Millbrook FIT will be taking their fitness sessions on the road thanks to the support of a CIP grant to help purchase extra equipment.
At the March 2nd meeting, Council approved two new projects under the Community Improvement Program.
The first grant in the amount of $3,118 was awarded to Millbrook FIT to help the business fund the purchase of fitness equipment to take on the road, allowing them to provide mobile fitness services to the community. The second grant of $8,335 will help Millbrook Organic Orchards install accessible trellises to enable them to offer a U-Pick experience and purchase an accessible weeding and planting device for their orchard that specializes in the production of Haskaps, Honeyberries and strawberries at their farm just west of Millbrook.
Since 2019, Cavan Monaghan has operated a Community Improvement Plan (CIP).The program was initially available to businesses operating in the Millbrook settlement area but later expanded to include businesses throughout the municipality. This program provides financial incentives to support private community development initiatives that stimulate economic growth. Public funding under the pro-gram can provide up to a maximum of 50% of project costs with upside limits ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per applicant. To date, grants have represented roughly 20% of spending for approved projects, stimulating on average five dollars of private investment for every grant dollar spent.
Projects that have been assisted by this funding include new signage, building exterior improvements and the creation of outdoor patio spaces. Community benefits include beautification and restoration of buildings, the revitalization of existing buildings and spaces, rejuvenation and the creation of new uses for existing buildings, and connection and integration of businesses in the area.
Each year the budget process ensures a fund of $25,000 is available for this program. As there was an unspent balance from previous years, funding from the tax levy was $2,257 in the 2026 budget. With the approval of these projects, there remains $13,546 in funding for this year. There is no set intake period, but applications are processed on a first come, first serve basis until the funds available are depleted.
Subsidizes alone cannot entice business owners to invest in their businesses. Current economic uncertainty and persistent rising costs are significant barriers to owner’s decisions to make capital investments. Evidence indicates that Community Improvement programs like this one can be powerful tools to encourage specific investments that can improve the beauty, viability and functionality of neighbourhoods and businesses.
To learn more or to book a pre-consulting meeting with township staff prior to submitting an application, contact Economic and Community Development Coordinator Brigid Ayotte at bayotte@cavanmonghan.net or call 705-932-9339.