CIP and Mural Incentive Programs

Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Programs

Community Improvement Plans (CIPs) are grants and/or loans provided by a municipality to stimulate economic activity through a variety of means, including new building construction, expansion of existing building stock and building improvements (both functional and aesthetic). Past CIP programs in BWG included a Downtown CIP (2012-2021), an Industrial Areas CIP (2013-2021) and a Seniors Housing CIP (2016-2017).

On April 12, 2022 Council approved two new CIP programs: a Downtown CIP and an Industrial Areas CIP.

NOTE: At their December 19, 2023 meeting, Council approved a one-year hiatus in 2024 for the Downtown CIP program. Applications that were underway in 2023 will continue through the approval process, but no new applications will be received. The Industrial Areas CIP will continue in 2024. 

For further information, please contact the Office of Economic Development at ecdev@townofbwg.com.

What is the CIP Application Process?

STEP 1: Review the Frequently Asked Questions page to help ensure you have everything in order before starting your application.

STEP 2: Click the Map Link and enter your address to determine if you are in a CIP-eligible area.

STEP 3: Start the Application by completing one of the following forms:

• Downtown Mural Program Application
• Industrial Areas CIP Application

Downtown Mural Program

BWG Council approved a Downtown Mural Program as a pilot project in 2022, with the goal of beautifying the downtown core by adding artistic designs to building facades or refreshing/redesigning existing murals. Council voted to continue the program in both 2023 and 2024.

While separate from the CIP programs, the Downtown Mural Program overlaps with the Downtown CIP Program 1: Building Exterior Grant Program, which can be used to upgrade exterior walls, which is often a necessary first step to adding a mural. The program covers up to 100% of the costs of paint, supplies and fees (from the painter/designer) for murals, up to a maximum of $10,000 per façade. The façade must be public-facing and the design is subject to an approval from the Town’s Special Projects Advisory Committee, and must not include advertising (which would constitute a sign under the Town’s Sign Bylaw 2011-023).

The program also includes an option to have the work done by local art students from Bradford District High School (BDHS), who do not charge for the creation of the artwork and do the project in class over several weeks (depending on the scope of work). They do the designs on panels that can be affixed to the building exterior. The costs for supplies and to affix the panels is covered by the program.

Questions about mural designs and approvals, as well as the participation of BDHS can be discussed with the CIP Administrator once an application is submitted.