Community Improvement Plan

About the Project:

The Township of Ramara is undertaking a Community Improvement Plan Strategy Project to explore how Community Improvement Planning tools could be used to encourage investment, support local businesses, strengthen tourism, improve properties, and enhance the communities that make Ramara a great place to live, work, and visit.

Have Your Say/Get Involved

There are several opportunities to participate, including:

Surveys

Community Survey
Residents, property owners and other community members are also invited to complete the Community Survey and share their perspectives on economic development, investment and opportunities to strengthen Ramara’s communities.

Business Survey 
Local business owners and operators are encouraged to complete a short Business Survey. The survey will help the project team better understand the opportunities and challenges facing businesses in Ramara, as well as the types of supports and incentives that could help businesses grow and invest in the community.

Both surveys are available online until Nov. 13, 2026.

Public Open House - Nov. 5, 2026

Residents are encouraged to drop in to a Public Open House at the Ramara Centre, 5548 Highway 12, Atherley, on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to meet the project team, learn about Community Improvement Plans and about the CIP Strategy project, ask questions and share their ideas.

Business Engagement Sessions - Nov. 5 & 6, 2026

The Township and Vitality Planning will host a series of focused business engagement sessions on Nov. 5 and 6, 2026, at the Ramara Centre. These sessions will provide an opportunity for local businesses to share their experiences, identify barriers and opportunities, and discuss potential tools and incentives that could form part of a future Community Improvement Plan.

Businesses are encouraged to register for the following engagement sessions:

·        Small businesses - Nov. 5, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Ramara Centre

·        Home-based businesses - Nov. 5, 2026, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Ramara Centre

·        Agri-business, rural businesses and agri-tourism businesses - Nov. 6, 2026, from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Ramara Centre (light breakfast will be served)

Please use the links below to register:

 

Register for Small Business Focus Group Register for Home-Based Businesses Focus Group Register for Agriculture, Rural Business and Agri-Tourism Focus Group

Project Timeline

The following four phase process will be followed to create Ramara’s CIP Strategy:

Project Timeline Community Improvement Plan

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is one of the tools available to municipalities under Ontario's Planning Act to encourage investment and improvements that benefit the community.

Through a CIP, municipalities can identify local priorities and establish programs that encourage investment in eligible projects. Depending on the needs of the community, this could include financial incentives such as grants or loans to support building and façade improvements, landscaping, signage, accessibility improvements, redevelopment, housing, or other projects.

Municipalities across Ontario use CIPs in different ways to help revitalize communities, support local businesses, attract tourism, increase housing opportunities, encourage redevelopment and strengthen the local economy. Every community is different, which means every CIP is unique.

Through this project, the Township will explore whether a Community Improvement Plan is the right tool for Ramara and, if so, what types of programs and initiatives could best support the community.

Potential areas of focus may include:

  • Vibrant villages and main streets
  • Local businesses and entrepreneurs
  • Tourism and waterfront destinations
  • Agricultural and rural businesses
  • Housing opportunities
  • Attractive, accessible and welcoming places
  • Long-term community investment

The goal is to identify opportunities that can encourage investment and support Ramara's continued growth and economic development.

Using community feedback, municipal priorities, technical analysis, and best practices from across Ontario, this project will explore how Community Improvement Planning tools could support investment and revitalization in Ramara.

Potential recommendations may include:

  • Identifying Community Improvement Project Areas
  • Financial incentive programs
  • Opportunities to encourage private investment
  • Strategies to support redevelopment and revitalization
  • Other Community Improvement Planning tools available under the Planning Act

The final recommendations will be presented to Council for consideration.

Developing a Community Improvement Plan was identified as an action in the Township's 2018–2023 Economic Development Strategy and was recommended again through work completed by Georgian College in 2025.

The current project builds on these recommendations, previous work completed toward the development of a CIP, and feedback gathered through earlier community and business engagement.

Through updated research, technical analysis and community engagement, the Township will explore how Community Improvement Planning tools could be used to encourage investment, support local businesses, strengthen tourism, improve properties and enhance communities across Ramara.

A CIP can include different types of financial incentive programs depending on the needs and priorities identified by the municipality. Examples could include grants or loans for façade and building improvements, landscaping, signage, accessibility improvements, redevelopment, or the creation of new housing units.

The specific programs and eligibility requirements for Ramara have not yet been determined and will be considered through the development of the CIP Strategy.

Input from residents, businesses, property owners and other community organizations will help the Township better understand local priorities, barriers to investment and the types of improvements that could have the greatest impact.

Feedback collected through the project will be considered alongside research, best practices and technical analysis in developing recommendations.

The Strategy will provide recommendations to the Township on potential Community Improvement Project Areas, priorities and financial incentive programs. These recommendations will be presented to Council for consideration.

The Township has retained Vitality Planning to develop the CIP Strategy. The Township's Economic Development Committee will also provide local knowledge and insight throughout the project, including representation from the Ramara Chamber of Commerce and County of Simcoe.

Community input will also play an important role in shaping the Strategy. Residents, businesses, property owners and other community organizations will have opportunities to share their perspectives through surveys, meetings and other engagement activities. Feedback received will help identify local priorities, opportunities and potential tools that could best support investment and community improvement in Ramara.

Engagement will take place throughout the project, including consultation on the draft Strategy before it is finalized and presented to Council for consideration.

The CIP Strategy project is being funded through the Township's approved 2026 Economic Development Budget and external grant funding.

That has not yet been determined. As part of the CIP Strategy, the Township will explore potential incentive programs as well as options for how those programs could be implemented and funded. Any future financial commitments would be subject to Council consideration and approval.

Contact Us

Corporation of the Township of Ramara
2297 Highway 12, PO Box 130, Brechin, ON, L0K 1B0

T. 705-484-5374
E. ramara@ramara.ca

 

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