Council Awards 2026 Community Improvement Plan Program Grants

The City of Kenora is pleased to announce that Council approved $230,000 in funding through the new Community Improvement Plan (CIP) on June 23, 2026. Grant programs were awarded across 19 successful applications, supporting projects that will enhance commercial properties, increase housing opportunities, improve accessibility, strengthen community safety, and encourage reinvestment in underutilized spaces.

The City launched the first intake for non-housing grants in April 2026 and received an enthusiastic response from the community, with applications exceeding available program funding.

The new CIP was adopted by Council in February 2026 as a community-wide strategy to encourage revitalization, support housing development, enhance commercial areas, and stimulate private-sector investment. Through a range of financial incentive programs, the CIP supports public realm beautification, community revitalization, economic development, and new housing across Kenora.

The grants available through the new CIP program include development fee rebates, tax increment grants, surplus land incentives, housing grants for additional residential units and multi-unit developments, upper-storey residential conversions, façade and signage improvements, accessibility upgrades, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) enhancements, environmental site assessment support, energy-efficiency improvements and Harboutown Centre activation initiatives, like ground floor commercial conversions and sidewalk patio pop-ups.

“We are excited by the demand for the new Community Improvement Plan program,” shares Stace Gander, Chief Administrative Officer. “The projects supported through this first round of applications will benefit 19 businesses and properties in the community and support improvements to the public realm, increase housing supply and generate new investment in Kenora.”

Congratulations to the following successful applicants:

• 101 Park Street Inc.
• 227 Second Street South Inc.
• Dearborn Therapy
• Debbie’s Greenhouse &Garden Centre
• Image One Design
• Iron Clad Storage
• Kenora Bed 'n' Bale
• Kenora HK Properties Ltd.
• Kenora Vet Clinic
• Mid Canada Amusements
• Murad Pizza Ltd.
• Nowe and Holmes
• Ogimaawabiitong Kenora Chiefs Advisory 
• Rabbit Lake Store
• Ryan and Mona Bartmanovich
• Songbird Baby & Kids
• St. Alban's Cathedral Church
• Tall Pines Marina
• Turtle Island Cloth and Craft Company

A future intake for non-housing grants will be announced later in 2026. Applications for housing-related grant streams continue to be accepted on an ongoing basis, subject to available funding.

To request an application form or schedule a pre-consultation, email cip@kenora.ca.