(Photo by Blair Wright) THUNDER BAY – Looking to boost recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and spur improvements in its core business districts, the City of Thunder Bay has made it easier to access municipal grants for commercial property improvements. Changes to the city’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP) approved unanimously by city council Monday will lower requirements such as the minimum amount that must be spent by the business in order to qualify for grants of up to $25,000. CIP grants are meant to incentivize improvements such as renovations, façade improvements, and the installation of second-storey residential units. Businesses in the north and south downtown cores, as well as commercial areas along Simpson and Frederica streets, are eligible for the grants.