Client: Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands
Year: 2023
Focus Areas: Economic Development, Community Improvement, Grants, Main-Street and Rural Revitalization, Placemaking

Re:Public Urbanism prepared a Township-wide Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands (TLTI) to guide revitalization and reinvestment across its villages, hamlets, and rural areas. The Plan establishes a clear framework to promote economic development, diversify the local housing supply, and enhance community character while protecting the Township’s natural and cultural assets. Its vision centres on fostering vibrant, resilient, and inclusive communities that celebrate local heritage, support sustainable growth, and strengthen TLTI’s rural identity.

Prepared in consultation with residents, business owners, and municipal staff, the Plan introduces five financial incentive programs to support Façade Improvement, Accessibility and Code Compliance, Secondary Dwelling Unit Creation, Building Conversion and Expansion, and Agri-Tourism. These programs aim to enhance property conditions, expand attainable and rental housing options, and stimulate business investment in urban and rural settings.

The CIP also identifies a series of municipal leadership initiatives to complement private-sector investment. These include actions such as enhancing public parks and water access, improving wayfinding and main street appearance, supporting attainable housing development, and exploring opportunities for adaptive reuse of public assets. Through this Plan, the Township will guide coordinated community improvement over the next decade, encouraging sustainable growth and investment across TLTI.