Before submitting an application, applicants are required to contact the Municipality’s Economic Development staff to discuss:

1. Program eligibility
2. Applicable Community Improvement Project Area (Schedule A-1, A-2, or A-3)
3. Proposed scope of work
4. Project timing and readiness
5. Required permits and approvals
6. Supporting documentation requirements
7. 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.

Applications are accepted on a continuous intake basis, subject to available budget.
A complete application must include:

1. Fully completed application form
2. All required supporting documentation
3. Cost estimates or professional quotes
4. Site plans, drawings, renderings, or study scopes as applicable
5. Proof of property ownership or lease agreement
6. Financing confirmation or funding plan
7. 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

Confirm compliance with program criteria and municipal objectives
Applications meeting the minimum recommended score threshold will be advanced.
Staff will prepare a public staff report that includes:

1. Summary of the proposed project
2. Staff scoring and analysis
3. Applicant self-score comparison
4. Funding recommendation

This report will be presented to Council for consideration.

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.

If approved, project timelines vary depending on the applicable Schedule Area.

Prior to submitting a completed application form, all applicants are required to arrange and participate in a pre-application consultation meeting with the Municipality’s Economic Development staff. This step helps ensure applications are complete and aligned with program requirements before being formally submitted.

To schedule a pre-application consultation, please contact, the Community Economic Development Coordinator at 519-385-5961 or preferably via e-mail.

A-1 Programs include:

• Predevelopment Study and Design CIP
• Surplus Land CIP

These programs involve longer-term development and redevelopment projects and are subject to formal development timelines.

Development Timeline Requirement

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.

Pre Consultation
Early-stage discussions and concept planning prior to formal submission.

Application Submitted / Applied
Formal development application received and under initial review.

Agreement / Approved
Planning approvals granted or required agreements executed. Project cleared to move toward implementation.

Building / Development Conditions
Active development work underway, including building permit issuance or fulfillment of development conditions. This stage reflects physical progress on site or administrative steps toward construction.

Completed
All conditions satisfied and project finalized.

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.

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.

Downtown Kincardine's CIP Area

Downtown Tiverton's CIP Area

• 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.