News

Council approves updated Uptown Community Improvement Plan

1 December 2025

Council approved the updated Uptown Community Improvement Plan (CIP) based on community feedback and recommendations.

The CIP program is an important tool to support local businesses and to improve accessibility and sustainability of the building stock in uptown Waterloo. Notable additions to the plan include:

  • Re-activation of an updated version of the Fee and Study Grant to support applicants with the costs of planning studies and/or applications.
  • Introduction of an Accessibility Enhancement Grant. This program is intended to support accessibility improvements in both the interior and exterior of buildings
  • Introduction of a Sustainability and Climate Resilience Grant to encourage building improvements that improve energy efficiency and/or initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
  • Introduction of a Commercial Interior and Vacancy Improvement Grant to support new businesses in making interior investments needed to start up their business.

Several existing programs continue to be part of the CIP, including the Commercial and Heritage Property Facade Improvement Grant, which encourages businesses and commercial property tenants to enhance the appearance of buildings and streetscapes.

The next round of CIP applications will open in the Spring of 2026.

More information, when available, can be found at: City of Waterloo - Community Improvement Plan