$700,000 in grants available for large projects that will bring housing and jobs to Orillia

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Orillia’s Downtown Tomorrow Community Improvement Plan (DTCIP) grant program has launched for 2022 with $700,000 for large projects that will create jobs and housing.

The DTCIP encourages growth in the core of the city by providing grants designed to stimulate development, which include façade improvements, signage, feasibility studies, building improvements and the creation of residential units with $200,000 in grant funding available.

Incentive programs added in 2022 are geared to larger projects that would add jobs and housing to downtown Orillia. The Tier 3 programs include a Development Charge Grant Program, a Tax Increment Grant Program and a Brownfields Tax Assistance Grant Program with more than $700,000 in DTCIP funding available.

“We see an opportunity to work with the development community to further spur the revitalization of the City’s core with our new Tier 3 program,” said Mayor Steve Clarke. “The creation of new jobs and housing in downtown Orillia is not only good for the core, but also critical for building a vibrant community and healthy economy for the whole city. We encourage anyone interested in the program to register now to attend the workshop on May 10 to learn more.”

The first application deadlines is May 25 for Tier 1 and Tier 2 grant programs and Aug. 10 is the last deadline for all grant programs in Tiers 1, 2 and 3.

Before applying, applicants must take part in a mandatory pre-consultation with city staff.

“With more than 100 acres of brownfield in the city’s core, the new Tier 3 DTCIP grant programs have the potential to stimulate new projects in the CIP project area,” said Laura Thompson, senior manager of business development.

“The new DTCIP grant programs are geared towards those large properties in downtown Orillia that, if developed, could make a significant contribution to our housing and employment needs.”

Since the DTCIP program’s inception, staff have approved 44 applications and granted more than $1.1 million to local businesses to stimulate private investment and revitalize the downtown core.

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