of bracebridge community improvement plan - document center

STATUTORY PUBLIC MEETING

Town of Bracebridge Community Improvement Plan

August 22, 2012

Purpose of the Presentation

• This is a Statutory Public Meeting for the proposed Town ofThis is a Statutory Public Meeting for the proposed Town of Bracebridge Community Improvement Plan (CIP).

• The purpose of this meeting is to receive comments on the CIP, pursuant to the provisions of the Ontario Planning Act.

Presentation Overview

• Background• Study Purpose/Process

h• Authority• Basis

• The Draft CIP• Project Areas• Goals and Objectives• Programs

l• Implementation

• Conclusion• Next Steps

Background to the Study

Background to the Study: Purpose

• This study has involved the review of the Town’s existing Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and the development of a new CIP.

• The following has been addressed:• The following has been addressed:• New planning tools in the Planning Act;

• Participation in the existing Town CIP;

• Investment attraction needs;

• Recent “branding” work; and

• New project areasNew project areas.

Background to the Study: Process

Phase Purpose Timing Deliverable

Phase One: Project Initiation Early February 2012 Consultation StrategyStrategy

Phase Two: Existing Plan and Program Review

February/March 2012

Consultation, Background review, and Goals, Objectives andObjectives and Options Report

Phase Three: New Community Improvement Plan

April to July 2012 Draft New Community Improvement PlanImprovement Plan

Phase Four: Council Adoption August/September 2012

Statutory Public Meeting, Final New Community Improvement PlanImprovement Plan

Background to the Study: Authority

• The authority for community improvement planning/tools comes from:• The Planning Act;g ;

• The Municipal Act; and

• The Development Charges Act.

• Section 28(2) of the Planning Act states that Council may, by by‐law, designate the whole or any part of a municipality as a Community Improvement Project Area.

Th M i i li h d C i I Pl• The Municipality may then prepare and use a Community Improvement Plan to make grants or loans to owners/tenants within the CIPA to pay for eligible costs (Section 28(7)).

Background to the Study: Basis

• Key enabling policies for community improvement in Bracebridge are provided by the Town’s Official Plan:• Section 11.3 establishes a set of criteria for the designation of Community

Improvement Project Areas; and

• Section 11.4 states that “Council may, by by‐law, designate lands in the Community Improvement Area as Community Improvement Project Area and shall undertake the preparation of a Community Improvement Plan for such area”.


• A number of documents were consulted for relevant background information:• Destination Development Community Assessment Report (2011);

C it B d St t i Pl (2008)• Community‐Based Strategic Plan (2008);

• Community Adjustment Plan (2008);

• Comprehensive Zoning By‐law (2006‐120, as amended);

• Town of Bracebridge Official Plan (2005);

• Business Improvement Area Community Improvement Plan (2005);

• Bracebridge Architectural Façade Guidelines and Signage Design Guidelines (1992);

• Town of Bracebridge Properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, 1974; and

• Applications received and approved under the former Façade and Signage Improvement Programs.


• Community consultation completed as part of this study:as part of this study:• A survey of businesses located within

the BIA and CBD;

• A Public Open House;• A Public Open House;

• Two Stakeholder Focus Groups; and

• A meeting with the current and former members of the Façade andformer members of the Façade and Signage Advisory Committee.

Background to the Study: Report

• In March 2012, a Goals, Objectives, and Options Report was prepared, which summarized background research andsummarized background research and presented key recommendations.

The Draft CIP

The Draft CIP: Critical Needs

• Why a new CIP?• The existing CIP has a narrow focus on beautification;

• There is an opportunity to address broader community improvement and local economic development issues;

• Promotion of existing financial incentive programs• Promotion of existing financial incentive programs has not been effective;

• Some revisions to existing financial incentive programs should be made;programs should be made;

• New incentives and municipal leadership programs can be offered throughout the Town.

