Community Improvement Plans

What is a Community Improvement Plan (CIP)?

A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a tool that can help revitalize defined areas within a community by providing programs, such as grants that are strategically designed to help achieve the goals and objectives identified for that area by the municipality.

Does the Town have a Community Improvement Plan (CIP)?

The Town of Ajax has two Community Improvement Plan (CIP) areas – the Downtown CIP area and the Pickering Village CIP area – which have been designated in the Town of Ajax Official Plan. The programs available within each CIP provide financial incentives to property owners designed to inspire the continued improvement of these two areas and support the introduction of desired uses and urban forms.

Downtown Community Improvement Plan

The Downtown Ajax Community Improvement Plan (CIP) was first adopted by Council in 2005 and was amended in 2023. Its programs are aligned with the policies of the Town of Ajax Official Plan and are designed to enhance Downtown Ajax by strengthening its vibrancy, accessibility and economic viability.

 The Downtown Community Improvement Plan (CIP) includes the following programs and financial incentives:

• The Municipal Property Acquisition, Investment and Partnership Program helps establish public and private partnerships to ensure the optimized redevelopment of properties within the Downtown CIP area;
• The Commercial Property Accessibility and Beautification Grant Program provides financial assistance to owners of commercial and institutional properties for improving accessibility and/or the general visual appearance of their businesses; and
• The Patio Grant Program provides financial assistance to owners of commercial properties for the construction of permanent patios to enhance streetscape character and activity.

UPDATE: The framework for the Downtown CIP was approved by Town of Ajax Council on November 27, 2023. However, funding to support the program is considered annually as part of the Town's Operating Budget. At the present time, the Town of Ajax Operating Budget does not include any funding for the Downtown CIP. Any future decisions to allocate funding as part of the Operation Budget will be outlined here.

Pickering Village Community Improvement Plan

The Pickering Village CIP was first adopted by Council in 2013 and was amended in 2023. Its programs are aligned with the policies of the Town of Ajax Official Plan and are designed to attract uses that will make the Village the cultural centre of the Town, while also supporting and investing in its wealth of heritage assets.

 The Pickering Village Community Improvement Plan (CIP) includes the following programs and financial incentives:

• The Façade Improvement Grant Program promotes the sensitive redesign and restoration of existing building facades to enhance the image of the area;
• The Sign Grant Program promotes the installation of new signage that is sensitive to the character of Pickering Village and improves the streetscape;
• The Commercial Property Accessibility Grant Program facilitates improved accessibility for commercial and institutional buildings and properties;
• The Interior Renovation Grant Program promotes the renovation of interior spaces in existing buildings to support desired land uses;
• The Patio Grant Program promotes the construction of permanent patios to enhance streetscape character and activity; and
• The Cash-in-Lieu of Parking Equivalency Grant Program provides grants equal in value to cash-in-lieu of parking payments for desired land uses where on-site parking facilities are not feasible.

UPDATE: The framework for the Pickering Village CIP was approved by Town of Ajax Council on November 27, 2023. However, funding to support the program is considered annually as part of the Town's Operating Budget. At the present time, the Town of Ajax Operation Budget does not include any funding for the Pickering Village CIP. Any future decisions to allocate funding as part of the Operating Budget will be outlined here.

Contacts

If you have any questions please contact Planning Services at 905-619-2529 ext. 3631.