One of the major benefits of being a downtown urban ward is receiving Cash in Lieu of Parkland (CILP, CIL for short) from developments.
What is Cash in Lieu? When a new development happens, the city requires developers to set aside land for public parks. But in an urban setting, this land doesn’t always exist. If that is the case, developers make a payment “in lieu” so the City can provide parkland in another way. Developers put the equivalent amount of money into an account to be used for improvements to, or investing in existing parkland, or purchasing land for parks elsewhere in the future.
From each development, 60% of the funds collected goes into an account specific to the ward where the development occurs, and 40% goes to a city-wide account.
CIL funds can only be used for certain things, for parkland, and for recreation or investments that improve recreation.
Unfortunately, due to a legal matter, access to CIL funds has been almost completely restricted since 2022. Finally, this year, I was able to make some real investments using my CIL.
Here are the projects I’ve funded with my CIL this year:
| Project Name | Budget Approved |
| Bernard Grandmaitre Arena Basketball Court | $490,550.00 |
| Dutchie’s Hole Park – Accessible boat launch and dock | $237,800.00 |
| Carillon Park Revitalization – Sponge park and new splash pad | $860,000.00 |
| Communication board in Strathcona Park | $3,500.00 |
| Jules Morin Park Sunshade tables | $23,750.00 |
| Mary Papatsie Park Sign Replacement | $6,200.00 |
| Herbert & Estelle Brown Park Sign replacement | $970 |
Projects submitted by the councillor with budget pending for 2026
This post is also available in French.
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