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Community Improvement Plan (CIP) – Financial Incentive Programs
Support for local redevelopment and improvement projects
Funding available
$ 25,000 - $ 100,000
Location
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Overview
St. Catharines Community Improvement Plan supports local redevelopment, brownfield remediation, façade improvements, and accessory dwelling units. Funding is paid after project completion and may take the form of tax rebates, grants, or loans depending on the program.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Minimum amount : 25,000 $
- Up to 70% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- St. Catharines
- 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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Redevelopment and conversion projects
- Brownfield remediation projects
- Building façade improvements
- Construction of accessory dwelling units
- Conversion of vacant downtown spaces into new residential units
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Property survey
- Project proposal and site plan
- Cost estimate and timeline
- Declaration of other incentives and no arrears
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Community Improvement Plan updated with incentive programs
The page now shows the Community Improvement Plan and six financial incentive programs, including new funding amounts, deadlines, and application instructions.
The page now presents the Community Improvement Plan and six financial incentive programs for property owners, including Tax Increment Finance, Brownfield Tax Increment Finance, Brownfield Tax Assistance, Façade Improvement, Accessory Dwelling Unit, and Downtown Forgivable Loan. It now shows concrete program terms such as a 45 per cent annual property tax rebate for up to 10 years for TIF, an 80 per cent rebate for up to 10 years for BTIF, up to 100 per cent rebate for up to 3 years for BTA, up to 50 per cent of project costs to a maximum of $10,000 for FIP, up to 70 per cent of eligible project costs to a maximum of $40,000 for interior ADUs or $80,000 for exterior ADUs, and a one-time interest-free loan of up to $100,000 per property plus an additional $50,000 for barrier-free units for DFLP. The page also adds application guidance, including the June 8, 2026 public meeting, intake dates of Aug. 28, 2026 and Dec. 18, 2026 for the new TIF and BTIF programs if the updated plan is adopt
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Property owners in St. Catharines
- Private-sector property owners
- Building owners in eligible downtown and community improvement areas
- Businesses carrying out redevelopment or renovation projects
Who is not eligible
- Standalone residential buildings under the DFLP
- Properties outside the eligible program area
- Projects with property tax arrears or unresolved City charges
Eligible expenses
- Site preparation, construction, and renovation work
- Environmental studies and remediation costs, where applicable
- Façade improvements and related materials
- Accessory dwelling unit construction costs
- Legal, consulting, and financing costs related to eligible work, where applicable
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs incurred before approval or agreement, unless specifically allowed
- Household appliances and decorative amenities
- Planning, permit, and consulting fees in certain programs
- Maintenance work and repairs to existing units
- Standalone residential projects under the DFLP
Eligible geographic areas
- City of St. Catharines
- Urban Area Community Improvement Project Area
- Downtown Priority Neighbourhood
- Priority Neighbourhoods within St. Catharines
Selection criteria
- Project evaluation score out of 100 for TIF and BTIF.
- Minimum 50 points required for approval consideration.
- Priority given to downtown, priority neighbourhoods, and intensification areas.
- Other assessed factors include remediation, affordable housing, heritage, mixed use, density, and public realm value.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review guidelines
- Read the relevant program guidelines and application form.
- Confirm the project fits the program rules.
- Step 2: Complete pre-consultation
- Meet with Planning Services before applying, where required.
- Step 3: Prepare the application
- Complete the form and assemble the required supporting documents.
- Step 4: Submit the application
- Send the application by email, by mail, or deliver it to City Hall.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the City after submission.
- Some programs are assessed first-come, first-served.
- Approved projects require a formal City agreement before funding is paid.
- Projects must be completed to the municipality’s satisfaction.
- Supporting proof of costs and compliance is required before payment.
Additional information
- The City of St. Catharines administers the program through Planning and Building Services.
- Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis for several programs.
- Some programs are subject to annual budget allocation and available funding.
- Applicants should review the program guidelines before applying.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) – Financial Incentive Programs Program
What is the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) – Financial Incentive Programs?
St. Catharines Community Improvement Plan supports local redevelopment, brownfield remediation, façade improvements, and accessory dwelling units. Funding is paid after project completion and may take the form of tax rebates, grants, or loans depending on the program.
How much funding can be received?
Community Improvement Plan (CIP) – Financial Incentive Programs Funds up to 70% of admissible expenses, capped at $100,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) – Financial Incentive Programs program?
To be eligible for the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) – Financial Incentive Programs program, you must:
Project must meet location and use rules.
Taxes and charges must be current.
Pre-consultation is required.
What expenses are eligible under Community Improvement Plan (CIP) – Financial Incentive Programs?
Site preparation, construction, and renovation work
Environmental studies and remediation costs, where applicable
Façade improvements and related materials
Accessory dwelling unit construction costs
Legal, consulting, and financing costs related to eligible work, where applicable
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) – Financial Incentive Programs?
You can contact City of St. Catharines by email at CIP@stcatharines.ca or by phone at 905.680.7197.
Where is the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) – Financial Incentive Programs available?
The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) – Financial Incentive Programs program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) – Financial Incentive Programs a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Improvement Plan (CIP) – Financial Incentive Programs is a Grant and Funding