Buckhorn takes aim at affordable housing and boost in tourism
Number of programs could stimulate private-sector property improvements
Consultants, hired by the Municipality of Trent Lakes to review and update its Buckhorn Community Improvement Plan (CIP), are recommending the township implement a number of programs to stimulate private sector property improvements, and increase affordable rental units in Buckhorn.
“I should caution that, yes, over time they can produce significant results,” said Luciano Piccioni, president of RCI Consulting, at a recent Trent Lakes council meeting.
“We’ve seen some good results in Selwyn Township, but it is a long-term strategy. It’s not a quick fix. So, I caution against offering programs for a year or two or three and then getting rid of them, because that’s not going to accomplish that much,” he said
A Community Improvement Plan is a planning and economic development tool that lets Ontario municipalities provide financial incentives to property owners and tenants to use, reuse, restore and renovate buildings and infrastructure within a defined area, using provincial grants and loans.
Trent Lake’s CIP was last updated in 2017, and since then it has had eight applications for the program.
Piccioni is recommending enhanced marketing by the township to create more awareness and increase applications.
“That’s really important. People have to know about programs, they have to know how to apply and they have to know what to expect once they do apply,” he said.
There are three incentive plans available: a landscape improvement grant which covers 50 per cent of the cost of landscaping, curbing decorative walls, and driveway access improvements; an improved signage grant of 50 per cent of the cost of replacing existing business signs; and a building improvement grant/loan of 50 per cent.
The consultant said Buckhorn needs building improvements such as storefront, signage, lighting, accessibility, heritage restoration, windows, doors, weatherproofing, outdoor cafés and spaces, intensification, infill and redevelopment, enhanced landscaping, improved walkability for pedestrians, and especially parking lot paving and driveway access improvements.
Increased rental housing opportunities, including affordable housing especially for younger residents, and more off-season tourism are also on the list.
“Those are sort of the key improvement needs and goals that we’ve identified,” said Piccioni.
The rental residential and affordability grant is designed to get more second-floor units and upgrade existing rental units, he said.
Residents have until Monday to provide feedback on the draft CIP area and draft incentive programs presented to council by RCI Consulting.
The presentation and comment sheet are available on the township’s website.