Downtown CIP Updates Currently Underway
The City of Welland has initiated a significant update to its existing Downtown and Health and Wellness Cluster CIP. The goal is to create a new innovative and transformative CIP. For more information on the progress of this work or to participate in public engagement opportunities, please visit our Downtown and Surrounding Area CIP Update page.
Downtown and Health & Wellness Cluster Community Improvement Plan
The Downtown and Health and Wellness Cluster CIP promotes the revitalization of Welland’s downtown through private sector investment, a focus on mixed-use development within transit supported areas, and the promotion of desired uses to strengthen Welland’s health and wellness resources. Several financial incentive programs have been designed to stimulate private sector investment activity in the revitalization and redevelopment of the project area. Eligible works for the incentive program must conform to the City’s Urban Design Guidelines.
Urban Design Study Grant
Provides a grant equal to 50 per cent of the cost for an urban design study and/or professional architectural design drawing(s) up to $2,500 per property or project.
Façade Improvement Grant
Provides a grant equal to 50 per cent of the cost of eligible façade projects to eligible buildings to a maximum grant per property or project of $12,500. A separate grant equal to 50 per cent of the cost of eligible side and/or rear façade projects to eligible buildings up to a maximum grant of $7,500 per property or project may be provided where side and/or rear façades are highly visible. An additional grant focused on maintaining Welland’s cultural heritage is also available at Council’s discretion. This grant is applicable to any currently designated properties for 50 per cent of eligible costs up to $7,500.
Building Improvement Grant
Provides a grant equal to 50 per cent of the cost of eligible projects to a maximum grant of $12,500 per property or project. This grant applies to commercial, institutional, and mixed use buildings.
Residential Grant
Provides a grant equal to $15 per square foot of created or renovated residential space to a maximum grant of $15,000 per unit and a maximum of four units per property or project. The maximum grant per property or project is $60,000.
Tax Increment Grant (TIG)
Provides an annual tax increment based grant equal up to 80 per cent of the municipal (city and regional) property tax increase generated by the approved project for a period of 10 years.
Planning and Building Fees
Provides a grant equal to 100 per cent of all planning, building permit, and sign permit fees to a maximum total grant of $5,000 per property or project.
Development Charge Reduction
75 per cent reduction of city development charges within the CIP project area and an additional 25 per cent city development charge reduction is available for projects meeting development charge criteria. Eligible projects can receive up to a 50 per cent refund of payable regional development charges.