County of Brant launches Rural Prosperity Community Improvement Plan

The County of Brant is pleased to announce the launch of the Rural Prosperity Community Improvement Plan (RPCIP), a new program designed to support farms, rural tourism operators, and property owners across the County’s hamlets.

Approved by Council in April, the RPCIP provides financial incentives to encourage investment, improve properties, and strengthen the local rural economy.

“The Rural Prosperity Community Improvement Plan is an important step in supporting the sustainability of our rural communities,” said Mayor David Bailey. “By helping to offset costs for improvements, we are investing in our farms, businesses, and rural areas in the County for years to come.”

Building on the success of the County’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP) program, the RPCIP applies to rural areas outside of the urban boundaries of Paris, St. George, and Burford, offering a range of grant programs to support eligible projects.

At its core, the RPCIP is designed to reduce the cost of improving buildings, upgrading signage, repurposing existing structures, and completing planning or building approvals.

Available grant programs include:

• Façade Improvement Grant
• Signage Improvement Grant
• Property and Private Parking Area Improvement Grant
• Application Fee Grant
• Adaptive Commercial Reuse Grant
• Housing/Residential Unit Improvement Grant

These programs aim to support farm viability, enhance tourism experiences, improve housing options, and encourage the reuse of existing buildings rather than new development.

Who is eligible

Eligible applicants may include:

• Farms with on-farm diversified uses or additional residential units
• Rural tourism businesses
• Commercial, institutional, or mixed-use properties in hamlets and villages

Eligibility requirements vary by program, and all projects must meet County policies and receive approval before work begins.

Interested applicants are asked to contact County staff before submitting an application to confirm eligibility and discuss project details. Funding is limited and subject to Council approval.

“The RPCIP reflects what we heard from our rural community,” said Zach Gable, Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “There is strong interest in practical improvements that support local businesses, agriculture, and tourism while maintaining the character of rural Brant.”

To learn more about the Rural Prosperity Community Improvement Plan, including eligibility and how to apply, visit: www.brant.ca/RPCIP

For questions, please contact the County of Brant Economic Development team at invest@brant.ca or call 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268) / TF 1.855.44BRANT.