Accessibility and Safety Renovation Grant

Purpose

To offset the costs associated with structural improvements to the interior of buildings for existing commercial operations and to provide assistance with renovations/retrofits to improve accessibility (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act), Building Code and Fire Code Standards and health and safety features of the facility. It is intended to upgrade the physical conditions of buildings to improve their safety and accessibility.

Grant Amount Available

The grant amount available for this program is up to six thousand five hundred dollars ($6,500) per property (excluding HST), based on a fifty/fifty (50/50) matching contribution of the Applicant.

Eligible Costs

Eligible Projects:

• Renovations and/or retrofits to improve accessibility (as per the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act), Building Code and Fire Code Standards and health and safety features of the building;
• adaptive re-use of derelict or underutilized structures (e.g. conversion of a closed school or barn to another use);
• Costs of professional services for architectural, planning, engineering and site plans or drawings for improvements are also eligible.

Ineligible Costs: Cosmetic upgrades, such as to flooring and windows, and general property maintenance or upkeep are not eligible for grant funding.

Eligible Areas

The program is available in any of the CIP areas, subject to all other policies of this CIP.

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: All buildings associated with an existing non-residential use are eligible.
3. Multiple Incentives: Participants in the are not eligible.
4. Required Documentation: Submission of drawings and/or plans may be required as part of the application.
5. 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.

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.