Open
Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program
Supports heritage façade restoration and beautification of Bank Street properties
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 75,000
Timeline
- Open Date : June 1, 2025
- Closing date : December 31, 2026
Location
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program offers cost-sharing grants of up to $75,000 to support the revitalization and conservation of designated heritage properties along the Bank Street corridor. Funding covers activities such as storefront beautification, signage, lighting, accessibility improvements, and heritage conservation projects like masonry restoration.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 75,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : June 1, 2025
- Closing date : December 31, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
Location
- Ottawa
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Revitalization of commercial façades to enhance the historic character of Bank Street and Centretown.
- Aesthetic improvements to commercial storefronts, including signage, lighting, and removal of inappropriate building elements.
- Heritage conservation and restoration of storefronts, including masonry cleaning, repointing, and structural enhancements.
- Upgrades for storefront accessibility, such as door openers, ramps, and railings.
- Reinstatement or replacement of heritage attributes to preserve original architectural features.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Owners of commercial properties located in the Bank Street corridor within the Centretown and Bank Street Heritage Conservation Districts
- Owners of individually designated heritage properties under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
- Owners of contributing or Grade 1-3 properties designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act within the program boundaries
Who is not eligible
- Government and public agencies, including the City of Ottawa, federal government, Crown Corporations, provincial government, and school boards.
- Foreign embassies.
- Owners of non-contributing (Category 4) buildings in Heritage Conservation Districts.
Eligible expenses
- Restoration and repointing of exterior brick masonry.
- Restoration of original storefronts.
- Restoration of original windows.
- New storefront signage.
- Exterior lighting enhancements.
- Removal of inappropriate building elements.
- Storefront entrance improvements, including accessibility upgrades such as door openers, ramps, and railings.
- Storefront conservation or restoration.
- Structural improvements related to the façade.
- Masonry cleaning.
- Reinstatement or replacement of heritage attributes.
Eligible geographic areas
- Properties located within the boundaries of the Centretown Heritage Conservation District and the Bank Street Heritage Conservation District in the City of Ottawa.
Additional information
- Grant payments are processed following project completion, inspection by heritage staff, and submission of proof of payment.
- Retroactive funding is not available, with exceptions possible only in emergency situations.
- Disputes between property owners and contractors are not handled by the City; applicants are encouraged to clarify work details and request references in advance.
- Technical guidelines and best practices are available from the Ontario Heritage Trust and Parks Canada to support project execution.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program?
The Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program offers cost-sharing grants of up to $75,000 to support the revitalization and conservation of designated heritage properties along the Bank Street corridor. Funding covers activities such as storefront beautification, signage, lighting, accessibility improvements, and heritage conservation projects like masonry restoration.
How much funding can be received?
Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $75,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is **December 31, 2026**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program program?
To be eligible for the Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program program, you must:
Owners of properties designated under Part IV or as Contributing/Grade 1-3 under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act within program boundaries
Government and public agencies are not eligible
What expenses are eligible under Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program?
Revitalization of commercial façades to enhance the historic character of Bank Street and Centretown.
Aesthetic improvements to commercial storefronts, including signage, lighting, and removal of inappropriate building elements.
Heritage conservation and restoration of storefronts, including masonry cleaning, repointing, and structural enhancements.
Upgrades for storefront accessibility, such as door openers, ramps, and railings.
Reinstatement or replacement of heritage attributes to preserve original architectural features.
Who can I contact for more information about the Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program?
You can contact City of Ottawa by email at taylor.quibell@ottawa.ca or by phone at 613-580-2424.
Where is the Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program available?
The Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program program is available the province of Ontario.
