Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 12

119 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 keeps Stone Mills running efficiently with its residents feeling well cared for. Sands maintains that another vital tool is the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) – one of the only ways a municipality can offer financial investment for private businesses. He states, “We’ve taken a keen focus on stimulating commercial development in our hamlets. It was progressing well before the pandemic, but now it’s somewhat on hold so we can better understand what needs to be included from a COVID response perspective. The world has changed. Significant money is now spent on separate entrances and exits for businesses – three years ago that wasn’t a consideration. We’re working on a CIP that will be applicable for the future of our Township.” Brooks also supports the importance of the CIP, specifically in the area of regional planning. He emphasizes, “Development is a big deal for us because it has a direct impact on our growth. That’s why we pick projects we feel our community will connect with the most. That’s how we’ve remained resilient over the past two years, while simultaneously preparing ourselves for future success.” TOWNSHI P OF STONE MI LLS , ONTAR IO