Proposed changes to the Carleton Place Community Improvement Plan add affordable housing incentives and accessibility supports
CARLETON PLACE — Residents in Carleton Place are getting a first look at proposed updates to the town’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP), with a strong new focus on boosting affordable housing and improving accessibility.
Director of Development Services Niki Dwyer presented the changes during a statutory public meeting, explaining the plan has been in place for four years and is now ready for refinement based on real-world use and community feedback.
“This is our opportunity to see what’s working, what’s not, and make meaningful adjustments,” Dwyer said, noting that much of the update stems from recent stakeholder consultations focused on housing affordability.
Among the key changes are expanded financial incentives aimed at encouraging the creation of affordable housing. A revamped program will now rebate 100 per cent of planning, engineering and building permit fees for qualifying affordable housing projects. The tax increment rebate that was part of the previous CIP is being eliminated because there is another program that extends tax increment rebates from 10 to 15 years, aligning with similar county initiatives.
The town is also tightening rules around additional residential units. Property owners seeking rebates for creating accessory apartments will now need to guarantee those units remain affordable, closing a loophole that previously allowed some to be used as short-term rentals.
“When we’re talking about affordable, is there a timeline on this? If somebody utilizes the funding, do they have to keep that unit affordable for a duration?” asked Mayor Toby Randell.
“Yes, they’re subject to executing an agreement with the municipality that guarantees those units will be affordable for a set period,” clarified Dwyer.
New incentives are also being introduced. These include a $25,000 construction rebate for new affordable rental units and up to $10,000 in matching funds to help non-profit housing providers cover the upfront costs of preparing grant applications.
Accessibility remains another priority. Grants for exterior and interior improvements such as ramps, elevators and accessible washrooms will continue, with increased maximum funding to better support upgrades.
“So the accessibility grants are open to anybody. Individuals, businesses, developers, whoever wants to fulfill that,” said Randell.
Dwyer emphasized that public input is a crucial part of the process. Residents can submit comments either in writing or by speaking at council before the bylaw is finalized. Those who do not participate may lose the ability to appeal the decision later.
The full updated CIP is now available on the town’s website, where residents can review the proposed changes in detail and learn how to provide feedback.
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