Norfolk County has given the green light on a series of additional projects by small businesses to take advantage of municipal business incentives, part of the Community Improvement Plan (CIP). In the first three months of the program roll-out, up to $79,098 in incentives were approved.
Mill Road Farms Limited will receive a grant / interest-free loan of up to $14,041 to convert an agricultural building to a winery including washroom facilities and a tasting bar, under the Agricultural Buildings and Facilities Improvement Program.
A. M. Jensen Limited will receive a grant up to $2,588 for the reconstruction of an insulated wall in a temperature-controlled storage cooler, allowing for an improved environment for the aging and storage of cheese products, under the Structural Improvement Grant program.
Villa Nova Estate Winery will receive a grant / interest-free loan of up to $9,250 to construct a deck with pergola and railing that will be connected to an existing porch, under the Agricultural Buildings and Facilities Improvement Program. This will enhance the visitor experience by offering spectacular views of the ravine and winery property.
Barrel Restaurant will receive a grant of up to $2,000 and an interest-free loan of up to $4,774 to update signage for the property and improve the building façade by replacing awnings and doors, under the Building Façade Improvement Program and the Landscaping, Signage and Property Improvement Program.
George Burcham will receive a grant of up to $15,000 to demolish a building and remove all associated below ground infrastructure associated with the former gas station, under the Environmental Site Assessment Grant. This will include the excavation and removal of contaminated soil, followed by importation of clean sand fill.
Earlier this fall, Norfolk County announced approvals for Delhi Belgian Club($3,794 to construct a handicapped accessible door to the lower level under the Structural Improvement Grant program), Kent Creek Orchards ($7,651 to construct a certified kitchen under the Agricultural Buildings and Facilities Improvement Program) and Mae-Mart Farms (up to $20,000 to construct a grain elevator to expand the capacity of the existing agricultural buildings, under the Agricultural Buildings and Facilities Improvement Program).
Incentives are available for architectural and design, environmental site assessment, structural improvements, building facades, agricultural building and facilities, residential conversions and rehabilitation, landscaping, signage and property improvement. Property tax increment grants are also available for larger projects.
Non-residential projects are eligible for incentives. Depending on the program, programs apply to properties in urban, hamlet, lakeshore and agricultural areas.
Community Improvement Plans help municipalities target areas in transition or in need of repair, rehabilitation and redevelopment, and stimulate private sector investment through municipal incentive-based programs.
Information about CIP incentives is available at www.norfolkbusiness.ca, phone 519-426-9497 or email business@norfolkcounty.ca.
