Windsor Downtown Facade Improvement Program
The City of Windsor pays back 50% of facade and signage costs for downtown buildings, up to $20,000. You must get approval before starting work, and you pay first. 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 operate a commercial storefront within the Windsor downtown improvement area
- You are planning exterior facade, storefront, or signage improvements
- You can secure approval from the city before purchasing materials or starting work
Probably not the right fit if
- Your business is located outside the designated Windsor downtown area
- You have already started or completed the improvement work
- You cannot wait to pay for the work upfront before receiving reimbursement
How much you'd realistically get
For example, if the work costs $40,000, the grant can cover up to $20,000. Some projects may qualify for up to $10,000 more.
What may be supported
- doors & windows
- facade masonry/brickwork
- cornices/parapets/eaves
- awnings & canopies
- facade painting/cleaning
- exterior & storefront lighting
- signage
- accessibility
How applying works
Effort: mediumYou fill in a city application with quotes and photos. You need approval before you start, and you 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 reimburses its share (about half) after it's done and inspected.
- Apply and get approved BEFORE you start any work or buy anything. Work that starts early can disqualify your project.
- Only properties in the Downtown Windsor Community Improvement Plan (CIP) area qualify. Check that your address is inside the area before you spend.
- Municipal funding is limited each year. Confirm money is still available.
What are your odds?
The city approves each project and has a set budget each year. Ask the city early whether money is left for downtown facade 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 Tourism
Grants and loans that may help pay for visitor marketing and online booking.
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 what can be combined.
Related programs
Windsor Main Streets Facade Improvement Program
Up to $30,000
The City of Windsor matches 50% of your exterior improvement costs, helping you modernize your storefront on traditional Main Streets outside…
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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…
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Windsor Retail Reinvestment Grant
Up to $15,000
The City of Windsor pays 50% of interior renovation costs for downtown retail spaces, up to $15,000.
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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.