CONSULTATIONS:

The Economic Revitalization CIP was subject to extensive stakeholder and public consultation as part of the approval process, including two public open houses, a statutory public meeting of Council and circulation among internal City staff and the Province.

Planning staff have consulted with the applicant prior to accepting the application for the Business Retention and Expansion Grant Program. Staff from the Planning, Finance, and Legal departments were consulted in the preparation of this report.

CONCLUSION:

Administration recommends that Council approve the request 2520034 Ontario Limited to participate in the Business Retention and Expansion Grant Program. Specifically, that 100% of the municipal portion of the tax increment resulting from the proposed development located at 1785 Walker Road be provided as an annual grant for up to 10 years or until 100% of the eligible costs are repaid pursuant to the City of Windsor Economic Revitalization CIP. It is also recommended that approval to participate in the CIP expire if the grant agreement is not signed within one year following Council approval.

The planned renovation and construction conforms with the Economic Revitalization CIP, assists the City in the achievement of a number of the CIP objectives, and exemplifies the purpose of the Business Retention and Expansion Grant Program.

PLANNING ACT MATTERS:

N/A