Resources

The Township of Norwich Façade Improvement Program has been initiated to assist in the improvement and promotion of the core business areas of Otterville and Norwich.

Commercial properties in the core business areas of Otterville and Norwich (as defined in the Township Community Improvement Plan - By-law 47-2014) are eligible for the program.  Eligible improvements consist of exterior street front renovations including entrances and display windows as part of a larger restoration program, the repair and re-pointing of façade masonry and brickwork, façade painting and cleaning treatments, and other similar repairs/improvements. Interior work and roof work is not eligible.

Applications may be submitted by registered owners of properties in the defined areas, or tenants of such properties. Where tenants make the application, acknowledgement and agreement of the registered owner(s) will be required.

The program will provide loans of up to $5,000 per property, based on 50/50 matching contributions. The loan will be interest free based on a maximum 10-year loan term, and repayment will commence in year 3 after the loan is provided.  Payment of loans will be forwarded after the approved work is completed.  The repayment schedule will be set up that at a minimum $625 of the loan amount is payable annually on tax due dates. Early payment of outstanding amounts will be permitted.

As security, the Township will hold a lien on the lands. The Township also requires

that the improvement be maintained as approved and constructed for the 10 year loan period.  Should the business/property be sold, or the business cease during the 10 year term, all remaining loan amounts become due and payable, or may be transferred to the new owner with approval.

Grant applications will be reviewed and selected as they are received. Funds are limited and will be allocated at Council’s sole discretion.  Note that property taxes must be up to date to be eligible.

For full details, please see theFaçade Improvement Program Guidelines.  Copies are also available at the Township office

The Township of Norwich Tax Grant Back Program has been initiated to assist in the improvement and promotion of the core business areas of Otterville and Norwich.

Commercial properties in the core business areas of Otterville and Norwich (as defined in the Township Community Improvement Plan) are eligible for the program.Eligible projects include:

• Renovation or rehabilitation (including building additions) resulting in reassessment;
• Demolition and redevelopment;
• Conversion of existing floor area which creates one or more residential dwelling units.

(*Note: Minimum value $10,000)

Applications may be submitted by registered owners of properties in the defined areas.

The program is intended to provide a financial incentive in the form of a grant to promote rehabilitation, redevelopment, infill and intensification projects within the CIP Area.The Program will provide a grant for the equivalent of the Township portion of a Property Tax increase as a result of a re-assessment of a property value as a direct result of improvements to the building, for a period of up to 5 years.

Grant applications will be reviewed and selected as they are received. Funds are limited and will be allocated at Council’s sole discretion.Note that property taxes must be up to date to be eligible.

For full details, please see the Tax Grant Back Program Guidelines.

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Township of Norwich passed By-Law No 31-2018 on June 5, 2018, to Designate Lands as a Community Improvement Project Area and to Adopt a Community Improvement Plan pursuant to Section 28 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P13 as amended.

AND TAKE NOTICE that any person, incorporated group of persons or agency may appeal to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal in respect of the Community Improvement Plan by filing with the Clerk of the Township of Norwich, not later than July 3, 2018, a Notice of Appeal setting out the objections to the Community Improvement Plan and the reasons in support of the objection, together with the prescribed fee of $300.00 for each appeal, made payable to the “Minister of Finance”.

Only individuals, corporations or public bodies may appeal the decision of the Township of Norwich to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. A notice of appeal may not be made by an unincorporated association or group. However, a notice of appeal may be made in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or group on its behalf. No person or public body shall be added as a party to the hearing of the appeal unless, before the amendment was adopted, the person or public body made oral submissions at a public meeting or written submissions to the council or, in the opinion of the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.

NOTE: The Community Improvement Plan is exempt from approval by the Minister of Municipal Affairs – the decision of Council is final if no Notice of Appeal is received on or before the last day for filing a Notice of Appeal.

The Community Improvement Plan establishes a program for Municipal financial incentives to encourage the rehabilitation and improvement of private lands and buildings within the Township. These incentives are intended to encourage property owners to improve their lands and buildings in accordance with guidelines adopted by Council.

The complete By-law and Community Improvement Plan is available for inspection at the Clerks Office, 285767 Airport Road, Norwich, during office hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

On January 23, 1979, The Council of the Township of Norwich passed By-law 9-79, to designate an improvement area and to establish a Board of Management therefore, to which will be entrusted the improvement, beautification and maintenance of municipally owned lands, buildings and structures in the area, beyond such improvements, beautification and maintenance as is provided at the expense of the municipality at large, and the promotion of the area as a business or shopping area. New members are appointed concurrent with the term of Council