Country Market for façade and signage improvements (municipal contribution of $5,000)
- Fringe Hair Spa Inc. for façade and signage improvements (municipal contribution of $1,425)
- Ilderton Barber Shop for façade and signage improvements (municipal contribution of $2,142.50)
- Floral Temptations for façade and signage improvements (municipal contribution of $5,000)
- 2021 Grants
At their meeting on April 28, 2021, Council approved CIP funding totaling $29,479 for local eight businesses (report). Most of the grants are supporting improvements to façades and signage, with a total project value of $109,612.