The Draft CIP: Project Areas

• The CIPA for the new Bracebridge CIP includes all lands located within the M i i l b dMunicipal boundary:

- Commercial, industrial, business, and mixed‐use areas within the Urban Area;

- Tourist commercial/resort properties located within the Town’s rural area (i.e., High Falls Resort Bangor Lodge and Santa’s Village);Resort, Bangor Lodge, and Santa s Village);

• The new CIPA has Sub‐Areas to respond to unique areas and needs.

The Draft CIP: Project Areas

The Draft CIP: Goals and Objectives

• Goals and objectives of the new Town of Bracebridge CIP:• More broadly address local y

economic development and community improvement needs/issues;

• Are strongly aligned with the Town’s Community‐Based Strategic Plan and Community Adjustment Plan (2008) andAdjustment Plan (2008) and recent branding efforts; and

• Are supported by set of targets for the purpose of monitoring.

The Draft CIP: Goals and Objectives

• Goals and objectives:• Mission and Vision Alignment;

• Overall Community Improvement;

• Economic Expansion;p ;

• Tax Base Enhancement;

• Supporting Entrepreneurship;

• Branding Alignment; and• Branding Alignment; and

• Specific Area Improvements.

The Draft CIP: Municipal Leadership

• The new Bracebridge CIP includes identifies a number of municipally‐led programs that are intended to:programs that are intended to:• Contribute to, motivate, and assist in private sector investment; and

• Demonstrate proactive and visible leadership in achieving community improvement goalsgoals.

• The Municipal Leadership Programs may or may not be implemented, subject to il bl f d / ( ith t th d f d t )available funds/resources (without the need for amendments).

The Draft CIP: Municipal Leadershipp p

Initiative Details Anticipated Timing

Exploration of District Participation in this CIP

Explore opportunities for District participation in CIPS/financial incentives.

High Priority – undertake immediately

Identification and Targeting/Marketing of Priority Sites

Identify specific properties that are key priorities for development/redevelopment and eligible for certain incentives. Properties such as key tourist commercial/resort sites (i.e., Bangor Lodge), and the former BMLSS

High Priority – on‐going

Establishment of a Municipal Heritage Committee

Appoint a Municipal Heritage Committee that would assist with decisions on properties of cultural heritage value or interest.

High Priority – within 2 years of implementation

Development of Urban Prepare new UDG in order to provide guidance on a wider High Priority – within 2Development of Urban Design Guidelines (UDG)

Prepare new UDG in order to provide guidance on a wider range of design issues more broadly throughout the Town.

High Priority within 2 years of implementation

Development of a Downtown Master Plan

Phase 1: Create a comprehensive plan/ conceptual design for the CBD/Riverfront. Phase 2: Examine the need /options for

Medium/High Priority –within 2‐4 years of

and Parking Studyp

additional parking.y

implementation

The Draft CIP: Municipal Leadershipp p

Initiative Details Anticipated Timing

Development of a “Key Corridors” Streetscape Master Plan

Establish a Vision and designs for public landscapes/ streetscapes, focusing on main streets leading to the CBD.

Medium/High Priority –within 2‐4 years of implementationMaster Plan implementation

Enhancement or Expansion of the Town’s existing Small Business Centre

Existing centre could be enhanced (additional business support, shared services, and physical space and facilities) or expanded through partnerships with Georgian College or Nipissing University

Medium Priority – within 4‐5 years of implementation

Business Centre Nipissing University.

Development of a Pedestrian/Cycling/ Trails Master Plan

Develop a blueprint for trails infrastructure and identify ways to make Bracebridge a better and safer place for walking and cycling.

Medium Priority – within 4‐5 years of implementation

Preparation of a Traffic Circulation Study for “The Flats”

Identify and resolve parking, traffic and safety issues in conjunction with the District and certain private landowners.

Medium/low Priority –beyond 5 years of implementation

Development of Town‐ Identify Town‐wide standards for the new development of Medium/low Priority –Development of Townwide Green Development Standards

Identify Town wide standards for the new development of green buildings.

Medium/low Priority beyond 5 years of implementation

The Draft CIP: Financial Incentives

• The new CIP includes a wider range of financial incentives that are intended to:• Induce private sector investment in buildings and properties; and

• Help achieve the goals and objectives of this PlanHelp achieve the goals and objectives of this Plan.

