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Community improvement and incentives

Financial support for property and business improvements

Offered by
City of London
Official source: london.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 1,500,000
Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
London, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Property owners
See full eligibility

Overview

This program supports community improvement projects in the City of London through loans and grants for building and property enhancements. It helps fund eligible improvements, conversions, safety upgrades, and residential development projects in designated Community Improvement Project Areas.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$1,500,000
Maximum share of project costs
50%
Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Renovate or expand facilities
  • Renovate or adapt facilities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • London
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
For-profit business, Sole proprietorship

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 3

Latest changes

Program closures and industrial grant update

Several incentive streams are now closed due to full funding allocation, and new Industrial Development Charges Grant terms are now visible.

See more

The Community improvement and incentives page now says the ARU Construction Grant, ARU Construction Grant for New Homes, and the Building Permit Fee Waiving Program are closed because all available funding has been fully allocated. A previously listed Building Permit Fee Waiving Program section tied to a September 7, 2026 deadline was removed, and the page now shows Industrial Development Charges Grant terms with 100% funding for targeted industrial uses and 50% of eligible development charges up to $250,000 for non-targeted uses. The update also leaves the ARU Loan and other program details on the page, while the new closure notices change which applicants can still access funding under these streams.

Official source: london.ca
October 1, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Property owners
  • Authorized agents
  • Businesses and tenants in eligible commercial areas
  • Builders and developers for eligible residential projects

Who is not eligible

  • Properties outside approved Community Improvement Project Areas
  • Non-residential uses under the fee waiving program
  • Projects that began before approval
  • Short-term rental operators under ARU programs

Eligible expenses

  • Installation of exterior lighting, storefront gates, landscaping, exterior security cameras, and other physical property improvements that improve the safety and security of the property
  • Windows, doors, brick repairs, painting, lighting, and signage attached to the façade
  • Plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, mechanical systems, roofing, fire protection systems, and other work required to meet Building Code standards
  • Costs of creating one new ARU anywhere on the property
  • Eligible Development Charges and residential Development Charges

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Work started before application approval
  • Short-term rental accommodation under ARU programs
  • Non-residential uses under the fee waiving program
  • Projects that revoke and reapply for a permit to access the fee waiver
  • Any fees or charges not covered by the specific program rules

Eligible geographic areas

  • City of London, Ontario
  • Approved Community Improvement Project Areas within the City of London
  • Core Area
  • Downtown
  • Old East Village
  • SoHo
  • Hamilton Road
  • Lambeth Area
  • Airport
  • Argyle Core Area

Activities funded

  • Building and façade improvements
  • Safety and security upgrades for properties
  • Creation of additional residential units
  • Office-to-residential conversions
  • New residential development in eligible areas

How to apply

  • Step 1: Request program details
    • Email CIPIncentives@london.ca or call 519-930-3500.
    • Ask for the relevant application forms and program information.
  • Step 2: Prepare the application
    • Complete the required forms for the selected program.
    • Confirm the project matches the program rules before starting any work.
  • Step 3: Submit to the City
    • Send the application to City staff by email or through the process provided by the City.
    • Wait for approval before beginning the project.
  • Step 4: Complete the project and finalize funding
    • Finish the approved work.
    • Provide completion confirmation and sign the Loan or Grant Agreement if required.

Documents Needed

  • Application form
  • Program details and application forms requested from City staff
  • Loan or Grant Agreement
  • Proof of completion, such as photos and contractor payment records
  • Permit sign-offs, where applicable

Processing and Agreement

  • The City reviews the application and confirms eligibility.
  • Approved applicants receive a Commitment Letter describing the approved work, costs, and funding commitment.
  • A Loan or Grant Agreement must be signed before funding is issued.
  • The City verifies completion of the work before payment or reimbursement is released.
  • Verification may include photos, contractor payment records, and permit sign-offs.

Additional information

  • Approved projects receive a Commitment Letter outlining the work, costs, and the City’s financial commitment.
  • Funding is released after the Loan or Grant Agreement is signed and the City confirms the work is complete.
  • Completion verification may include photos, contractor payment records, and permit sign-offs.

Contacts

CIPIncentives@london.ca
519-930-3500

Official sources

Community improvement and incentives
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Community improvement and incentives Program

What is the Community improvement and incentives?

This program supports community improvement projects in the City of London through loans and grants for building and property enhancements. It helps fund eligible improvements, conversions, safety upgrades, and residential development projects in designated Community Improvement Project Areas.

How much funding can be received?

Community improvement and incentives Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,500,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Community improvement and incentives program?

To be eligible for the Community improvement and incentives program, you must: Project must be in an approved CIPA. Application approval is required before work begins. Applicant must fit the program rules.

What expenses are eligible under Community improvement and incentives?

Installation of exterior lighting, storefront gates, landscaping, exterior security cameras, and other physical property improvements that improve the safety and security of the property Windows, doors, brick repairs, painting, lighting, and signage attached to the façade Plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, mechanical systems, roofing, fire protection systems, and other work required to meet Building Code standards Costs of creating one new ARU anywhere on the property Eligible Development Charges and residential Development Charges

Who can I contact for more information about the Community improvement and incentives?

You can contact City of London by email at CIPIncentives@london.ca or by phone at 519-930-3500.

Where is the Community improvement and incentives available?

The Community improvement and incentives program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Community improvement and incentives a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Community improvement and incentives is a Grant and Funding