Closed
Community improvement and incentives
Financial support for property and business improvements
Last Update: May 21, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,500,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 5, 2026
- Closing date : March 27, 2026
Location
London, Ontario, Canada
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Renovate or expand facilities
- Renovate or adapt facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 5, 2026
- Closing date : March 27, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Retail trade
- Real estate and rental and leasing
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- London
- 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
- 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
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
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
- Building exterior improvements such as windows, doors, brick repairs, painting, lighting, and signage
- Interior building upgrades needed for code compliance, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, and fire protection work
- Safety and security improvements such as exterior lighting, storefront gates, landscaping, and security cameras
- Costs to create or convert additional residential units and office-to-residential units
- Residential development charges and certain building permit fees, where eligible
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community improvement and incentives Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community improvement and incentives. 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 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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was March 27, 2026.
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?
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
Who can I contact for more information about the Community improvement and incentives?
You can contact London Arts Council 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.