Closed
Downtown & Core Area Improvement Grants
Funding for downtown and core area property improvements
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Funding available
$ 10,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program offers up to $10,000 per grant for downtown and core area improvement projects in Thunder Bay. It supports building rehabilitation, conversions, façade upgrades, and planning/building fee rebates in designated 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 : 10,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Retail trade
- Real estate and rental and leasing
Location
- Thunder Bay
- 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 rehabilitation and restoration
- Commercial conversions
- Residential or office conversions on upper floors
- Commercial façade improvements
- Planning and building permit related projects
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Current tax bill
- Photos of existing conditions
- Conceptual drawings for proposed improvements
- Two cost estimates from contractors
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Property owners
- Assessed property owners
- Tenants with owner consent
Who is not eligible
- Single detached dwellings
- Residential properties, except mixed-use buildings
Eligible expenses
- Planning application fees and building permit fees
- Materials, equipment, and contracted labour for approved improvements
- Renovation and conversion costs for eligible building upgrades
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Owner or tenant labour
- General maintenance, unless part of a full façade project
- Performance or maintenance guarantees
- Required professional studies, service connections, and LPAT or court-related deposits
- Newspaper notice costs
Eligible geographic areas
- North Core
- South Core
- Westfort business area
Selection criteria
- Project fit with core area revitalization goals
- Aesthetic improvement and building reuse
- Compliance with applicable municipal requirements
- Availability of program funding
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact Planning Services to begin the application
- Request guidance from Planning Services.
- Prepare the required application materials.
- Step 2: Submit the application package
- Send the application form and supporting documents to the Planning Services Division.
- Include the required photos, drawings, estimates, and tax bill where applicable.
- Step 3: Receive review and approval
- The City reviews the submission and confirms whether it is complete.
- Approval must be received before work begins.
- Step 4: Complete the work and submit final proof
- Carry out the approved project.
- Submit final costs, proof of payment, and completion photos.
- Step 5: Receive reimbursement
- The grant is issued after final review and completion of the work.
Processing and Agreement
- Application is reviewed by City staff for completeness and eligibility.
- Applications are assessed under a first come, first served process.
- Conditional approval may be followed by a funding agreement.
- Work must be completed and then reviewed before payment is issued.
Additional information
- Grants are administered by the City of Thunder Bay.
- Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.
- Program availability depends on annual City Council funding.
- Approved projects must be completed before reimbursement is issued.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Downtown & Core Area Improvement Grants Program
What is the Downtown & Core Area Improvement Grants?
This program offers up to $10,000 per grant for downtown and core area improvement projects in Thunder Bay. It supports building rehabilitation, conversions, façade upgrades, and planning/building fee rebates in designated project areas.
How much funding can be received?
Downtown & Core Area Improvement Grants Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Downtown & Core Area Improvement Grants program?
To be eligible for the Downtown & Core Area Improvement Grants program, you must:
Property in a project area
Owner or tenant with consent
Approval before work starts
What expenses are eligible under Downtown & Core Area Improvement Grants?
Building rehabilitation and restoration
Commercial conversions
Residential or office conversions on upper floors
Commercial façade improvements
Planning and building permit related projects
Who can I contact for more information about the Downtown & Core Area Improvement Grants?
You can contact City of Thunder Bay by email at planning@thunderbay.ca or by phone at 807-625-2216.
Where is the Downtown & Core Area Improvement Grants available?
The Downtown & Core Area Improvement Grants program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Downtown & Core Area Improvement Grants a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Downtown & Core Area Improvement Grants is a Grant and Funding