Last chance to apply for City’s Downtown Tomorrow grant program in 2021

Property owners and tenants in Orillia’s downtown core, take note – Orillia’s Downtown Tomorrow Community Improvement Plan (DTCIP) Grant Program final intake deadline of 2021 is coming soon. 

The DTCIP, now in its fifth year, encourages growth in the core of the city by providing grants designed to stimulate development. Council approved $240,000 for the 2021 grant program to offset costs related to façade improvements, signage, feasibility studies, building improvements and the creation of residential units. 

“Over the past five years, we have seen great transformations take place through the Downtown Tomorrow grant program,” said Mayor Steve Clarke. “These projects include new commercial spaces, redevelopment of vacant buildings, additional residential units, and beyond. This not only spurs revitalization of our City’s core, but also creates jobs, creates housing, and stimulates local spending that is put back into our local economy.” 

The third and final application deadline of 2021 is Oct. 29, 2021. Before applying, applicants must attend a mandatory virtual community workshop. The next workshop is taking place on Sept. 28, 2021 from 4 to 5 p.m. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend this workshop to learn more about the DTCIP programs and funding amounts, as well as how to fill out their application. 

Registration for the workshop is open at Orillia.ca/downtownCIP. 

“Approximately $120,000 remains available in 2021 for allocation to eligible applicants to make their visions a reality,” said Laura Thompson, Senior Manager of Business Development. “This is a great opportunity for a local business to use grant funds over the winter season to make interior improvements, expand their interior commercial areas, and/or bring upper residential units up to code.” 

For more information on the DTCIP Grant Program, contact the City of Orillia Business Development Division at 705-325-4900, or visit Orillia.ca/downtowncip.

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Laura Thompson
Senior Manager of Business Development
705-325-4900
lthompson@orillia.ca

Jennifer Ruff
Director of Business Development and Communications
705-325-8929
705-238-9209 (cell)
jruff@orillia.ca