Strong start to 2026!
We’re kicking off 2026 with momentum, opportunity, and a shared commitment to supporting the growth of our business community. This year begins with the return of the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) with a Spring Intake for applications. This program gives businesses across Clarence‑Rockland the chance to tap into funding that fuels revitalization and long‑term growth.
Get ready for the spring CIP funding window, this issue of The Slice shares insights, timelines, and tools you need. We’re excited to start the year alongside you, let’s build a thriving 2026 together!
Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
Spring 2026 Intake
We are pleased to announce that the CIP program will open for a new intake period this spring. Below, you will find key dates to note, along with helpful information and tips to support your understanding of the program, guide your application preparation, and assist you in applying for funding.
Important dates:
Pre-consultation Meetings: February 17 to March 20, 2026
Application intake period: March 23 to April 24, 2026
Keep reading to learn more!
Book your pre-consultation now!
What is a CIP?
A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a tool that cities and towns in Ontario can use under the Planning Act. It helps a municipality focus on improving specific areas that need renewal or development. With a CIP, a municipality can offer things like grants, loans, or other programs to encourage businesses and property owners to invest in upgrades, new construction, or redevelopment that supports the community’s goals.
A CIP creates a supportive environment for existing businesses and can also help attract new ones. The City of Clarence-Rockland is committed to growing its economy and supporting commercial and industrial development.
What are the eligibility criteria?
Below is a simplified overview of the eligibility criteria. Applicants must meet all the following requirements:
- Must have a valid City of Clarence-Rockland Business License at the time of application.
- Must be located within the City of Clarence-Rockland.
- The business must be in good standing with the City, with no by-law violations, no property tax arrears, no outstanding municipal fees, and no ongoing litigation.
- Projects must not be started or completed
- Businesses must not have received funding for the same program in any previous CIP intake.
Priority zones:
The priority zones focus on the core urban areas of the City’s two main communities, especially where older buildings are concentrated along main streets. These areas will receive funding priority under the programs.
Priority Zone 1: Commercial properties in Rockland located along Laurier Street and designated in Schedule A of the Official Plan of the Urban Area of the City of Clarene-Rockland as Commercial Core Area.
Priority Zone 2: Commercial properties in Bourget Champlain Street in Bourget and designated in the Bourget Official Plan (Bourget OP) as Village Core.
2025 CIP Recipients
Our first intake period for the new Community Improvement Plan took place last fall, and it was a great success. With the help of our Economic Development Advisory Committee, we approved funding for 12 projects:
- Bistro Chez Boulanger
- Accent Meuble
- Plomberie GD
- Sublime Esthetique
- Cafe Joyeux
- CIFEO Inc.
- Laviolette Flowers
- Simply Yoga
- RiverRock Inn Hotel
- Rona Hammond
- Espada Tattoo
- New Beginnings Church
- Rona Rockland
In total, $136,345 was awarded to support initiatives that will help revitalize our community and strengthen our local businesses.
Stay tuned as we highlight these projects and share the stories behind them.
Grow with confidence - Explore funding
- Rural Ontario Development Program : Get funding to help create strong businesses, boost economic growth, protect jobs, and improve infrastructure in small communities.
- Save on Energy - Retrofit Program : Get financial incentives to upgrade equipment that will lower energy costs, improve productivity, and support your business’s sustainability goals.
- RTO 9’s Partnership Fund : The intent of the partnership allocation is to encourage collaboration between the RTO and a variety of partners to leverage regional resources and to support new or incremental tourism activities that support the implementation of the RTO’s operations plan.
Start learning - Fuel your business growth
- Strategic Planning for Your Organization – Webinar Series Ready to strengthen your organization’s effectiveness and leadership?
- First Steps before Writing an Effective Funding Proposal: A blog post walks you through how to organize your thoughts, so you can communicate your idea clearly and lay out the foundation for an effective project proposal.
- Destination Discovery Series: Tourism operators: meet the people who can help grow your business! Join RTO 9’s Destination Discovery Series to connect with MTCG, your DMO/DMP/DMMO & the team at RTO 9!
Stay Connected and Grow with Us
We trust you’ll find the resources and information in this newsletter valuable. Help us grow our network by sharing our newsletter with other businesses or individuals who might be interested.
Please reach out to our dedicated team who are ready to assist with your investment, expansion plans and tourism needs.
ecodev@clarence-rockland.com
613-446-6022 ext. 2110