Submit Applications for Million Dollar Makeover Program (Canada)

The program encourages investment in commercial districts and properties in Kawartha Lakes by supporting property and business owners in improving the visual and functional aspects of their commercial, mixed-use commercial/residential or heritage designated residential buildings.

The Million Dollar Makeover is a funding program that includes 10 funding opportunities that are designed to encourage private sector investment, revitalization, redevelopment and construction activity throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes. The programs can be used individually or stacked together for a particular project.

Objectives

• Downtown main street revitalization and enhancements
• Heritage districts and building restoration and improvements
• Derelict building repairs and improvements to functionality
• Affordable rental housing private space retrofits in mixed-use buildings.

Eligibility Criteria

• All improvement projects are subject to the following criteria and conditions to be eligible for any funding program. Additional program-specific eligibility requirements are listed under the applicable funding program.
  • The Property
    • The property must be located within a designated Project Area. Priority status may be given to properties within communities whose improvement proposals align most closely with the City’s policy and design guidelines foundation.
    • The property must be a commercial, residential or mixed-use commercial/residential property, or be changing to one of these land uses as part of the proposed redevelopment.
    • The property and building(s) shall not have tax arrears, outstanding utility charges, contraventions, penalties, fines or fees, or any other legal claim, lien or order, including work orders that may adversely affect the title of the land, or other outstanding requirements, and must comply with all municipal by-laws
  • The Project
    • The project to be undertaken must contribute to community improvement in accordance with the Kawartha Lakes Strategic Community Improvement Plan, as well as the Official Plan, any community-based Secondary Plan for the respective community, any Streetscape and Façade Design Guidelines and any other relevant, municipally-endorsed plans, studies, guidelines, or regulations.
    • The minimum project cost shall be $1,000 or as determined through pre-application evaluation.
    • Appropriate building permits and planning approvals shall be in place.
    • Upon approval and/or completion of a project, the City reserves the right to audit the costs associated with any of the works described by the approved application, and any audits will be undertaken at the expense of the applicant.
    • Upon approval and/or completion of a project, the City reserves the right to inspect any properties/buildings that are part of the approved application.
  • The Application
    • A “complete application” will include a completed application form, and supporting materials such as plans, studies, cost estimates and contracts, applicable reports, and any additional information required by the City.
    • A complete application must be approved by the City before work commences (applications for projects that have already begun will not be considered).
  • The Funding
    • The total amount of the financial incentives will not exceed the eligible project costs of the property improvements (clearance/demolition, construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation, or improvement of energy efficiency), and may combine financial tools (grants, loans, rebates).
    • The City is not responsible for the costs associated with preparing an application or any other related costs.
    • Should the applicant fall into default of any of the eligibility requirements or any other requirements of the City then the City may delay, reduce, or cancel the incentive, and may require repayment of any of the incentive program benefits, at the discretion of the City.
    • Any program commitments may be cancelled if work does not commence within six (6) months of the City’s approval of an application, or in accordance with an Agreement with the City.

For more information, visit City of Kawartha Lakes.