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City of Waterloo Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
Funding for Uptown Waterloo property improvement projects
Last Update: April 21, 2026
Funding available
$ 25,000
Timeline
- Open Date : May 1, 2026
- Closing date : October 31, 2026
Location
Waterloo, Centre-du-Québec, Ontario, Canada
Overview
Supports renovation and redevelopment projects in Uptown Waterloo. Funding can reach up to $25,000 per property for eligible façade, accessibility, sustainability, interior, fee, and study improvements, and larger redevelopment projects may qualify under the Major Activity Grant.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : May 1, 2026
- Closing date : October 31, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Retail trade
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Waterloo
- Centre-du-Québec
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Commercial and heritage façade improvements in Uptown Waterloo.
- Accessibility upgrades for commercial and mixed-use buildings.
- Energy efficiency and climate resilience building retrofits.
- Interior renovations to occupy vacant commercial space.
- Major redevelopment projects that create office employment or affordable housing.
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Property ownership proof or owner authorization
- Lease agreement for tenants
- Project drawings, photos, estimates, and studies
- Copies of permit applications or issued permits
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Property owners in Uptown Waterloo.
- Tenant businesses in Uptown Waterloo.
- Authorized agents or assignees with owner consent.
Who is not eligible
- Projects outside the Uptown CIP project area.
- Applicants who started work before applying.
- Projects that do not have the required permits or approvals.
Eligible expenses
- Exterior façade repairs, storefront improvements, signage, lighting, and security upgrades.
- Permit fees, application fees, and related professional studies or drawings.
- Accessibility retrofits such as entrances, ramps, lifts, and accessible washrooms.
- Energy efficiency and sustainability upgrades, including windows, insulation, heat pumps, solar, and EV chargers.
- Interior renovations for vacant or underused commercial spaces.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Work started before application submission.
- Temporary items such as patio furniture and other removable fixtures.
- Lighting fixtures, appliances, clothing racks, and POS equipment.
- Residential or non-commercial unit improvements under the Commercial Interior and Vacancy Improvement Grant.
Eligible geographic areas
- Uptown Waterloo
- Uptown CIP project area
- MacGregor/Albert Heritage Conservation District
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by City staff for completeness and eligibility.
- The City may request additional information before making a decision.
- Approval is issued by the Executive Director of Economic Development or delegate; TIEG files require Council approval.
- If approved, the applicant receives the approval conditions and any required agreements.
- Payment is issued after completion is verified and required documentation is submitted.
Additional information
- Multiple CIP programs may be combined, subject to the overall property cap.
- Tax Increment Equivalent Grant programs cannot be combined with other Uptown CIP programs.
- Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Funding is subject to available City Council-approved budget.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the City of Waterloo Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the City of Waterloo Community Improvement Plan (CIP). 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 City of Waterloo Community Improvement Plan (CIP)?
Supports renovation and redevelopment projects in Uptown Waterloo. Funding can reach up to $25,000 per property for eligible façade, accessibility, sustainability, interior, fee, and study improvements, and larger redevelopment projects may qualify under the Major Activity Grant.
How much funding can be received?
City of Waterloo Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $25,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the City of Waterloo Community Improvement Plan (CIP) program?
To be eligible for the City of Waterloo Community Improvement Plan (CIP) program, you must:
Within the Uptown CIP project area.
Property owner, tenant, or authorized agent.
Municipal accounts in good standing.
What expenses are eligible under City of Waterloo Community Improvement Plan (CIP)?
Commercial and heritage façade improvements in Uptown Waterloo.
Accessibility upgrades for commercial and mixed-use buildings.
Energy efficiency and climate resilience building retrofits.
Interior renovations to occupy vacant commercial space.
Major redevelopment projects that create office employment or affordable housing.
Who can I contact for more information about the City of Waterloo Community Improvement Plan (CIP)?
You can contact City of Waterloo by email at cip@waterloo.ca or by phone at 519-747-8706.
Where is the City of Waterloo Community Improvement Plan (CIP) available?
The City of Waterloo Community Improvement Plan (CIP) program is available Centre-du-Québec, Ontario.
Is the City of Waterloo Community Improvement Plan (CIP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
City of Waterloo Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a Grant and Funding