Business Façade Improvement Program

• Applicant must be either the property owner or business owner (if the applicant is the business owner, the property owner must approve the application in writing and confirm that all improvements are to be paid for by the applicant)

• Non-profit and enterprising non-profit organizations (tenants)

• Home based businesses which are zoned commercial and have a storefront and are within the specified area

• Home based businesses without a commercial storefront (eligible for wayfinding signage only)

• Property taxes pertaining to the property are fully paid and current ▪ Current, valid business licenses for the property (unless otherwise exempt)

• No outstanding building permits, stop work orders, or development permit condition requirements outstanding

• Subject building has not received a previous grant under this program for the proposed improvements

• Residential homes

• Apartment buildings

• Government owned buildings(municipal, provincial or federal, even if they have business tenants)

• Properties outside the specified area (as defined in Eligible Areas)

• Empty buildings or businesses that are not operating (exception if the business is renovating or doing improvements to the building in anticipation of re-opening)

• Must be an older building needing new façade, not for new construction

Eligible improvements may consist of but are not limited to:

• Exterior lighting (new but not replacement)

• Exterior architectural features

• Exterior surfaces and details (decorative details, moldings, trims etc.)

• Windows (only if part of larger enhancements, no stand-alone window replacement)

• New siding

• Façade painting

• Entrances and doorways (only if part of larger enhancements, no stand-alone entrance/doorway replacement)

• Awnings

• Signage (permanent on applicant property)

• Wayfinding signage (sign located on the business property i.e. at the bottom of a driveway).

  • Signs are eligible for 50% to a maximum of $500 and must adhere to any signage bylaws and regulations

• Accessibility improvements (ramps, wider doors etc.) to the outside of the building only
• Patios (permanent or semi- permanent patios that will have a legacy of more than one season and give a lasting impact)

The following improvements are ineligible:

• Routine maintenance

• Structural repairs

• Roofs

• Non-permanent fixtures(benches, planters, patio heaters etc.)

• Landscaping

• Paving

• Fencing

• Interior/internal improvements

• Improvements not visible from the public right of way

• Construction of additions, accessory buildings or new buildings

• Improvements that have been started prior to application approval

• Improvements deemed inconsistent with redevelopment purposes and design guidelines

• Direct project labour costs

• Design, architectural or engineering fees (related to facade only)

• Contractor fees

• Rental of tools and equipment

• Project related materials and supplies

• Shipping and/or freight

• PST

• Staff wages and/or benefits
• Purchase of construction tools or equipment
• Operational costs including utilities (hydro, gas etc.)
• Duties
• Permit fees
• Expenses related to improvement to the building façade not visible from the public right of way
• Façade improvement expenses started prior to application approval
• GST