Statutory Public Meeting February 4, 2019 Downtown St. George Community Improvement Plan
Outline • What is a Community Improvement Plan (CIP)? – Paris Community Improvement Plan • Study Process and Timeline – Public Input • Study Area – Recommended Community Improvement Project Area • Financial Incentive Programs • Municipal Leadership Strategy • Administration
What is a CIP? • A tool used to achieve a wide variety of goals: – Downtown Revitalization – Heritage Conservation – Brownfield Remediation – Economic Development, Community Planning • Section 28 of the Planning Act – Financial incentives – Municipal leadership strategy – acquire, improve land and buildings
Purpose of the Project • To consider the implementation of a CIP for Downtown St. George • Financial incentives to promote private property improvements: – Façade and signage improvements – Infill and development – Other improvements – Subject to design guidelines • A set of actions or recommendations regarding streetscaping
Downtown Paris Community Improvement Plan • County administers one existing CIP for Downtown Paris • Wide range of incentives – Design guidelines • Municipal project recommendations • Good uptake and success in its implementation
Recommended Community Improvement Project Area (Downtown) • Need to delineate the specific area where the CIP will apply St. George Core Area (Red Area) Recommended Community Improvement Project Area
Study Timeline February 2018 Project Initiation & Discussion Paper March 22, 2018 Public Open House & Workshop Summer 2018 Finalize the Discussion Paper Fall 2018 Complete the Draft CIP / Guidelines Feb. 4, 2019 Statutory Public Meeting By Spring 2019 Finalize the CIP & Design Guidelines By Spring 2019 Council Adoption
Public Input • Visioning workshop held March 28, 2018 – Vision for Downtown St. George – SWOT Assessment – Rate importance of Options for Incentive Programs • Over 40 participants • 26 questionnaires • Input is summarized in Background Report
What I like about Downtown St. What could be improved...? George…? Active & energetic community Supply of parking for businesses and visitors Walkable & accessible More retail selection Cooperation amongst business owners Continuity of facades Old Victorian/heritage buildings Signage & wayfinding Quaint Main Street Sidewalks & crosswalks to become more pedestrian friendly Free parking Streetlights & lighting Variety of shops & restaurants Park improvements Sunnyside House Plaques & historical information Small business community Museum (needs a facelift and refresh) Complete community Overhead wires Marketing & branding – help to create identity Public restrooms
Type of Improvement Program Very A Little Not Public Input Important Important Important Façade and signage grant 13 10 1 Property, landscaping, and private parking improvement 20 4 0 grant Grants for new/improved 6 9 8 housing in upper storeys Development/ redevelopment 12 9 3 grants Brownfield grants 6 8 10 Accessibility grants 19 6 0 Streetscaping/ beautification 12 11 1 improvements Gateways and wayfinding 9 11 3 signage Parking strategy 23 1 0
Recommended Incentive Programs (to promote private property improvement) 1. Façade improvement grant 2. Signage improvement grant 3. Upper storey apartment improvement grants 4. Property, landscaping, private parking improvement grant 5. Adaptive Commercial Reuse Grant 6. Development Incentives (infill, major improvements) – Planning / Building Permit Fee Rebate – Tax Increment Equivalent Grant 7. Brownfield development incentives – Study grant – Tax assistance
Implementation of Incentive Programs • Flexible toolbox of incentives • Projects must adhere to Design Guidelines • Council sets budget each year to fund incentives • CIP outlines program details: – Eligible works – Amount of the grants • CIP outlines application process – Submission requirements – Timing and payment of grant
Municipal Projects (to address public property & policy) 1. Streetscape Master Plan 2. Marketing/promotion of the CIP’s incentives 3. Monitoring and evaluating the CIP’s performance
Administration of the CIP • Council may delegate the responsibility of decision- making on grant applications • Considerations: – Paris CIP applications currently decided upon by the Paris Renaissance group (volunteers) – Most other municipalities utilize a committee of staff (expediency, understanding of CIP and expertise) • Recommend that a committee of staff be designated as the approval authority for grant applications for all three CIPs – With continued involvement/expertise of Paris Renaissance group
Thank you – Public Meeting Questions/comments? Heather Madden Economic Development & Tourism Department County of Brant 31 Mechanic Street, Suite 205 Paris, ON N3L 1K1 Phone: 519-442-6324 x 3039 Email : heather.madden@brant.ca Website : www.brant.ca
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