• Incentives have been identified in the form of tax assistance, grants, loans, and rebates that have been used elsewhere in Ontario.

• A 3 Ti d Fi i l I ti St t i t t “t l b ” f• A 3‐Tiered Financial Incentive Structure is meant to serve as a “tool‐box” for the Town.

• The Town may or may not use any of the incentive programs over the life of the ( h h d f d )CIP (without the need for amendments).

The Draft CIP: Financial Incentives

Tier Program Applicability Availability

1 Priority Site Priority Sites as identified by Depending on eligibility, each incentive application may be approved for all three (3) Tier 1 incentive programs.

1 Incentives the Town Tier 1 incentives may not be combined with Tier 2 or 3 incentives.

Depending on eligibility, each incentive application may be approved for a maximum of two (2) Tier 2 and/or Tier

2 Sub‐Area Incentives

Eligible properties located within the CIP Sub‐Areas

be approved for a maximum of two (2) Tier 2 and/or Tier 3 incentives.

A maximum municipal contribution for any combination of incentives will be $15,000 per application.

3 Comprehensive Incentives

Eligible properties located within the larger CIPA

Depending on eligibility, each incentive application may be approved for a maximum of two (2) Tier 2 and/or Tier 3 incentives.

A maximum municipal contribution for any combination of incentives will be $15,000 per application.

The Draft CIP: Tier 1 Financial Incentives

Eligible Area

Brownfield Financial Tax Assistance

Development Charge Rebate Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG)

Priority Offered in accordance with the A full or partial rebate to property A grant to property owners whosePriority Sites ‐ as Identified by the Town

Offered in accordance with the Municipal Act, with participation from the Province.

The Town may pass by‐laws for the cancellation of all or a portion of the

A full or partial rebate to property owners for Municipal development charges.

Grants may be equal to up to 100% of the Municipal development

A grant to property owners whose property tax has increased as a result of a substantial development, redevelopment, or rehabilitation project.p

taxes for municipal and school purposes.

Eligible properties include brownfields that are contaminated.

p pcharges.

There is potential for the District of Muskoka to participate.

Grants may be equal to up to 100% of the Municipal portion of the tax increase in year one, decreasing by 10% in following years for a ten year period

Up to 100% of the Municipal portion of the property taxes may be frozen or cancelled and matched by the Province.

years for a ten year period.


Façade Improvement Grant/Loan

Signage Improvement Grant

Housing Rehabilitation and Conversion G t/L

Property Improvement Grant/Loan

Mixed‐use Conversion Grant/Loan

Grant/Loan Up to 50% of the cost of façade improvements.

Maximum $5,000 loan &

Up to 50% of the cost of signage improvements or replacement.

Up to 50% of the construction cost of rehabilitated or converted units.

Up to 50% of the cost of property improvements.

Maximum $4,000 loan &

Up to 50% of costs for the conversion of single‐dwelling homes to commercial and/or $ ,

$5,000 grant.

Maximum $15,000 for buildings with multiple storefronts or more than

Maximum $2,000 in the form of a grant.

Maximum $4,000 for buildings with multiple

Maximum $3,000 loan & $3,000 grantper unit.

$ ,$4,000 grant.

Maximum $15,000 for improvements to shared landscapes

/residential units.

Maximum $3,750 loan & $3,750 grant per unitstorefronts or more than

one wall visible from a public street or where original/heritage features are being

buildings with multiple street addresses, storefronts, or walls visible from a public road or open space.

Maximum of 2 units.landscapes, streetscapes, parking, and entrances by multiple property owners.

unit.

Maximum of 2 new units.

restored.


