Community Improvement Plan Incentives

This page provides an overview of current and upcoming CIP programs, eligibility requirements, and links to application forms, guides, and mapping.

What is a Community Improvement Plan?

A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a tool municipalities can use to support revitalization and redevelopment efforts in specific areas by offering programs such as grants, loans, and other incentives to encourage property improvements and community enhancements.

Under Section 28 of the Planning Act, the City can designate certain areas for community improvement. With an improved CIP in place, property owners in these areas may be eligible for grants or loans to help cover the costs of improvements to their properties.

Housing Community Improvement Plan Incentives

Adopted by Council

The City has adopted an amendment to By-law 2026-005 to include additional housing related incentive programs and to add an additional exception to the Urban Infill TIG. For additional information and program details, visit our Let's Talk page.

New Niagara Falls Community Improvement Plan

Now available

The new Niagara Falls Community Improvement Plan was approved by Council on January 20, 2026, with the new financial incentive programs in effect as of February 13, 2026.

The new CIP establishes a framework to enable the provision of grants and other financial incentives to support community revitalization objectives, including:

  • Environmental Sustainability – Encouraging brownfield remediation, low impact development measures, and adaptive reuse of existing buildings
  • Urban Intensification – Supporting redevelopment of underutilized lands, promoting mixed-use and higher-density development, and enhancing walkable, transit-oriented communities
  • Economic Prosperity Generation – Stimulating investment in employment areas, business growth, and tourism development to strengthen the local economy.

For background information on the project development, please visit Let's Talk.

Financial Incentive Programs

Please note: Detailed program guides and application forms for the new CIP incentive programs will be available shortly. If you have questions or would like to apply in the meantime, please contact City staff for more information. 

How to apply:

  1. Review the Program Guide to confirm eligibility
  2. Contact the Planning Department staff early to discuss your project at 905-356-7521 ext. 4330 or cip@niagarafalls.ca 
  3. Submit a complete application with required studies and drawings
  4. Applications are reviewed and approved in accordance with the CIP and individual program guidelines

Purpose: A cost-share grant intended to offset the cost of environmental studies on brownfield properties to improve understanding of site conditions and remediation needs and support future redevelopment.

Where the grant applies: Use the interactive map or view the PDF map.

Purpose: A tax increment–based incentive intended to encourage the remediation and redevelopment of brownfield sites by rebating a portion of the municipal property tax increase following redevelopment.

Where the grant applies: Use the interactive map or view the PDF map.

Purpose: A tax increment–based incentive intended to support redevelopment and intensification of underutilized sites in key areas of the City, particularly mid- to high-rise mixed-use development that advances growth objectives.

Where the grant applies: Use the interactive map or view the PDF map.

Purpose: A tax increment–based incentive intended to attract and retain major employers by reducing long-term municipal tax impacts associated with new or expanded employment uses.

Where the grant applies: Use the interactive map or view the PDF map.

Purpose: A cost-share grant intended to support physical improvements to existing buildings and properties that enhance functionality, accessibility, heritage conservation, sustainability, and overall streetscape quality.

Where the grant applies: Use the interactive map or view the PDF map.

Development Charge exemptions for CIP

The City previously exempted Residential Development Charges for projects located within the existing CIP boundary areas and offered additional exemptions under Policy #700.41. These programs expire on March 31, 2026.

Visit the Development Charges webpage for more information.

Updated Development Charge exemptions aligned with the new Community Improvement Plan are being considered. For updates, please visit Let's Talk.

Resources

Contact Us

City of Niagara Falls
Planning and Building
4343 Morrison Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6Z9
905-356-7521 ext. 4330
cip@niagarafalls.ca 

or

Business Development
905-356-7521 ext. 5000
bdd@niagarafalls.ca