Façade Conservation & Enhancement Incentive Grant

Overview of the Façade Conservation & Enhancement Incentive Grant program:

This incentive program is designed to support larger, more comprehensive façade redevelopment projects. It provides funding in the form of a grant that covers up to 50% of total project costs, to a maximum of $16,000. Eligible project work under this program may include re-cladding or restoration of the façade, which can involve adding new materials or removing deteriorated ones to reveal historic or original façade elements. Other eligible improvements include the creation of new window openings or the replacement of existing glazing, installation of canopies, and construction or enhancement of storefronts and entryways. The grant can also be used for new or upgraded architectural details and features such as cornices, parapets, sills, pilasters, keystone elements, and trims. Additional eligible expenses include the installation of new or improved doors and lighting, painting when completed in conjunction with other improvements, and updated signage that complements other redevelopment work. Costs associated with contractor labour and professional design services are also eligible under this incentive.

Benefits of the Façade Conservation & Enhancement Incentive Grant program:

• It provides funding in the form of a grant that covers up to 50% of total project costs, to a maximum of $16,000.

Eligibility criteria of the Façade Conservation & Enhancement Incentive Grant program:

• For a project to be eligible for the incentive, it must meet several general conditions. Projects must involve the conservation, rejuvenation, or improvement of the facade, or include design features that benefit the public realm of a commercial building. Only the storefront facade is eligible for funding; this is defined as the front portion of a building, typically containing an entrance, and delineated by features that indicate a separate or distinctive frontage. Properties that are in tax arrears or subject to an Order to Remedy with the City of Saskatoon are not eligible. Projects on buildings without heritage elements that involve only maintenance are only eligible for funding under the Building Refresh Incentive. Exceptions to this rule may be granted at the discretion of the General Manager of the Community Services Division.
• The Facade Conservation & Enhancement Incentive is intended to support larger-scale redesign and improvement projects that focus on the overall enhancement of storefronts and facades. Eligible projects should demonstrate a comprehensive approach to facade redevelopment, particularly those that conserve and improve high-quality heritage materials and architectural features. Projects on buildings without heritage elements that involve only maintenance work do not qualify for this incentive.
• Eligible project work includes re-cladding or facade restoration, which may involve removing deteriorated materials to expose historic or original facade surfaces. Other qualifying activities include creating new window openings or upgrading existing glazing, installing canopies, and developing or improving storefronts and entryways. The incentive also supports the addition or enhancement of architectural details and features such as cornices, parapets, sills, pilasters, keystone elements, trims, and other decorative elements.
• Further eligible improvements include the installation or upgrading of doors and lighting systems. Painting and signage are also eligible when undertaken alongside other significant improvements. In addition to physical construction or restoration work, the program also covers costs associated with contractor labour and professional design services necessary to complete the facade enhancement project.