Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $75000 per project.

Q: 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.

Q: Is the Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program?

Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program is funded by City of Ottawa

Q: 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

Q: 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.

Q: Where is the Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program available?

The Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program program is available the province of Ontario.

Last Update: October 27, 2025

Ottawa, ON

Supports heritage façade restoration and beautification of Bank Street properties

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $75,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : June 1, 2025
Closing date : December 31, 2026

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Retail trade

Funds Providers

City of Ottawa

Program status

Open

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.

Financing terms and conditions

Cost-sharing grants of up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a maximum contribution of $75,000 per project.

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

The applicant must be the owner of a property designated under Part IV (individually designated heritage properties) or as a Contributing or Grade 1-3 property under Part V (heritage conservation districts) of the Ontario Heritage Act within the program area boundaries.
The proposed project must fall under one of two categories: commercial storefront beautification (e.g., signage, lighting, accessibility improvements) or heritage conservation (e.g., storefront conservation, masonry cleaning, structural improvements, restoration of heritage attributes).
Properties must be located within the boundaries defined for the Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program.

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.

How to apply

Review eligibility and prepare project

Review the program guidelines to understand eligibility and requirements
Prepare details of the proposed façade improvement or heritage conservation project

Complete the application form

Obtain and complete the official application form for the Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program
Ensure all required project and applicant information is accurately provided

Compile supporting documents

Gather required supporting documentation, such as proof of property designation and project details
Consult technical guidelines if necessary

Submit application package

Submit the completed application form and all supporting documentation to the City of Ottawa
Submit via the official application channel specified in the program guidelines

Await review and response

Wait for the City of Ottawa to review your application and assess eligibility
Respond promptly if any additional information or clarification is requested

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

taylor.quibell@ottawa.ca

613-580-2424

Ottawa, ON, Canada

Apply to this program

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?

How much funding can be received?

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.