Applications closed, monitoring for reopening
Applications are not open right now (they last closed April 5, 2024). Many programs like this reopen, so we re-check and update this page.
● Still available
One other program is open, with funding up to $5,000
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Markham Commercial Facade Improvement Grant
Markham covers 50% of eligible storefront costs, up to $10,000, for properties in its heritage conservation districts or designated heritage properties. Designated heritage buildings can get up to $5,000 more. You pay first, then get reimbursed after approval and inspection. This intake is closed, so watch for the next one before you plan any work. Applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.
“Approved applicants who undertake at least $500 in improvements are eligible for a grant of up to 50% of the costs with a maximum limit of $10,000 per property for eligible work.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
The program is closed now. If it reopens, get the city's approval before you start work or buy anything. Work started before approval may not qualify.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You operate a commercial storefront in one of Markham's heritage conservation districts (or an Ontario Heritage Act–designated property)
- You plan exterior facade, storefront, or signage work (heritage-designated buildings get an extra $5,000)
- You can secure approval before starting any work
Probably not the right fit if
- Your storefront is outside Markham's heritage conservation districts and is not an Ontario Heritage Act–designated property
- You have already started or finished the work
How much you'd realistically get
For example, on a $10,000 eligible project, that's up to about $5,000 back.
Up to $10,000 per property (50% of costs), plus up to $5,000 more for designated heritage buildings
What may be supported
- facade restoration
- storefront
- signage
- awnings
- windows and doors
- masonry cleaning/repointing
- exterior lighting
How applying works
Effort: mediumA city application with quotes/photos; approval before you start, then claim after completion.
- 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 you're reimbursed (about half) after it's done and inspected.
- If it reopens, apply and get approved BEFORE you start any work or buy anything. Work started before approval may not qualify.
- Only properties in Markham's heritage conservation districts, or properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, qualify. Confirm your address qualifies before you spend.
- The base grant is open to commercial storefronts in the eligible districts; individually heritage-designated buildings get an extra $5,000.
- Municipal funding is limited each year. If the program reopens, confirm money is still available.
What are your odds?
This program is closed now. If it reopens, your property must be in an eligible Markham heritage area, the city must still have money that year, and you must be approved before work starts.
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
You may be able to combine this with provincial or federal programs for the same project. Ask the city which other programs you can combine with this grant.
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.