City looking for feedback on proposed amendments to Community Improvement Plans

NOTE: City of St. Catharines' public meetings for proposed Community Improvement Plan amendments have been rescheduled to a special City Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall. 

The City of St. Catharines wants to hear from residents on proposed amendments to the 2015 and 2020 Community Improvement Plans.

The amendments aim to provide flexibility in project completion deadlines and introduce new support measures for property improvements.

Key elements of the amendments include extensions to allow for project completion deadlines to be extended for projects that have substantially progressed under the Tax Increment Finance and Brownfield Tax Increment Finance programs in the 2015 and 2020 plans, giving staff the authority to approve extensions, requiring projects to enter into an agreement, and establishing delegated authority to revoke projects which have not entered into an agreement.

Through the Housing Accelerator Fund, the City is also proposing the introduction of increased grants to support the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units.

Public meetings by the City of St. Catharines for proposed Community Improvement Plan amendments have been rescheduled. A special City Council meeting has been called to consider these issues on Monday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 50 Church St. (on the third floor).

Feedback from the community at large will be welcome in person or electronically. Visit stcatharines.ca/Council for information on how to access and participate in the meeting, and how to request and make a delegation before Council.

The City is also accepting feedback in advance via:

https://www.engagestc.ca/CIPAmendment

https://www.engagestc.ca/housing-accelerator-fund

The Aug. 12 City Council meeting will still take place, but the CIP items have been removed from the agenda.

We look forward to residents' participation and valuable input in shaping the future of our community. Together, we can ensure that our Community Improvement Plan continues to meet the needs and goals of St. Catharines residents.

The community is encouraged to review the amendment materials and submit any questions or comments online at engageSTC.ca/CIPAmendment and engageSTC.ca/housing-accelerator-fund, or in person at the Planning and Building Services Department, City Hall, 50 Church Street, St. Catharines.