CIP Sub‐AreaFaçade Improvement Grant/Loan

Signage Improvement Grant

Housing Rehabilitation & Conversion

/

Property Improvement Grant/Loan

Mixed‐Use/Commercial Conversion

/Grant/Loan Grant Grant/Loan Grant/Loan Grant/Loan

Central Business District

District Shopping pp gArea (“The Flats”) x x

Mixed‐Use Areas x

Business Areax x x xx x x x

Industrial Areax x x x

Special Purpose Commercial Area x x x xCommercial Area x x x x


Eligible Area

Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG)

Development Charge Rebate for Design Elements

Heritage Property Tax Relief

Fee Rebate

Eligible Same as Tier 1 Program. Partial rebate to Provides a reduction in Rebate may be provided commercial, industrial, or mixed‐use properties Town‐wide

The value of grants may be less significant than for priority sites.

l f h

property owners for development charges in exchange for meeting certain built form design elements as

municipal property taxes for locally designated heritage buildings, where approved restoration and conservation work has

equal to (up to) 100% of fees required for:• Official Plan Amendment;•Zoning By‐law Amendment;Town wide For example, 100% of the

increment could be granted back in year 1, decreasing by 20% for 5 year period.

design elements, as identified by the Town.

Rebates are provided in the form of grants.

conservation work has been successfully completed.

Grant may be equivalent to10 40% reduction in the

Amendment;•Minor Variance;•Site Plan Approval;•Demolition permit fees; Tipping fees;

ildi i fy p

May be equivalent to 10‐40% rebate of development charges paid by the applicant.

to10‐40% reduction in the municipal portion of the post‐restoration property taxes .

Will apply for a 5 year

•Building permit fees; •Cash‐in‐lieu of parkland; and

• other fees as approved by CIAC/Council.Will apply for a 5‐year

period.

/

There may be an opportunity for the District to participate


Eligible Area

Building Improvement Grant/Loan

Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grant/Loan

Artwork Loan Business/Development Study or Plan Grant

Eligible commercial,

Grant/loan for building improvements (such as

Grant/loan to assist with energy efficiency retrofits

Loan of up to $3,000 for installation of permanent

Grants for the completion of a range of studies or

industrial, or mixed‐use properties Town‐wide

structural repairs; repair/ replacement of infrastructure, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, fire protection systems;

to buildings, which will result in a measurable and verifiable reduction in energy use.

outdoor artwork/murals/ sculptures on eligible private property.

Eligible projects will

plans that will investigate the potential of or support a new business or development project.

Town‐wide protection systems; weatherproofing; removal of barriers to access; and other improvements).

Up to 50% of the retrofit cost.

Commercial and mixed‐$

Eligible projects will include artwork/ murals/sculptures that promote the Town’s new brand, which emphasizes

Up to 50% of the cost.

Maximum of $5,000.

Up to 50% of the cost.

Maximum $5,000 interest free loan and $5,000 grant.

use: Maximum $3,750 loan & $3,750 grant.

Industrial: Maximum $5,000 interest free loan &

cottage lifestyles and Muskoka living.

grant. $5,000 interest free loan & a $5,000 grant.

The Draft CIP: Implementationp

• It is anticipated that the Bracebridge Community Improvement Plan will be implemented over a 10‐year period.

• A Community Improvement Implementation Committee (CIIC) will be appointed by Council to implement, market, and report on the results of the CIP.

• Council will identify a community improvement budget for Financial Incentive Programs that have been put into effect for that year (if any).

• Eligibility criteria and application requirements must be fulfilled by applicants inEligibility criteria and application requirements must be fulfilled by applicants in order to receive financial incentives.

• Projects must be consistent with the goals and objectives of the CIP.

Conclusion and Next Stepsp

Conclusion

• The Bracebridge CIP:• Will encourage private investment within key commercial areas;

• Is comprehensive;

• Is flexible;;

• Is strongly aligned with Economic Development strategies; and

• Demonstrates that the Town is pro‐development and committed.

Next Stepsp

• Revisions to the Draft BracebridgeCommunity Improvement Plan basedCommunity Improvement Plan based on public and agency comments.

• Presentation to Development Services Committee for Adoption (September 12, 2012).

• Ratification by Council (September 19th, 2012).

• Implementation by the Town (application forms, program guidelines, etc.).

STATUTORY PUBLIC MEETING

Town of Bracebridge Community Improvement Plan

August 22, 2012

of bracebridge community improvement plan - document center

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