Community Improvement Plans
The Town of Fort Erie’s Community Improvement Plans (CIPs) provide financial incentives to encourage investment, redevelopment, rehabilitation, and property improvements within designated areas of the municipality. Eligible property owners, businesses, and developers may qualify for financial assistance for improvements, studies, environmental remediation, redevelopment projects, sustainability initiatives, and the creation of new residential units.
New Community Improvement Plans
The Town of Fort Erie has adopted two new Community Improvement Plans:
- Core Area Community Improvement Plan
- Brownfield Community Improvement Plan
Both plans were approved by Council on September 28, 2026.
The plans are currently subject to the statutory appeal process under the Planning Act and will not come into effect until the appeal period has expired and any appeals have been resolved.
The Town will not accept applications under the new Community Improvement Plans until the plans are in effect. If no appeals are received, applications are anticipated to open on October 26, 2026.
Once the appeal process is complete, this webpage will be updated to confirm that the plans are in effect and that applications are being accepted. Application forms will also be made available through this webpage at that time.
Applicants are encouraged to review the applicable Community Improvement Plan and program requirements in advance and contact Town staff to discuss potential eligibility.
Please note: Applications must be submitted and approved before eligible work begins. Costs incurred prior to approval are not eligible for financial assistance.
Core Area Community Improvement Plan
The Core Area Community Improvement Plan supports reinvestment, rehabilitation, and redevelopment within Fort Erie’s designated Core Areas. The plan provides financial incentives to improve the condition and functionality of buildings and properties, reduce barriers to investment, support sustainable improvements, and encourage the creation of new residential units.
Community Improvement Project Areas
The Core Area Community Improvement Project Areas include:
-
Downtown Ridgeway
-
Bridgeburg
- Stevensville
- South End/Riverwalk
- Gateway
- Crystal Beach
Eligibility is limited to properties located within the designated Community Improvement Project Areas identified in the approved project area maps.
| Program | Financial Incentive | Maximum Funding |
| Commercial Building Improvement Grant | 50% matching grant | $20,000 per property |
| Professional Study Grant | 50% matching grant | $7,500 per property |
| Sustainability and Climate Improvement Grant | 50% matching grant | $5,000 per property |
| Residential Creation & Intensification Grant | 50% matching grant | $10 per sq. ft., to a maximum of $5,000 per new dwelling unit, for up to four units per property/building. |
Additional eligibility requirements, eligible and ineligible costs, and program requirements are outlined in the Core Area Community Improvement Plan and applicable program guidelines.
Core Area Documents
- Core Area Community Improvement Plan – September 2026
- Core Area Community Improvement Project Area Maps
- CIP By-law 2026-078
- Project Area By-law 2026-076
Brownfield Community Improvement Plan
The Brownfield Community Improvement Plan provides financial incentives to support the assessment, remediation and redevelopment of eligible brownfield properties within the designated Brownfield Community Improvement Project Area.
The Plan provides financial assistance at different stages of the brownfield redevelopment process and includes three programs:
| Program | Financial Incentive | Maximum Funding |
| Environmental Site Assessment Grant | 50% matching grant | Up to $13,000 per study, to a maximum of $20,000 per property |
| Brownfield Tax Assistance Program | Municipal property tax assistance | Up to five years, subject to eligible costs |
| Brownfield Rehabilitation Grant | Annual tax increment grant | Up to 60% of the increase in municipal property taxes for up to 10 years, subject to eligible costs |
Brownfield applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis due to the site-specific nature and financial complexity of environmental remediation and redevelopment projects.
Eligibility is limited to properties located within the designated Brownfield Community Improvement Project Area identified in the approved project area map.
Brownfield Documents
- Brownfield Community Improvement Plan – September 2026
- Brownfield Community Improvement Project Area Map
- CIP By-law 2026-079
- Project Area By-law 2026-077
Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan
The Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan provides financial incentives to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing within the Town of Fort Erie.
For information on available programs, eligibility requirements and application forms, please visit the Town’s Affordable Housing Initiatives webpage.
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