CIP Private Sector Incentive Program Opens for Summer 2026 Intake

Recent updates to the Community Improvement Plan expands funding opportunities for housing developments and business improvement projects. The Summer 2026 intake closes July 31. 

MUSKOKA LAKES, ON, June 24, 2026 – The Township of Muskoka Lakes (“Township”) is pleased to announce that the summer intake period for the Community Improvement Plan (“CIP”) Private Sector Incentive Program is now open for applications until July 31, 2026.

This Program seeks to assist businesses and developers in the Township by providing financial incentives for projects that improve the vitality of Muskoka Lakes and contribute to the year-round economy. Since 2022, the Township has provided approximately $316,000 in grants and leveraged $1.2 million in private investment.

As of May 2026, Township Council approved an expansion to the CIP Private Sector Incentive Program offering additional funding streams to support attainable housing, development and projects that demonstrate a positive impact on the community.

CIP Private Sector Incentive Program Streams:

• Additional Dwelling Unit: This program aims to stimulate housing development in situations where it might otherwise not have occurred.
• Attainable Housing Feasibility: This program will assist developer proponents in assessing the feasibility of attainable housing projects that also support the Township’s Strategic Plan.
• Building Accessibility & Façade Upgrade: This program will encourage building owners to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities and to enhance the exterior façade of their building.
• Building Structural & Mechanical Upgrade: This program will support investment in structural and mechanical components of commercial properties to enhance business viability, building integrity, and year-round use.
• Development Charges Grant Equivalent: This program aims to stimulate housing development in situations where it might otherwise not have occurred.
• Ecological Spaces: This program will improve the landscape between commercial business and public properties, highlighting environmental sustainability, natural beauty, and local culture.
• Employee Housing: This program will increase the number and quality of dwelling units available for workers and employees in the Township.
• Municipal Fees: This program will promote housing development by rebating Township fees for planning applications or building permits.
• Shoreline Structure: This program will encourage the development of additional day-use docking and/or boat slips for operators of pleasure craft travelling to the Community Improvement Area.
• Tax Increment Equivalency: This program will encourage the development of large-scale attainable housing to improve the supply of attainable housing in the Township.

For complete details on the program streams and eligibility, please review C-FS-18 – Community Improvement Plan Private Sector Incentive Program.

Applying

CIP applications are accepted in two intake windows during the year and is available to businesses and developers across the Township of Muskoka Lakes. The Summer 2026 intake window is now accepting applications from June 24 – July 31, 2026. 

To apply online, visit: Community Improvement Plan (CIP)

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For more information, please contact:
James Cox
Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives Officer
(705) 765-3156
jcox@muskokalakes.ca

For general, media or accessibility inquires, please contact:
Mia Palantzas
Communications Advisor
(705) 765-3156 x360
communications@muskokalakes.ca

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