The City of Kenora offers incentives in the form of grants and incremental tax incentives for a number of business improvement and housing development areas in our three Community Improvement Plans (CIPs).
On July 24, 2025, the City announced that it is proceeding with the expropriation of the historic Kenricia Hotel as part of its efforts to revitalize Kenora’s downtown core. This initiative aims to create a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving community space for residents and visitors alike.
Kenricia Revitalization Project
Apply for CIP grants and incentives
If you want to apply for a grant or incentive outlined in one of our CIPs for 2026, you will have the opportunity to submit your application in the fall of 2025. Please reach out to the Economic Development Officer or Land Acquisitions and Divestment Officer for a pre-consultation discussion and to help you apply.
A grant is available to help you improve accessibility to existing buildings, in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. If you are interested, you can discuss the support available for accessibility improvements at your pre-consultation meeting.
Benefits of CIPs
Community Improvement Plans offer the following benefits:
- Stimulation of private sector investment in targeted areas through grants and loans from the City of Kenora
- Promotion of revitalization and place-making to attract tourism, business investment and economic development opportunities
- Development of affordable housing
- Promotion of brownfield cleanup and redevelopment
- Enhancement of streetscapes and building façades
- Effective use of community infrastructure
Success stories
Watch our Kenora Community Improvement Plan video to find out how our CIPs help local business owners.
Provincial legislation
A Community Improvement Plan, is a planning tool permitted under Section 28 of the Ontario Planning Act. They also include financial incentives, which are legislated under Section 365.1 of the Municipal Act.
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