The Downtown Vitalization Community Improvement Plan (CIP) provides a comprehensive tool kit of financial incentive programs specifically designed to address the community improvement needs in Downtown Cobourg and, over time, will help achieve the vision for Downtown Cobourg as outlined in the Downtown Vitalization Action Plan and the Downtown Master Plan.
The plan includes eight funding opportunities that are designed to encourage private sector investment, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse redevelopment and construction activity in Downtown Cobourg. The incentives contained within the CIP include grants and/or interest-free loans for work proposed under these eight program areas. The program can be used individually or stacked together for a particular project(s).
Eligible applicants are building owners within the defined eligible project area as highlighted on the map below:
Study Grant Program |
Grant equal to 50% of the cost for an urban design study, professional architectural/design drawing(s), heritage impact assessment, and/or eligible feasibility study to a maximum grant of $2,500 per property/project. For additional information and eligiblity criteria see the Downtown Vitalization Community Improvement Plan document. |
Facade Improvement Grant/Loan Program |
Grant equal to 50% of the cost of eligible front facade and storefront improvement/ restoration works to a maximum grant per property/project of $12,500.
For additional information and elegiblity criteria see the Downtown Vitalization Community Improvement Plan document. |
Building Improvement Grant/Loan Program |
Grant equal to 50% of the cost of eligible building improvement works to commercial, institutional and mixed use buildings to a maximum grant per property/project of $12,500. AND/OR Loan equal to 70% of the cost of eligible building improvement works to commercial, institutional and mixed use buildings to a maximum loan per property/project of $25,000. Minimum loan of $5,000. For additional information and elegiblity criteria see the Downtown Vitalization Community Improvement Plan document. |
Residential Grant/Loan Program |
Grant equal to $15 per sq.ft. of residential space rehabilitated or created to a maximum grant of $15,000 per unit and a maximum of 4 units per property/project (maximum grant per property/ project is $60,000).
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Vitalization Tax Increment Grant Program |
Annual grant between 50% and 100% of the increase in municipal property taxes for up to 10 years after project completion. The project must result in a significant increase (see Appendix D of the CIP) in assessment and property taxes. |
Brownfields Tax Assistance Program |
Cancellation of part or all of the municipal property taxes and education property taxes for up to 3 years.
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Vitalization Development Charge Grant Program |
Grant equal to between 50% and 100% of the Town Development Charges normally payable for "catalytic projects". The project must result in a significant increase (see Appendix D of the CIP) in assessment and property taxes. |
Fees Grant Program |
Grant equal to 100% of the fees paid on planning and development applications, building permits, heritage permits for the renovation, restoration, rehabilitation and/or redevelopment of existing buildings, and sign permits. For new development, intensification, and additions, there is a maximum total grant of $5,000 per property/project. |
General Program Requirements |
All of the financial incentive programs contained in this CIP are subject to the following general requirements as well as the individual requirements specified under each program. The general and program specific requirements contained in this CIP are not necessarily exhaustive, and the Town reserves the right to include other requirements and conditions as deemed necessary on a program and/or property specific basis:
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Application Deadline |
The 2023 Community Improvement Plan application deadline is Thursday, August 31, 2023. |
Application Form |
Prior to starting your application process, we strongly encourage you to consult one of our Planning staff to ensure the eligibility of your project. To speak with a Town Planner planner: Email: msmirnova@cobourg.ca Phone: 905-372-1005
2023 Downtown Vitalization CIP Application Form
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Open House Session |
Join us for an open house to speak with Town Planners.
Thursday, July 6, 2023
5pm - 7pm (Drop-in) Venture13 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Centre 739 D'Arcy Street |
Contact Information |
For additional information regarding the Affordable and Rental Housing CIP or for assistance with your application, contact the Planning Department at: Victoria Hall, 2nd Floor |