Closed
Downtown Hamilton Office Conversion Grant Program
Funding for downtown office conversion projects
Last Update: June 8, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides financial incentives for converting downtown office buildings into housing units and/or hotel accommodations. It supports both feasibility studies and conversion projects within the Central Business District of Downtown Hamilton.
/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
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Hamilton
- 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
- Feasibility studies for office-to-residential or office-to-hotel conversion
- Conversion of existing office buildings into housing units
- Conversion of existing office buildings into hotel accommodations
Documents Needed
- Completed and signed application form
- Consultant quote for the proposed study
- Work plan supporting the application
- Business plan for the planned development
- Site plan and architectural drawings
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Owners of qualifying office properties
- Lessees with a long-term leasehold of at least 99 years
Who is not eligible
- Education establishments
- Projects not located in the Central Business District
- Sites whose last confirmed use was not office
Eligible expenses
- Feasibility study costs, including consultant fees
- Soft costs such as architectural and engineering fees
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Work carried out before a complete application is submitted
- Construction funding cannot be claimed through the feasibility study application
Eligible geographic areas
- Downtown Hamilton Central Business District (Sub Area 1)
Selection criteria
- Site location within the Central Business District
- Last confirmed use of the site as office
- Project conformity with the City’s program terms and community improvement plan
- For the main application, creation of at least 10 eligible units
- For tenant applicants, a long-term leasehold of at least 99 years
How to apply
- Step 1: Arrange a pre-consultation meeting
- Contact the program representative before applying.
- Confirm potential eligibility for the site and project.
- Step 2: Complete the application package
- Fill out the application form.
- Prepare the required supporting documents.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Email the completed application to the City contact.
- Send the application fee by cheque if required.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the City of Hamilton after submission.
- The City may verify the information and inspect the property.
- Approval is subject to the City’s discretion and program terms.
- Approved applicants must enter into a DHOCG Grant Agreement before receiving funding.
- Grant payments continue subject to the agreement and program conditions.
Additional information
- A pre-consultation meeting with the program contact is required before applying.
- The application must be submitted before eligible costs are incurred and before the building permit is issued.
- Applicants must review the City Council-approved program description and terms.
- The City may inspect the property before, during, and after the project.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Downtown Hamilton Office Conversion Grant Program Program
What is the Downtown Hamilton Office Conversion Grant Program?
This program provides financial incentives for converting downtown office buildings into housing units and/or hotel accommodations. It supports both feasibility studies and conversion projects within the Central Business District of Downtown Hamilton.
Who is eligible for the Downtown Hamilton Office Conversion Grant Program program?
To be eligible for the Downtown Hamilton Office Conversion Grant Program program, you must:
Existing office building in downtown Hamilton
Project creates housing and/or hotel units
Minimum 10 eligible units for the main application
What expenses are eligible under Downtown Hamilton Office Conversion Grant Program?
Feasibility studies for office-to-residential or office-to-hotel conversion
Conversion of existing office buildings into housing units
Conversion of existing office buildings into hotel accommodations
Who can I contact for more information about the Downtown Hamilton Office Conversion Grant Program?
You can contact City of Hamilton by email at johnpaul.loiacono@hamilton.ca or by phone at 905-546-2424 x5134.
Where is the Downtown Hamilton Office Conversion Grant Program available?
The Downtown Hamilton Office Conversion Grant Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Downtown Hamilton Office Conversion Grant Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Downtown Hamilton Office Conversion Grant Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Downtown Hamilton Office Conversion Grant Program?
Downtown Hamilton Office Conversion Grant Program is funded by City of Hamilton