LOB awards Improvement grants to two businesses

Another round opens in July

Lake of Bays Council approved recipients for the first quarter of the 2025 Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Private Sector Incentive Program, in the May 13, 2025, meeting.

On May 2024 Council approved the new program, passed a By-law, and allocated $100,000 into the CIP reserves.

Staff advised that the goal of the program is for improvement and revitalization of the community, including construction and upgrades to commercial properties under the Expansion and Diversification of Existing Businesses (EDEB) project grant.

According to the staff report the EDEB pertains to “construction costs related to accessibility, structural and mechanical upgrades to existing commercial buildings, including upgrades to plumbing and electrical systems, installation of safety and fire protection systems, structural upgrades, upgrade and installation of windows, new technologies, building insulation, consultant fees, fire suppression systems, carpentry, HVAC, and interior renovations. Renewable energy projects (such as solar panels) would also apply.”

It adds that the Township may approve grants up to 50% at a maximum amount of $5,000 per eligible property.

Last year the Township awarded $5,000 to its first business recipient through the new initiative.

In this year’s first quarter staff reported that the Township received two applications for construction and upgrades.

One application received was from White Pine Lodge Algonquin, on Highway 60, requesting $1,800 of $3,600 in project costs for their electrical system in a building that will be converted to an Artisan’s gallery.

The other application was from Lake of Bays Brewing Company, on 2681 Muskoka Road, Highway 117, requesting $5,000 of $10,227.50 in costs for a backflow device, under the same project grant. Staff added that the request is to accommodate the District of Muskoka’s backflow requirements.

Staff continued that the applications were reviewed and meet the requirements under the Township’s applicable policies and recommended Council approval of the requests.

They advised that the costs of the projects amount to $6,800 of the Township’s current $95,000 CIP project reserve. Unused funds from the reserve will remain in place for future projects.

They added that the next 2025 application process will take place from July to September and will be presented to Council for approval.

Mayor, Terry Glover, expressed appreciation to the project. He said, “It’s a great program. I’m glad to see people taking advantage of it.”