Grants are funded via increase in property value assessment and municipal tax levy (e.g. 100% of the increase in municipal tax levy may be rebated annually for up to 10 years to offset eligible investment costs).

Brownfield Redevelopment Community Improvement Plan

The purpose of this CIP is to encourage the study, clean-up, and redevelopment of properties that may have been contaminated by past industrial or commercial uses. The following financial incentive programs are offered City-wide:

• The Feasibility Study Grant Program offers up to $7,500 (50% of the total study costs) for an eligible feasibility study (e.g. structural analysis, evaluation of mechanical/electrical systems, concept plans, market analysis);

• The Environmental Site Assessment Grant Program offers up to $15,000 (50% of the total study cost) toward a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), designated substances and hazardous materials survey, remedial action plan, or risk assessment. If two studies are required the program can offer up to $25,000;

• If remediation or risk assessment work is required the Brownfields Tax Assistance and Rehabilitation Grant Programs, offers annual grants equivalent to 70% of the municipal property tax increase (or 100% for a LEED certified project) created by investment in the project for up to 13 years after project completion; and

• Properties approved to participate under the Rehabilitation Grant Program also receive a 60% development charge reduction.

Downtown Windsor Enhancement Strategy and Community Improvement Plan: The Downtown Windsor Enhancement Strategy and Community Improvement Plan offers grants to encourage projects that will enhance downtown. Grants are offered for the conversion of existing upper storey space to new residential units, the development of new residential units, retail enhancements, and facade improvements. The following financial incentive programs area offered within the Downtown Windsor Community Improvement Project Area:

• Upper Storey Residential Conversion Grant Program offers a grant of $5,000 for every new residential unit created on the upper storey(s) of an existing mixed use building, up to a maximum of $50,000 per property.

• New Residential Development Grant Program offers a grant of $2,500 for every new residential unit, up to a maximum of $50,000 per property.

• Retail Investment Grant Program offers a reimbursement grant up to 50% of eligible costs for improvements to a maximum amount of $15,000 per retail unit in a building that has had a vacant ground floor retail and commercial use storefront(s) for at least 6 months immediately prior to application to the program and will be occupied by an eligible new retail business.

• Building/Property Improvement Tax Increment Grant Program offers an annual grant equal to 100% of the increase in municipal property taxes for five years,