Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter'
ADELAIDE METCALFE – The township’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP) will remain open for the remainder of 2025 despite a lack of applications during the initial intake period, following a unanimous decision by council at its June 16 meeting.
Council received a staff report outlining the outcomes of the new application window model introduced this year. CAO Morgan Calvert explained that while some interest was generated, no formal submissions were received, even after the original application deadline of April 30 was extended by an additional 30 days.
“We did receive some interest, but unfortunately (…) the funding envelope was just not enough to push the business case over that tipping point to see an application,” said Calvert. He noted that the current funding levels—up to $10,000—may not be sufficient to support the scale of projects businesses are considering.
The CIP, introduced in 2022 and revised in 2025 to include a defined application period, offers financial incentives to local business owners for projects such as façade improvements, accessibility upgrades, and site beautification. Calvert emphasized that despite the lack of applications, the program has proven useful as a conversation starter with businesses across the township.
Councillor Garett Kingma asked whether applicants were discouraged by the program’s financial limits. Calvert confirmed that was the case, particularly for businesses considering larger-scale upgrades. “It’s just trying to get them over that little hump,” he said.
Council voted unanimously to keep the program open using a rolling intake model. “We have a recommendation that council receive the CIP updated report for information, and further that council direct staff to keep the 2025 Community Improvement Plan program open and available for the remainder of the year,” said Mayor Sue Clarke before calling the vote.
A final report with possible revisions to funding levels and future improvements will be brought forward at the end of the year.
