Building Facade Improvement Grant

Purpose 

To assist property owners of existing buildings to maintain their long-term viability and to assist property owners of vacant properties/spaces with public visibility with increasing the marketability of their property in order to secure tenants.  

Grant Amount Available 

The grant amount available for this program is up to eleven thousand five hundred dollars ($11,500) per property (excluding HST), based on a fifty/fifty (50/50) matching cash contribution of the Applicant. The grant amount will be calculated based on fifty percent (50%) of the actual cost of the project.  

Eligible Costs 

Eligible Costs: Examples of eligible facade improvements include, but are not limited to:  

• masonry cleaning, restoration and stabilization;  
• installation of storefront awnings;  
• redesign of storefronts;  
• window repair and restoration;  
• installation of appropriate signage;  
• painting of woodwork;  
• renovation of storefronts;  
• replacement or repair of cornices, eaves, parapets, and other architectural features;  
• entranceway modifications; or 
• professional services for architectural, planning, engineering and site drawings or plans for eligible building facade improvements. 
• Eligible costs shall be the original estimate or the actual cost, whichever is less. 

Ineligible Costs: Ineligible improvements include landscaping, building insulation, roof work, and interior work. In-kind contributions are not eligible costs. 

Eligible Areas 

The program is available to properties in the Urban, Hamlet, and Lakeshore Areas. Eligible buildings must be an existing storefront retail property with street visibility, to the satisfaction of Norfolk County. 

Other Eligibility Requirements 

1. Tenure Type: The Applicant must either be the registered owner of the property or a tenant with the written permission of the registered owner of the property.  
2. Type of Buildings: Eligible facades include those associated with a non-residential use in an existing building.  
3. Required Documentation: Submission of drawings and/or plans may be required as part of the application. 
4. Assignee Permission: Approved grants are not transferable to any other property but may be transferred to a new owner of an approved property, provided the new owner meets and agrees to the terms and conditions of the grant. 
5. General Program Terms also apply.  

Grant Payment 

The grant will be payable upon completion of the works, submission of paid invoices, proof of payment (cancelled cheques or bank records), and final inspection of any works covered by the program.