Before submitting an application, applicants are required to contact our Economic Development staff to discuss:

• Program eligibility.
• Applicable Community Improvement Project Area (Schedule A-1, A-2, or A-3).
• Proposed scope of work.
• Project timing and readiness.
• Required permits and approvals.
• Supporting documentation requirements.
• Applicable development timelines.

This pre-consultation ensures applicants understand which CIP program applies to their project and what information must be submitted to avoid delays. Please contact Evan at evatri@kincardine.ca or call 519-385-5961.

Find links to CIP application forms under the appropriate grant listing above. A complete application includes:

• Fully completed application form
• All required supporting documentation
• Cost estimates or professional quotes
• Site plans, drawings, renderings, or study scopes as applicable
• Proof of property ownership or lease agreement
• Photographs of existing conditions where applicable

Municipal staff will:

1. Verify eligibility within the applicable Schedule Area
2. Review supporting documentation
3. Evaluate the application using the approved points-based scoring matrix

Applications meeting the minimum recommended score threshold will be advanced.

Staff will then present a report to council that includes:

1. Summary of the proposed project
2. Staff scoring and analysis
3. Funding recommendation

Council will review the staff report and make the final decision on the application.

Final decisions rest solely with Council. There is no appeal process.

Applications brought forward for Council consideration may become public documents. Applicants may be required to attend a Council meeting to present their proposal and answer questions.

If approved, the applicant will be required to enter into a formal agreement with the Municipality of Kincardine outlining:

1. Approved scope of work
2. Funding amount
3. Development timelines
4. Repayment conditions
5. Default provisions
6. Reporting requirements

No funding is provided until the agreement is executed.

• Application Intake 1 closes: Friday, August 28, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
• Application Intake 2 closes: Friday, October 16, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

• A-1: Municipal-wide CIP Area
• A-2: Downtown Kincardine's CIP Area
• A-3: Downtown Tiverton's CIP Area

A-1 Programs involve longer-term development and redevelopment projects and are subject to formal development timelines.

• Development Timeline Requirement for A-1

The Recipient agrees that the proposed development project must be substantially commenced within five (5) years of the date of execution of the agreement.

Substantial commencement is defined through the Development Application Stage Timeline. At minimum, the project must reach Stage Four (4) – Building and Development Conditions within five (5) years.

• Development Timeline Requirement for A-2 and A-3

The approved project must be completed within twelve (12) months of Council approval.

No variations from the approved project are permitted without written approval from Council.

Any changes to the approved proposal or circumstances that materially affect the project’s objectives, activities, outcomes, or total cost must be re-negotiated with the Municipality.

Unauthorized changes may result in funding reduction, cancellation, or full repayment of funds.

If construction has not commenced on the earlier of: (i) the date the Municipality of Kincardine reasonably determines that construction will not move forward; or (ii) within five (5) years from the date of execution of the agreement, the Recipient shall repay the full CIP grant amount to the Municipality of Kincardine together with interest at the prime rate of the Bank of Canada.

If the CIP Grant Debt is not repaid:

• The amount may be added to the tax roll of properties within the Municipality of Kincardine owned by the Recipient.
• The principal of the Recipient shall personally guarantee repayment.

Failure to comply with project timelines or deliver the approved scope of work may result in the Municipality exercising its right to recover all funds disbursed.

• Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
• Funding is subject to Council approval and available budget.
• Applicants are responsible for all permits, approvals, and regulatory compliance.
• Applications are evaluated using a transparent, measurable scoring matrix.
• Staff recommendations are provided through a public report to Council.

The Municipality of Kincardine’s CIP process is designed to be transparent, accountable, and strategic, ensuring that municipal investment delivers measurable economic and community benefit.