The Municipality of Brockton last updated its Community Improvement Plan (CIP) in 2022 to add incentives for business owners, and to expand the area. The CIP provides a framework to encourage the rehabilitation and repurposing of existing commercial, industrial, institutional and heritage buildings and structures, improvement of commercial signage and facades, energy efficiencies, accessibility improvements, and the redevelopment of vacant and underutilized properties and buildings, particularly for projects that address the need for more attainable housing. As such, regular reviews are carried out.
The CIP will be updated again in 2025 to support additional housing development in Brockton. This aligns with the Municipality’s successful application to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Fund. Under this fund, Brockton will receive access to $3.4 million which can be allocated towards infrastructure that supports new and existing residents, supports programs and policies to advance needed units, and increases the available supply for attainably priced units in the growing community of Brockton.
Four key action items are being pursued in the 2025 CIP update:
- Add affordable housing and additional residential units as eligible categories under existing grants.
- Create a Priority Housing Planning Application stream with development charge fee reductions.
- Include the new Tax Increment Equivalent Financing (TIEF) program as a grant stream and enable Bruce County participation.
- Update CIPA mapping for clarity and expand inclusion to all commercially zoned downtown Walkerton properties and applicable properties along settlement area roadways.
Community consultation will be incorporated as the CIP update progresses.