The County of Renfrew is now accepting applications from local municipalities for its regional incentive program – HYPE (Helping Your Place Excel) – which provides matching grant funding – up to 50% – to stimulate private sector investment, attract and retain businesses, and improve business and community appeal.
Aligned with the County’s strategic priorities, the HYPE Program drives economic development by offering financial incentives that support local municipal Community Improvement Plans (CIPs). The HYPE Program promotes and supports a wide range of economic goals, including affordable housing, tourism, business retention and expansion, and investment readiness. Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to, private sector investment, enhancing tourist accommodations, growing attainable and affordable housing, fostering agriculture development, revitalizing downtowns, expanding trail networks, improving accessibility and energy efficiency, and advancing projects with positive environmental impacts.
As recently amended in the County of Renfrew’s Official Plan, this regional incentive program is an enabling policy that grants the County the ability to offer financial support to local municipalities to implement their Community Improvement Plans. Currently, that includes the Towns of Arnprior, Deep River, Petawawa and Renfrew and the Townships of Admaston/Bromley, Bonnechere Valley, Horton, Laurentian Valley and Whitewater Region.
Community Improvement Plans (CIPs) are a municipal financial tool used to stimulate development and revitalization to enhance the overall quality of life in a community. Through financial incentives like grants or loans, property and business owners can improve buildings and lands within a defined project area. The HYPE Program, in conjunction with local CIPs, can provide up to $30,000 depending on the project.
“The HYPE program is a valuable initiative that enables the County to support economic development efforts of local municipalities while aligning with regional strategic goals,” says David Wybou, Business Development Officer with the County of Renfrew and HYPE Program Administrator.
Interested applicants are encouraged to explore the local Community Improvement Plan within their municipalities to learn more about how to access financial support, including the HYPE Program.
The County began accepting applications from municipalities for HYPE funding on July 28, 2025 for a two-week intake period. Following notification to municipalities of the approval status, applications will continue to be received and evaluated on a first-come, first-serve basis if funds remain.
For more information, including links to local Community Improvement Plans, visit www.investrenfrewcounty.ca/HYPE or contact David Wybou at 613-735-7288 ext. 432.
(Richard Evans)
