Russell Township will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, November 3, to discuss a proposed Community Improvement Plan for the 417 Industrial Park and the Embrun Business Park. The plan was intended to improve the aesthetics and amenities of the two parks in order to drive growth and encourage businesses to move to the sites.

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If the plan were approved, the township would grant up to $20,000, or up to 50 percent rebates on building permits, to property and business owners to improve facades, signs, and parking lots, or to encourage renovations, landscaping and accessibility at their sites. Blank, “box-like” building designs would be discouraged in favour of “visual interest”, as would landscaping, vegetation and pedestrian pathways on the street fronts.

Sustainability would also be encouraged through grants to introduce solar technology, greenrooms and environmental waste water systems. “The Township views the development of this CIP as an opportunity to further facilitate economic growth and development of the 417 Industrial Park and Embrun Business Park,” a JL Richards report on the plan said.

The report said the plan was intended to stimulate industrial development, attract new businesses, and prioritise areas for future development. A » high standard of building design”, environmentally sustainable plans, and developments that would improve the township’s image would guide the plan.

Commercial Improvement Plans were introduced for the commercial and village cores of Embrun and Russell in 2015. That plan provided grants for businesses and property owners along Notre Dame Street in central Embrun, as well as the village core and commercial centres of Russell.

The public meeting will be held virtually via a Microsoft Teams link on the township’s website from 6 p.m. More information can be found in the Public Notices section of the Russell Township site.