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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 the Façade 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.

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. 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. Community Improvement Plan

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.