City Council has approved updates to the Downtown Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Safety Improvement Grant. Business owners across Timmins, in all city wards, will be able to apply for a safety improvement grant of up to $7,500 to add safety features, like security cameras and fencing, to their business property.

Last night’s Council approval saw amendments to the current Community Improvement Plan Project Area, designating the entire City of Timmins as an improvement project area. This allows for changes under the Downtown Community Improvement Plan, specific to the Safety Improvement Grant, to expand the eligible business area and increase the maximum grant allowance.

"The recommendations approved for the City’s Downtown Community Improvement Plan – Safety Improvement Grant, are designed to give more business owners the opportunity to add security features like cameras, lighting, and fencing to their business properties," said Mayor Michelle Boileau. "Council understands that immediate social concerns have required that businesses increase security measures. There is a tangible cost to business owners arising from issues around homelessness and mental health and addictions. If we can provide assistance, through a simplified safety improvement grant process, and increase the amount of funding available, we can help mitigate some of this cost."

Once the mandatory appeal period is complete, businesses in commercial, industrial, institutional, or rural zones, and legally non-conforming commercial, industrial, or institutional businesses (excluding home-based businesses) on residentially zoned properties, can apply for a Safety Improvement Grant. Approved amendments also streamline the application process, eliminating the need for a second quote for proposed work and the “one time only” requirement. Businesses can continue to apply for a safety improvement grant, for multiple projects, up to a maximum grant amount of $7,500.

In addition, tenants leasing business space on a multi-tenant property will be able to apply for the Safety Improvement Grant, removing the limit of one application per property.

All other available grants under the Downtown Community Improvement Plan are subject to the Downtown Community Project Areas for Timmins, Schumacher, and South Porcupine.