Heritage Conservation Incentive Grant

Overview of the Heritage Conservation Incentive Grant program:

The Heritage Incentive is designed to support the conservation of heritage façades. It provides funding for up to 10% of total project costs, with a maximum of $4,000, for projects that include Heritage Conservation Elements. The amount of the incentive awarded depends on the level of heritage conservation achieved. Eligible projects must conserve the character-defining elements of the façade and must be listed on the Saskatoon Register of Historic Places or in the built heritage database. The Heritage Conservation Incentive can be combined with the Façade Conservation & Enhancement Incentive if an applicant qualifies for both.

Benefits of the Heritage Conservation Incentive Grant program:

• Projects can claim up to 10% of the budgeted costs up to a maximum of $4,000.
• Buildings must be listed on the Saskatoon Register of Historic Places or on the Built Heritage Database to receive this incentive.

Eligibility criteria of the Heritage Conservation 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.
• To be eligible for the incentive, projects must conserve the character-defining elements of the facade, including historical architectural features and details. The proposed work must be sympathetic to the buildings character and the surrounding streetscape, and all conservation work should follow *The Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada*. The incentive is awarded based on the level of heritage conservation achieved.
• Eligible project work may include the conservation of historic facade materials and upgrades to glazing that respect the original design. It can also involve the conservation of architectural details and features, such as cornices, parapets, sills, pilasters, keystones, and trims. Other eligible work includes the conservation or installation of heritage signage, pedestrian animation installations (such as murals or painted ghost signs), and new or upgraded lighting that highlights architectural features.