Community Improvement Plan Year 1 Progress Report

Wawa Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Financial Incentives Program

The Wawa Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Financial Incentives Program was launched to support the goal of “bringing Broadway back to beautiful” by enhancing the atmosphere of the downtown core and encouraging increased local and visitor spending. The program directly supports community revitalization by facilitating new residential and commercial development while improving the overall appearance and vibrancy of downtown Wawa, strengthening community pride and visitor appeal.

The CIP Financial Incentives Program is delivered through five grant streams: the Residential/Office Rehabilitation and Conversion Grant, the Activation Grant for Vacant Buildings, the Building Façade and Signage Improvement Grant, the Planning and Building Permit Fee Grant, and the Tax Increment Equivalent Grant.

Key Values and Benefits

• Stimulates Private Investment: Incentivizes property improvements and new development that might otherwise be deferred.
• Drives Economic Growth: Revitalizes downtown, attracts businesses and visitors, and supports job creation.
• Addresses Community Needs: Supports attainable housing, adaptive reuse, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable land use.
• Enhances Placemaking: Improves streetscapes and façades to create a more attractive and vibrant community.
• Provides Strategic Focus: Concentrates municipal resources within the Community Improvement Project Area to target priority reinvestment areas.

Year 1 in Review

In its first year, the CIP Financial Incentives Program demonstrated strong early results in supporting private investment and community improvement. A total of five applications were approved, with two projects fully completed and one partially completed by year-end.

Approved projects will result in the addition of two new retail spaces and nine new residential units, contributing to both economic development and housing availability. The total value of approved projects was $143,693.91, supported by a municipal contribution of $63,620.20, leveraging approximately $2.26 in private investment for every $1.00 of CIP funding.

Overall, Year 1 outcomes indicate that the program is meeting its objectives by encouraging redevelopment, enhancing the built environment, and maximizing the impact of municipal investment.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Program activity will continue into 2026, with additional applications anticipated. The Municipality thanks all applicants who have invested in meaningful property improvements that directly enhance the appearance and vitality of Broadway Avenue. Appreciation is also extended to the members of the Economic Development and Tourism Committee for their continued commitment to promoting the program and reviewing applications.

For more information about Wawa’s Community Improvement Plan and Financial Incentives Program, visit: https://www.wawa.cc/business-and-development/community-improvement-plan/. For inquiries, please contact Maggie Culhane, Economic Development Officer, at edo@wawa.cc or 705-856-2244 ext. 222.

Photos: Bob’s Garage New Signage supported by the Signage Improvement Grant and 55 Broadway Building, supported by the Activation Grant for Vacant Buildings, and the Building Façade and Signage Improvement Grant.