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.

• Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
  • Access and review the detailed program guidelines available on the City of Ottawa website to understand all requirements and eligible project categories.
• Step 2: Prepare Project Documentation
  • Collect necessary project details, including description, objectives, and cost estimates for proposed beautification or heritage conservation works.
  • Assemble any supporting documentation required as per the guidelines.
• Step 3: Complete Application Form
  • Fill out the official application form available through the City of Ottawa.
  • Ensure that all required sections are completed clearly and accurately.
• Step 4: Submit the Application
  • Submit the completed application form to the City of Ottawa as instructed in the program guidelines or on the application portal.
• Step 5: Await Assessment and Notification
  • Wait for the City to review your application and notify you of the results or any follow-up requirements.
• Step 6: Project Implementation
  • Upon approval, proceed with the approved façade improvement or conservation project, adhering to all City guidelines and requirements.
• Step 7: Completion Inspection and Proof of Payment
  • Once the project is completed, arrange for City heritage staff to inspect the work.
  • Provide proof of payment to demonstrate that contractors have been paid in full.
• Step 8: Receive Grant Payment
  • After successful inspection and submission of payment proof, the grant payment will be processed and issued, typically within sixty (60) days of project completion.

• 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.