Community Improvement Plan

Investing in Ramara Together

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.

Through research, technical analysis, and community engagement, the Township will explore local opportunities and challenges and identify how Community Improvement Planning could support Ramara's long-term economic development goals.

No decisions have been made at this time. The purpose of this project is to explore options, gather community input, and develop recommendations for Council's consideration.

Whether you have an idea for your neighbourhood, operate a local business, own property, or simply care about Ramara's future, we invite you to get involved.

Together, we can explore opportunities that help strengthen Ramara for generations to come.

Project Timeline

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

Project Timeline Community Improvement Plan

Opportunity for Input

The project is currently in the early stages with background research, current policy review and community analysis taking place. This fall the project will move into Phase 2 - Listen. There will be several opportunities to participate, including:

  • Online surveys
  • Public Information Centres
  • Stakeholder meetings
  • Project updates and draft recommendations

Whether you have a specific idea or simply want to share your perspective, we'd love to hear from you.

Every conversation helps shape the final 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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