City of Kitchener — Designated Heritage Property Grant Program

• Completed application form
• Detailed project description
• Written cost estimate
• Recent photos of the work area and exterior façades
• Relevant plans, documentation, or studies

Who is eligible?

• Owners of designated heritage properties in Kitchener
• Authorized agents applying on behalf of the property owner
• Non-profit community groups responsible for maintaining a government-owned heritage building

Who is not eligible

• Owners of properties that are not designated heritage properties
• Government-owned designated heritage properties, unless maintained by a non-profit community group
• Properties with unresolved compliance or enforcement orders, unless the application addresses them
• Projects that have already started or been completed

Eligible expenses

• Eligible project costs for conservation, reconstruction, or restoration work
• Architectural and engineering fees
• Feasibility or technical study fees
• Drawings required for the application
• Eligible materials when the owner performs the work

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Non-historic work or new features
• Interior projects unless specifically identified as heritage attributes
• Non-original siding or roofing, windows, and doors
• Landscaping and driveway paving or repairs
• Heating, cooling, and energy efficiency upgrades
• Work already started or completed before application

Eligible geographic areas

• City of Kitchener

• Priority is given to projects addressing structural need and urgency.
• Applications are considered in the order received.
• Special Projects are assessed for use of best conservation practices.
• Preference may be given to properties that have not previously received a Special Project grant.

• Step 1: Pre-consultation
  • Meet with Heritage Planning staff before applying, especially for Special Projects.
  • Confirm whether a heritage permit may be needed.
• Step 2: Prepare the application
  • Complete the application form.
  • Prepare the project description, cost estimate, photos, and supporting documents.
  • Pay the application fee.
• Step 3: Submit the application
  • Send the completed form to the heritage planning team by the deadline.
• Step 4: Review and decision
  • Staff review the application and confirm whether it is complete.
  • You receive a conditional approval or refusal after the deadline.
• Step 5: Complete the work and close the file
  • Confirm your intent to proceed if approved.
  • Complete the work, arrange any required permits, and submit final invoices.
  • Staff inspect the completed work before the grant cheque is issued.

• Applications are reviewed by Heritage Planning staff for completeness and eligibility.
• Applicants are notified of conditional approval or refusal after the deadline.
• Approved projects must proceed under the program conditions and any required permits.
• Final inspection and submission of final invoices are required before the grant cheque is released.

• One application may be submitted per property per calendar year.
• Pre-consultation is required for Special Projects.
• A non-refundable administrative fee applies.
• Approved work must be completed within the grant year unless extended.