Façade grant program

Overview of the Façade grant program program:

The City of Kitchener Facade Grant Program is a municipal funding initiative designed to revitalize and improve the exterior aesthetics of commercial properties in specific areas of the city. By offering matching grants to property owners and tenants, the program encourages upgrades that maintain or restore the architectural integrity of storefronts and building facades. The objective is to foster a more attractive streetscape, enhance business visibility, and support downtown and corridor revitalization efforts. Eligible properties must be located within designated Community Improvement Project Areas (CIPAs), which include downtown Kitchener and specific commercial corridors. Improvements can include exterior painting, brick cleaning or restoration, window and door replacements, signage, lighting, and other façade enhancements that are visible from the public street. The program provides up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum grant of $10,000 per property. Additional incentives are available for corner properties or heritage-designated buildings, potentially increasing the total grant amount to $15,000. A minimum investment of $500 is required to qualify, and applicants must receive pre-approval before beginning any work. This program plays a vital role in economic development by supporting small businesses, enhancing curb appeal, encouraging pedestrian traffic, and reinforcing neighborhood identity through visually appealing improvements.

Benefits of the Façade grant program program:

• Up to $10,000 in matching grant funding per facade.
• Encourages restoration of heritage elements and aesthetic upgrades.
• Improves curb appeal and attracts more foot traffic.
• Enhances property values and community pride.
• Supports economic revitalization of key neighborhoods.

Eligibility criteria of the Façade grant program program:

• Location: Must be within a designated Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA), including Downtown Kitchener, Belmont Village, and other eligible areas.
• Applicant Type: Property owners or commercial tenants (with owners consent).
• Building Use: Must be a commercial property or mixed-use with commercial frontage.
• Project Scope: Improvements must be to the building facade and visible from the public street or right-of-way.
• Design Compliance: Must meet municipal design standards, by-laws, and approval requirements.
• Pre-Approval Required: Funding is only available for work that has not yet started at the time of application.
• Only consider proposals that offer:
• High-quality storefront and facade design
• High quality signage
• Preservation and enhancement of upper-storey facades
• Upgrades to exterior accessibility upgrades that meet AODA standards
• High community and streetscape impact