Downtown Revitalization

• Encourage the restoration and rehabilitation of buildings and properties in the designated commercial districts;
• Maintain and enhance the architectural heritage of the municipality's commercial districts;
• Encourage investment in designated area properties and improve the economic viability of the municipality's commercial districts; and,
• Improve the image and beautify the municipality's commercial districts.

Eligibility

To find out if your property is located within the designated Community Improvement Program area, please consult the area maps below:

• Strathroy CIP Area Map
• Mount Brydges CIP Area Map
• Melbourne CIP Area Map

Please note that the municipality is currently looking to expand these boundaries to capture a greater portion of these historic commercial areas. But this requires the approval of the Provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing. As such, the program is limited to properties located within the above boundary maps.

Available Incentives

The following incentives may be offered to those projects approved under this plan:

• Municipal staff expertise to assist in the development of preliminary design and structural plans, and to assist in the identification and securing of alternative public funding sources.
• Capital grant up to 50% of the cost of façade and structural improvements that satisfy design guidelines. Capital costs may include professional design, material, labour, and taxes necessary to complete eligible work.

At the time Council establishes its annual budget, Council will determine the maximum contribution to be allocated to the program for the current year. The Municipality is not obligated to fund any project.

How to Apply

The deadline for applications is May 31 of each calendar year. For more information related to eligibility criteria and the process of submitting an application to the Façade Improvement Program, please view the following links:

• Façade Improvement Program Guidelines (PDF [2,119 kB])
• Façade Improvement Program Application (PDF [123 kB])

• As a step to achieving the vision for Downtown Strathroy the following objectives were adopted for the Downtown Master Plan:
• Ensure that the Downtown remains a sustainable destination for shopping, recreation, and culture;
• Promote a mix of uses and activities to draw the community to the Downtown.
• Provide a range of uses and public spaces to appeal to all age groups within the community.
• Maintain a strong residential presence in the Downtown.
• Improve the visual and physical link between the Downtown and Sydenham River.
• Identify underutilized lands within the Downtown and plan for the improvements.
• Continue the process of organizing a unified and accessible mid-block parking system.
• Maintain and enhance landmarks within the Downtown.
• Establish gateways into the Downtown.
• Create attractive public spaces to facilitate public events and celebrations.
• Maintain and preserve the heritage character and cultural resources of the Downtown.
• Improve streetscapes to enhance the pedestrian experience and provide a welcoming and inviting environment.

For more information related to the objectives of the Downtown Master Plan and the improvement projects identified in the document, please view the following documents:

• Downtown Master Plan (PDF [4,245 kB])
• Downtown Master Plan - Background Study (PDF [3,105 kB])