Facade and Structural Improvement Program
This city grant pays up to 50% of costs to a maximum of $7,500 for a double facade, or up to 33% to a maximum of $5,000 for a single facade, per project. You pay first and get paid back after inspection. Applications are open.
Before you spend any money
Get the city's approval BEFORE you start work or buy anything. If you start early, you can lose this funding.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You run a storefront business in Owen Sound's River District or Harbour Area
- You are planning exterior facade, storefront, or signage improvements
- You can secure approval before starting any work
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located outside Owen Sound or its designated CIP/BIA area
- You have already started or finished the work
How much you'd realistically get
Up to 50% to a max $7,500 (second/double facade); up to 33% to a max $5,000 (single facade) per project, per year
What may be supported
- Street-facing facade redesign/restoration/renovation
- Structural and life-safety improvements
- Restoration of original architectural features (brick, stone, wood, cornices)
- Gooseneck exterior lighting
- Signage (combined with facade work)
How applying works
Effort: mediumYou apply to the city with quotes and photos, get approval before you start, then claim your costs after the work is done.
- 01Confirm your property is in the program area and funds are available
- 02Get the city's written pre-approval BEFORE starting
- 03Complete the approved work
- 04Submit your costs for reimbursement
Documents commonly required
- Quotes/estimates for the work
- Photos of the current storefront
- Proof of property ownership or owner's consent
What to know before you count on it
- Cost-share: you pay for the work first, then the city pays back 33% to 50% of eligible costs after the work is done and inspected.
- Only properties in Owen Sound's River District and Harbour Area qualify. Confirm your address is inside it before you spend.
- Municipal funding is limited each year. Confirm money is still available.
What are your odds?
To qualify, your property must be in the River District or Harbour Area, and the city must approve your project before work starts. The city's budget is limited each year, so ask if money is still available.
More funding by what it pays for
Funding for Storefront Signage
Grants and loans that may help pay for new storefront signage.
Funding for Storefronts and Facades
Grants and loans that may help pay for storefront and facade work.
Funding for Accessibility
Grants for ramps, doors and washrooms may help pay for accessibility improvements.
What you can combine it with
May combine with provincial/federal programs for the same project. We'll check what stacks.
Related programs
Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit
Up to $45,000
Corporations can claim a 10% refundable corporate income tax credit on eligible commercial or industrial building expenditures in designated Ontario…
Checked
Starter Company Plus
Up to $5,000
Starter Company Plus pairs a grant of up to $5,000 with hands-on training and one-on-one guidance from your local Small Business Enterprise Centre.
Checked
Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.