Applications closed, monitoring for reopening
Applications are not open right now. 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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We re-check this program regularly. Leave your email and we'll tell you as soon as applications open again.
Pickering Village CIP Facade Improvement Grant & Sign Grant
Refresh your Ajax storefront with up to $10,000 for facade work, plus separate signage and structural streams. This is a cost-share grant, meaning you pay first and get reimbursed later, but the portal is currently closed. Applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.
How we verify funding records →
Before you spend a dollar
Get the city's approval BEFORE you start work or buy anything — starting early is the #1 way owners lose this funding.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You own a commercial or institutional property in the Pickering Village CIP area of Ajax.
- Your building is heritage-designated and you are planning exterior facade or signage improvements.
- You are ready to wait for the program to reopen before starting any work or spending money.
Probably not the right fit if
- Your building is not heritage-designated or listed.
- You have already started or finished the facade or signage work.
- You need funding immediately, as the program is currently unfunded and not accepting applications.
How much you'd realistically get
Facade: 50% up to $10,000/building (+50% up to $5,000 for structural/weatherproofing/accessibility; up to $30,000 for buildings with multiple storefronts). Sign: 50% up to $2,000/storefront
What may be supported
- Exterior facade improvements
- Structural / weather/water-proofing repairs
- Entrance accessibility upgrades
- Decorative facade/entrance lighting
- Cleaning and painting of street-visible facade
- New signage and sign improvements
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
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN designs your new storefront signs to meet heritage guidelines, making your business stand out and drawing more foot traffic from the street.
- BBN coordinates qualified partners for facade painting, structural repairs, and accessibility upgrades, scoped to the program's guidelines, so your storefront looks sharp.
- BBN guides you through the application process and organizes your quotes, helping you manage deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
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.
- Apply and get approved BEFORE you start any work or buy anything — starting early disqualifies most of these.
- Area-gated to Ajax's designated CIP/BIA zone — confirm your address qualifies before you spend.
- Often requires a heritage-designated/listed building (most ordinary storefronts won't qualify) — check first.
- Municipal funding is limited each year — confirm money is still available.
What are your odds?
Area-gated and funding-limited, but a straightforward fit if your Ajax address qualifies and you apply before starting.
Related BBN services
Storefront & Facade Improvements
Facade refresh concepts, visualizations and contractor coordination, scoped the way municipal improvement programs expect.
Accessibility Improvements
Accessible websites, clear signage, and ramps or entrance work handled by licensed trades.
Storefront Signs & Sign Boards
Sign concepts, mockups and measurements done right. Fabrication and installation quoted and managed for you.
Tourism & Hospitality Digitization
Booking-ready websites, multilingual visitor info, itineraries, kiosks and media for operators and attractions.
What you can combine it with
May combine with provincial/federal programs for the same project — we'll check what stacks.
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.
Record last updated ; last verified today with the official source. Source: official program page.