Supporting local businesses and promoting economic development is one of our priorities. 

The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) approved in 2025 for the Villages of Embrun and Russell is a grant program that can offer up to $20,000 for local business owners to renovate and improve their properties. This grant/rebate program helps us:

  • encourage businesses to stay, to open, and to expand within our community.
  • create more tax revenue thanks to increased commercial property values.
  • improve the appearance and function of downtown areas.

Before and After Photos

Lexine Photographie

Qualified for:

  • Façade Improvement Grant

 

Royal Lepage

Qualified for:

  • Façade Improvement Grant
  • Signage Improvement Grant
  • Municipal Application / Permit Fees Rebate

 

Encore Audiology

 

Qualified for:

  • Façade Improvement Grant
  • Accessibility Improvement Grant
  • Parking Area and Landscaping Improvement Grant
  • Architectural / Engineering Design Grant
  • Municipal Application / Permit Fees Rebate

 

Russell IDA Pharmacy

Qualified for:

  • Façade Improvement Grant
  • Signage Improvement Grant
  • Accessibility Improvement Grant
  • Parking Area and Landscaping Improvement Grant
  • Architectural / Engineering Design Grant
  • Municipal Application / Permit Fees Rebate
  • Tax Increment Grant Program

Eligible Areas

Application Process

To apply for one or more of the CIP Grants, please follow the steps below:

  1. Ensure your property is within the Community Improvement Project Areas (CIPA) by reviewing the CIPA Schedules here.
  2. Review the CIP Guidelines to see which incentive(s) your project fits within.
  3. Fill out the CIP Application Form.
  4. Pre-Consultation with Township staff to discuss your project (this is optional and helpful for those applicants needing more direction on the program and would ensure that the CIP application is complete prior to formal application).
  5. Send the CIP Application Form with any supporting materials (project description, applicable plans and drawings, etc.) to ecodev@russell.ca.
  6. Staff will contact you after receiving your documents regarding next steps.
    • If your application fits the CIP Guidelines, it will be accepted as is or may need to be revised and resubmitted.
    • If your application does not fit the CIP Guidelines, the Township reserves the right to reject the application.
  7. Complete your project. Prior to release of funds, the Township will require before/after pictures and proof of all costs submitted by the applicant.

Any outstanding charges from the Township (including tax arrears), work orders, and/or orders or requests to comply must be satisfactorily addressed prior to application processing and grant and/or tax assistance payment.