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
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
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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Downtown & Core Area Improvement Grants. 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 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