by Deron Johnston
There was an open house at the North Grenville Public Library last Wednesday, April 5, from 5 pm to 7 pm, to provide information about the recently expanded Rideau-Sanders Community Improvement Plan. Stakeholders, building and business owners were encouraged to attend to find out more about the new CIP programs and to ask questions. Application packages were available for those who were interested.
The new Rideau-Sanders-Prescott CIP now includes Old Town Kemptville. The funding has been increased significantly from the previous CIP, to allow business and building owners in Old Town Kemptville to receive monetary incentives in the form of grants.
The deadline for the Facade, Landscape and Signage Grant Program is Friday, May 12, 2017. Applications are being accepted now. The last CIP was fully subscribed, so those who are eligible should apply as soon as they can. For more information, contact Teri Devine of the Economic Development Department at the Municipality of North Grenville.
Heather Lawless, of the Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation, was also on hand to help answer questions about their own programs, such as the Community Retrofit Loan Program. This program fits nicely with the CIP program and may provide qualified businesses and property owners with an interest-free loan of up to $10,000, amortized over five years.
John Barclay, of the Old Town Kemptville Business Improvement Area, provided information about the upcoming ‘Pop Up Shop’ program that the BIA is hoping to launch very soon. The program tries to encourage businesses to occupy some of the available commercial space in Downtown Kemptville on a temporary basis. The idea behind the program is to support these new businesses with marketing help and other tools that will lead to them signing long-term leases and remaining in Downtown Kemptville permanently.
