Have your say on proposed amendments to Community Improvement Plans

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 of less than one year for project completion deadlines and rescind approval for 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.

Legislated public meetings will be hosted by City Council to receive public input and comments on the proposed amendments on Aug.12, 2024, at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 50 Church Street, St. Catharines. The meeting will also be available electronically. There will be an opportunity for community members to review materials, provide feedback, and ask questions directly to City staff.

We look forward to resident's 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 or in person at the Planning and Building Services Department, City Hall, 50 Church Street, St. Catharines.