CFAs: Façade Improvement Grant Program (Canada)

Attractive, well-maintained buildings create vibrancy in their downtown areas and make businesses more attractive to potential consumers.

Funding Information

• The Municipality will fund 50% of the total project cost (excluding taxes) up to $5,000. Up to an additional $1,000 will be made available for projects that improve buildings that are designated under Part IV or Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. The Municipality will provide a maximum of $7,000 per project when the building has multiple storefronts or street addresses or the building is on a corner lot, where façade improvements are proposed on both frontages.

Usage of Funds 

• Funding may be used towards the restoration of an existing storefront or the design and installation of a new façade. Projects that include fascia or perpendicular signage may apply for additional funds through the Signage Improvement Grant Program. Improvements must fit with the character of the community. A portion of the funds may be used towards professional graphic design and business branding expenses.

Eligible Improvements

• Eligible improvements include the following:
  • Exterior building painting
  • Architectural feature improvements/amendments/additions
  • Re-pointing of brick/stone
  • Brick restoration/cleaning
  • Installation of new masonry/stone work
  • Replacement or repair of canopies and/or awnings
  • Exterior lighting/front illumination for signage
  • Replacement/Removal of siding
  • Storefront redesign
  • Replacement of windows and doors
  • Fascia signage improvements
  • Permanent outdoor planters/accessories (shutters, trim, glass repair)
  • Permanent exterior accessibility ramps
• Other renovations/ improvements may be eligible if they meet the objectives of the program guidelines.

Ineligible Costs

• New building construction
• Roof repairs
• Interior improvements
• Backlit, read graph and electronic signage
• Permits required for improvements (e.g. Building, Sign)

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be a merchant or commercial property owner within the Community Improvement Project Area.
• Façade improvements associated with agricultural uses are eligible so long as the building is being used for farmgate or agri-tourism purposes and is open to the visiting public.
• Improvement projects within Commercial Focus Areas will be prioritized.
• Applicants may be eligible for one facade grant per storefront. Applicants may additionally apply for the Signage and Accessibility Improvement Programs; Vacant or Underutilized Properties Conversion/Expansion Program; and/or Agri-Business Innovation Program if the project meets the program requirements.
• Improvements to buildings that are designated under Part IV or Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act must be approved by the Huron East Heritage Committee. Grant monies will not be awarded if the project is not approved by the Heritage Committee.
• The subject property shall not be in a position of tax arrears and not have any outstanding orders or non-conformity with zoning.
• Only grant applications that comply with municipal by-laws will be considered.
• Projects may require a Building and/or Sign Permit. Permits must be issued before the project commences. Applicants that have commenced work prior to obtaining a Building Permit, acknowledge that their project may be deemed ineligible for funding. Approval of a grant will not guarantee that a Building or Sign Permit will be issued.
• Improvements requiring a variance will not be considered unless unique circumstances (not caused or created by the applicant) exist.
• Improvements must not interfere with sidewalk maintenance and pedestrian safety; which include proper height and allowable encroachment onto the sidewalk.
• Projects should not have commenced prior to the awarding of the requested grant. Applicants that have commenced work prior to obtaining approval for the requested grant, acknowledge that their project may be deemed ineligible for funding.
• Projects must be completed by the end of the year in which the funding was received. Extensions are not granted unless prior approval has been received. If money is not spent it will be deemed an incomplete project and you will need to reapply next year.
• Applicants must provide a minimum 50% cash contribution towards the total cost of the project for which they are applying for a grant.
• Taxes are the full responsibility of the applicants.
• Eligible project costs must be actual cash outlay to third parties acting at arms’ length and which can be documented through original invoices or proofs of payment. An exception may be granted for a property owner that wishes to do the work themselves; however, eligible project costs may only include material costs and not labour.
• Projects within a Commercial Focus Area must demonstrate a contribution to the overall quality of the streetscape of the community.

Review Criteria

• The Municipality of Huron East Community Improvement Program Committee will review applications against the following criteria:
  • date/timing of the application
  • balance of funding available and any previous applications made at the time of application
  • project’s potential to provide long term economic benefit to the Municipality
  • evidence of the applicant’s ability to fulfill responsibilities related to the project installation and maintenance
  • project’s location in relation to the Commercial Focus Areas
  • project’s “fit” with the objectives of the Community Improvement Plan
  • project’s “fit” with the character of the building and its’ surroundings

For more information, visit Municipality of Huron East.