Council Approved New Community Improvement Plan, Support for Growth, Housing, and Beautification

The City is pleased to announce that on February 17, 2026, Council approved the much anticipated Community Improvement Plan (CIP). This single, comprehensive plan aligns Kenora’s growth and revitalization efforts and expands available financial incentives to encourage and support development. 

The CIP introduces 16 grants including fee rebates, tax increment grants, surplus land disposition, housing grants for additional units and multi-unit buildings, upper storey conversions, façade and signage improvements, accessibility upgrades, CPTED safety enhancements, environmental site assessment support, activation programs for Harbourtown Centre such as ground floor commercial conversions and sidewalk patio grants, and improved energy efficiency within eligible program areas.  A CIP is a planning and economic development tool that municipalities use to promote community revitalization, beautification, and economic growth through investment.

“The opportunity to develop a new Community Improvement Plan for the City is a significant project identified in the municipality’s strategic plan and Five Year Tourism and Economic Development Strategy,” said Stace Gander, Chief Administrative Officer. “This CIP contains exciting new opportunities for financial support and is a tool that the City can utilize to attract investment in Kenora.” 

Public input has been a cornerstone while developing the new CIP. Formal engagement opportunities included a technical advisory committee made up of local business leaders, a March 2025 community survey that yielded 616 responses, public open houses held on March 5, 2025, and January 22, 2026, Statutory Public Meeting on February 3, and a Notice of Adoption period. These opportunities ensured residents, business owners, and community groups have an opportunity to contribute. The new CIP reflects the community’s voice and Council’s priorities.

To learn more about the new CIP, available incentives, and grants, please visit our Community Improvement Plan page. Applications for non-housing grants will be accepted until May 22, 2026. Submissions for projects requesting support through the housing streams will be accepted and evaluated on a continuous intake basis, subject to available funding. To request the application form or schedule a pre-consultation, please email cip@kenora.ca. 

The Community Improvement Plan Review was funded by the Ontario Government through the Rural Economic Development Program and the City of Kenora Municipal Accommodation Tax.

Media contact

Mya Horley, Senior Communications Advisor
mhorley@kenora.ca
807-467-2006