Million Dollar Makeover Funding Program
Applications are open for 2027 projects with a deadline of October 31, 2026. You must receive approval before starting any work. The grant is paid after the work is done and the final report is approved. Applications are open.
“The City has over one million dollars in financial incentives available through loan and grant programs.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
Get the city's approval BEFORE you start work or buy anything. Work that starts before approval may not be covered.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You own a commercial or mixed-use property in Kawartha Lakes
- You are planning exterior facade, storefront, or signage improvements
- You can wait for approval before starting any work or spending money
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located outside the Kawartha Lakes CIP or BIA zones
- You have already started or completed the renovation work
- You only need funding for interior work. The program is for exterior improvements, so ask the city whether any interior work qualifies.
How much you'd realistically get
The city pays back 50% of eligible costs, and interest-free loans are also offered. The minimum project cost is $1,000. The city has over $1 million in grants and loans in total.
What may be supported
- Signage
- Facade work
- Building repair and renovation
- Heritage restoration
- Accessibility and energy-efficiency improvements
How applying works
Effort: mediumYou send the city an application with quotes and photos, get approval before you start, then claim the grant 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
- You pay for the work first. The city pays back 50% of eligible costs after the work is done and the final report is approved.
- Apply and get approved BEFORE you start any work or buy anything. Work started before approval may not qualify.
- Only properties in the program's designated areas of Kawartha Lakes qualify. Confirm your address with the city before you spend.
- Municipal funding is limited each year. Confirm money is still available.
What are your odds?
Applications for 2027 projects close October 31, 2026. To qualify, your property must be in a designated area and you must get the city's approval before you start work.
More funding by what it pays for
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.
Funding for Storefront Signage
Grants and loans that may help pay for new storefront signage.
Funding for Energy Efficiency
Grants and loans may help pay for lighting, HVAC and refrigeration 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 before you apply.
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.