A town-wide Community Improvement Plan (CIP) could be in the works for Erin after economic development officer Bob Cheetum gave a presentation to council in a special meeting on Oct. 13.
A CIP is a town plan to facilitate improvements within targeted areas. These plans allow municipalities to create grants or direct capital investments towards achieving community goals, explained Cheetum.
“The sole purpose of the CIP is to authorize incentive programs for rehabilitation, development and redevelopment projects within the targeted areas of the Town of Erin,” said Cheetum.
He explained that both Hillsburgh and Erin villages have CIPs used for community centre sidewalks, development of village squares, signage and more in the past.
Cheetum said the benefits for the town include promotion for community investment, revitalization, tourism attraction and brownfield cleanup.
He explained that municipalities that have implemented a CIP have found a three to one return on funds allocated by the municipality.
Cheetum recommended the town amalgamate the two existing CIPs into one community-wide CIP and enter into dialogue with Wellington County to revise the official plan.
This recommendation was the first high-priority objective in the draft of the Town of Erin Economic Development Action Plan. It was also listed as one of the six top priority action items over the next four years.
Council accepted the presentation for information and will be bringing it back for discussion at a later date.
