Community Improvement Plan Application Guide

• Review the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) program document focusing on Appendix A – Schedule of Program Details.
• Develop a detailed project description that aligns with the CIP objectives and eligibility criteria
• Schedule a pre-consultation with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism to confirm eligibility and discuss your project.
• Verify that your property and business are in good standing: no tax arrears, no outstanding municipal by-law infractions (fire, building, zoning, property standards). 

• CIP programs provide matching grants for eligible improvements
• Grants cover up to 50% of eligible costs, subject to program-specific minimums/maximums
• There are two priority areas:  
  • CIP Priority Zone 1: Rockland Commercial Core Area  
  • CIP Priority Zone 2: Bourget Village Core (as per Bourget OP)  
• Funding is not retroactive; work completed prior to application approval is not eligible
• The scope of work should remain the same throughout the entire process. Major changes to the scope of work may result in rejection of your application or funds not being issued. 

• Applicant and property owner details
• Business and property information
• Detailed project description: what improvements you plan, how the project aligns with CIP goals and program(s) criteria, and community benefits
• Property Owner Permission (if tenant) 

1. Submit a Pre-Consultation form to book a pre-application consultation.
2. Complete the online application form during an application period.
3. Upload all required supporting documents as one PDF package. 

The supporting documents verify project details, confirm program eligibility, illustrate the proposed work, and help assess feasibility with municipal regulations. 

Please bundle all supporting documents into one PDF package for submission.

• Visuals: Before photos and proposed after visuals (drawings, mockups)
• Plans: Layouts, measurements, materials, etc.
• Cost Estimates: Comparable estimates from professional contractors* 
• Appendix F - Funding Summary:

To ensure the funding requested accurately reflects the scope of the work, we require comparable estimates for each component of your project.  

All estimates must:

• Be prepared by a professional contractor
• Match the scope of work described in your project proposal
• Only include the cost of what is eligible under the program
• Be comparable (i.e., based on the same scope of work)
• Be submitted in the quantity required for your specific CIP program:
  • Programs 1, 2, and 3 require two (2) estimates
  • Program 4 requires three (3) estimates

Example: For a Primary Façade Improvement project with window and siding replacement you would need to provide the following:

• two comparable estimates for the window replacement of the primary facade
• two comparable estimates for the siding replacement of the primary facade

Please review and complete all applicable steps before submitting your application.

Step 1: Pre-Consultation Meeting (Required)

• Schedule and complete a Pre-Consultation Meeting with the City’s Economic Development and Tourism Team
• Confirm program eligibility, project scope, and timing

All applicants must complete a pre-consultation meeting before submitting an application.

Step 2: Review Program Requirements

• Read the Community Improvement Plan – General Eligibility Requirements
• Review Appendix A: Schedule of Program Details for the program(s) you are applying for
• Confirm your property and proposed work are eligible

Step 3: Written Authorization (If Applicable)

If you are not the registered property owner, include a written authorization letter from the property owner allowing you to apply and complete the proposed work. They will also be required to sign the Funding Agreement should your application be successful.

If the property owner is a corporation:

• Include the signing officer’s name and title
• Include the corporate seal or confirmation of signing authority

Step 4: Drawings, Plans, and Photos

• Attach drawings or plans showing the proposed improvements
• Attach current photos of the property where the work will take place

Step 5: Cost Estimates / Quotations

• Provide detailed estimates or quotations from licensed contractors for each trade
• Ensure costs are clearly broken down

Required number of quotes:

• Programs 1, 2, and 3: Minimum 2 quotes per trade
• Program 4: Minimum 3 quotes per trade

Step 6: Complete the CIP Application Form

• Complete all sections of the application form
• Ensure all required information, documents, and signatures are included
• Incomplete applications may result in delays or refusal.

Step 7: Prepare Your Submission

• Combine all supporting documents into one PDF file if submitting online
• Prepare one complete printed package if submitting in person
• Clearly label all documents (e.g., Estimate #1 – Façade Improvement Grant)

Step 8: Submit Your Application

Submit your complete application before the intake closing date (April 24, 2026).

Submission options:

• Online: choisir-choose.clarence-rockland.com
• In person: Client Services Desk 1560 rue Laurier Street Rockland, ON K4K 1P7

Step 9: Keep a Copy

Retain a copy of your application and all supporting documents for your records

Step 10: After Submission

1. City staff will contact you following pre-screening if additional information is required:
2. Your application is reviewed by City staff, the Economic Development Advisory Committee, and Municipal Council.
3. You will be notified of the decision, including any conditions of approval and the approved funding amount.
4. If approved, you will be required to enter into a funding agreement with the City before proceeding.
5. Funding payment will be disbursed according to the requirements of the approved program once all conditions are met. 

Agent/Applicant Information

• First and Last Name
• Mailing Address
• Phone
• Email
• Business Name
• How did you hear about the CIP program?

Registered Property Owner Information (if different from the applicant)

• First and Last Name
• Mailing Address
• Phone
• Email

Primary contact for the purposes of this application and project:

• Registered Property Owner
• Agent/Applicant 

• Please provide a description of your business (history, year established, core business, changes in ownership, primary clients and markets):
• Municipal Address:  
• Assessment Roll Number:
• Current zoning designation:
• Brief description of current use of subject property (including businesses, # units, and general condition, lot and plan number, etc.):  
• Is the property located on a corner lot? If yes, indicate the two streets.
• Is your property a designated heritage building?
  • Yes
  • No
• What is the current state of the building?  
  • Vacant
  • Occupied
  • Other:
• Have you recently started and/or completed other improvements to your property? If yes, please provide a list of work already completed or started. 

• Do you have a valid City of Clarence-Rockland Business License? Please provide the Business License number.
• Does the subject property have any property taxes in arrears, outstanding orders/violations, and/or fines registered? Please select all that apply.
  • Fire code
  • Building code
  • Property Standards
  • Zoning by-law infractions
  • Other municipal by-law infractions
  • Tax in arrears
  • I am not sure
• If you selected any violations above, please provide details for each.
• Are any easements, restrictive covenants, right-of-way, or other registered agreements affecting the subject property?
• Has an application for planning approval and/or building permit, or any additional required permits, related to the community improvement works described above been submitted to date? If yes, have any of these approvals or authorizations been received?
• Have grants previously been received from the Municipality for the subject property? If yes, please describe the total amount of grants.
• Have you secured, or do you plan to apply for any other grants and government funding for this proposed project? If yes, please list the other grants and the status of your application.
• Have you recently started and/or completed other improvements to your property? If yes, please provide a list of work already completed or started.: 

• Approximate Construction Start Date:  
• Approximate Construction End Date:
• Please provide a detailed description of the proposed improvements.:

Example of a detailed project description:

Façade Improvement – Siding Replacement
The project involves replacing the existing exterior siding on the primary street-facing façade of the building at 123 Rockland Street. The current siding is dated and showing signs of deterioration. Work will include removal and disposal of the old materials, preparation of the façade surface, and installation of new [material type] siding by a professional contractor. No structural changes are proposed; the work focuses solely on updating the exterior finish of the primary façade.

• How does the project meet the goals and rationale of the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) as a whole and of the specific program(s) you are applying for?

Example of an answer:

• How does your project provide an improvement for the community?  

Example of an answer: