Brock sees early payoff from downtown improvement grants

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Early results from Brock Township’s Downtown Community Improvement Plan (CIP) suggest the program is already making a visible impact on local main streets, helping to encourage reinvestment and refresh the look of downtown areas.

The update was outlined in a recent staff report, presented by, Director of Development Services, Robin Prentice, detailing activity since the updated Downtown CIP was approved, in June of 2024. The program provides grants and incentives, to support building improvements, beautification, and long-term economic growth in the downtown cores of Beaverton, Cannington, and Sunderland.

“A Community Improvement Plan is about partnering with property owners to reinvest in our downtowns,” said Ms. Prentice. “Even with a small number of completed applications, so far, the program is already generating visible improvements and strong private investment.”

Since the plan’s approval, three complete applications have been received and approved, resulting in four grants, totalling $14,102. Those grants have helped leverage approximately $55,000 in private sector investment.

Two of the grants were awarded through the Façade Improvement Program, while another project received funding through both the Signage Improvement and Commercial Support programs. The incentives are designed to enhance building exteriors, improve signage, support local businesses, and strengthen the overall character of Brock’s downtown areas.

Among the projects highlighted is 16–18 Cameron Street West, in Cannington, where a $5,000 CIP grant supported signage upgrades and commercial improvements, as part of a larger renovation. Another notable project is 34 Cameron Street West which received a $3,150 facade improvement grant, in 2024, for work along Cameron Street, followed by a $5,952 grant, in 2025, to complete matching improvements along Ann Street.

Mayor Mike Jubb said, the early successes reflect the value of targeted investment in downtown communities.

“Our downtowns are the heart of our communities,” Mayor Jubb said. “These projects show how relatively modest grants can encourage property owners to invest, improve the appearance of our main streets, and create more welcoming spaces for residents and visitors.”

Under the Downtown CIP, approval authority has been delegated to staff, allowing applications to be reviewed efficiently, by a panel which includes development services, finance, and regional economic development representatives. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additional inquiries have been received for properties in Beaverton and Cannington. Although, staff noted, complete applications have not yet been submitted.

The Township allocated $25,000 to the CIP program, in the 2025 budget, and just over $10,000 was paid out, to date, and additional funds committed. Another $25,000 has been set aside for the program, as part of the recently approved 2026 budget.

Beyond economic benefits, the CIP also supports environmental goals, by encouraging the rehabilitation and reuse of existing buildings which can improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

To build awareness, the Township has: launched promotional materials, under the tagline “Kickstart the Heart of Brock – Building Vibrant Downtowns;” updated its website; and introduced an online application form. Further outreach is planned in 2026, including collaboration with the Brock Board of Trade.

The staff report was received for information, while efforts are continuing to promote the Downtown CIP and process applications as they are received.