The irresistible aroma of backyard barbecues in the air and the maze of tower cranes erected in the sky can only mean one thing: Summer is almost here. While April showers bring May flowers, with summertime comes the inevitable launch of hundreds of new projects and developments by businesses and municipalities – giving cause to believe that we are in the midst of another long season of construction. Now, what does this mean for you? Aside from the countless road closures and traffic delays, you also have the opportunity to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities and incentives being offered by municipalities everywhere. With the aid of your local municipality’s grant programs and the services of MultiCam Canada, there is no better time than now to launch your own redesign, renovation, or restoration project.
The Commercial Signage Replacement and Facade Improvement programs are just two of the several commercial grants made available to businesses by various municipalities. Let’s take a closer look at each and find out how you can save money on your next sign making project.
1. The Commercial Signage Replacement Grant Program
What?
The Commercial Signage Replacement Grant Program exists to encourage the improvement of commercial building facades in the heritage districts with the implementation of new signage. Various municipalities have designed this program to promote joint public/private action and investment while enhancing their local streetscape. The program provides financial assistance for sign replacement in the form of a 50/50 matching grant up to the amount of $1000.
Where?
The Commercial Signage Replacement Grant Program is currently offered by the City of Markham in its various heritage conservation districts. If your business is located within the following areas, you may be eligible to receive the grant: Thornhill, Unionville, and Markham Village.
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How?
The application process begins with a pre-application consultation where eligibility for the grant program is determined. Businesses are then able to submit their application to the Planning and Urban Design Department and upon staff review, council review, and the acquisition of proper permits, the grant will then be issued.
Are you ineligible for this program? Do not fret! Here is a list of similar heritage-based commercial grants being offered by other municipalities:
- Edmonton, AB: The Heritage Investment Grant Program
- Surrey, BC: The Building Preservation Program
- Vancouver, BC: The Restore It! Granting Program
- Victoria, BC: The Building Incentive Program
- Kingston, ON: The Heritage Property Grants Program
- Kitchener, ON: The Designated Heritage Property Grants Program
- Ottawa, ON: The Heritage Grant Program for Building Restoration
- Toronto, ON: The Heritage Grant Program
- Cape Breton, NS: The Heritage Property Program
- Halifax, NS: The Heritage Property Program
- Regina, SA: The Heritage Property Tax Incentive Program
- Whitehorse, YK: The City of Whitehorse Heritage Program
2. The Commercial Facade Improvement Program
What?
The Commercial Facade Improvement Program provides grant funding to commercial property owners and tenants for the redesign, renovation, or restoration of their building’s facade. Improvements in the areas of signage, storefronts, and architectural features help to enhance the economic viability and vibrancy of the local community while also providing a more welcoming environment to work, shop, and live. The program provides financial assistance in the form of a 50/50 matching grant up to the amount of $10,000.
Where?
The Commercial Facade Improvement Program is currently offered by the City of Toronto in its various business improvement areas. If your business is located within the following areas, you may be eligible to receive the grant:
How?
Qualified applicants can complete and submit their application form to the City of Toronto for review. Upon approval, the grant will be issued after completion of the agreed upon work within the established deadline.
Are you ineligible for this program? Do not fret! Here is a list of similar facade improvement-based commercial grants being offered by other municipalities:
- Edmonton, AB: The Facade Improvement Program
- Surrey, BC: The Facade Enhancement Grant
- Kitchener, ON: The Facade Grant Program
- Hamilton, ON: The Commercial Façade Property Improvement Grant Program
- Whitby, ON: The Façade Improvement Grant Program
- Central Huron. ON: The Central Huron Façade Improvement Program
- Brantford, ON: The Facade Grant Program
- Richmond Hill, ON: The Village Core Façade Assistance Grant Program
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