​Brockton updates Community Improvement Plan to support housing and community growth

The Municipality of Brockton has completed an update to its Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to introduce new and enhanced financial incentives that support the development of multi-unit and affordable housing on eligible properties across the municipality.

Jan. 13, Brockton council formally approved the updated CIP.

The CIP allows a municipality to target specific areas for strategic investment and improvement. Through the authority granted under the Planning Act and the Municipal Act, 2001, a CIP enables municipalities to offer local incentives, such as grants, loans, and property tax relief, to encourage redevelopment and community enhancement.

“This update to our Community Improvement Plan is about taking real, practical steps to address housing needs in Brockton,” said mayor Chris Peabody. “By expanding our incentives to support multi-unit and affordable housing, we’re creating opportunities for growth that reflect the needs of residents of all ages, household sizes, and income levels.”

The CIP update supports the implementation of initiatives funded through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Fund. Brockton was approved for up to $3.4-million under this fund to help address housing supply challenges by advancing studies, promoting appropriate growth, and supporting the development of diverse housing options.

“Housing affordability and availability are challenges being felt across the country,” said Peabody. “This funding allows Brockton to be proactive — planning responsibly, investing in infrastructure, and ensuring new housing aligns with the needs of our growing community.”

Brockton’s CIP now includes 10 incentive programs designed to encourage economic investment and support multi-unit and affordable housing development. Available programs include:
 

• Facade Improvement Grant
• Signage Improvement Grant
• Accessibility Improvement Grant
• Environmental Stewardship and Energy Efficiency Program
• Vacant and Under-utilized Properties Conversion/Expansion Grant
• Farm Gate Improvement Program
• Tax Increment Equivalent Funding Program
• Surplus Lands Program
• Land-banking Program
• Affordable Housing Reserve Fund

As part of its annual budget process, council determines the maximum funding allocation available for these programs each year. Eligible property and business owners in Brockton can apply for grants on a first come, first served basis. For information on how to apply visit: www.brockton.ca/business-development/community-development-projects/brockton-community-improvement/.

Eligible private landowners and commercial or retail tenants in Brockton may also apply to Bruce County’s Spruce the Bruce community development program, which is enabled locally through the CIP. Spruce the Bruce supports healthy and vibrant communities by providing funding for projects that enhance commercial areas and public spaces.

Applicants are encouraged to explore both Brockton’s CIP incentives and the county’s Spruce the Bruce program, noting that Spruce the Bruce is a separate application process reviewed and approved by Bruce County.

Spruce the Bruce applications are available at: investinbruce.ca/why-invest/grants-and-incentives/.