Closed
Heart of the City (HOTC) Community Improvement Plan
Funding for downtown revitalization projects
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000 - $ 30,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Cornwall, Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program supports downtown and Village revitalization projects in Cornwall with funding up to $30,000, depending on the program. It helps with building improvements, façade upgrades, design studies, planning fees, tipping fees, parking, landscaping, and related redevelopment work.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 30,000 $
- Minimum amount : 1,000 $
- 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
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Cornwall
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
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
- Commercial and residential building rehabilitation.
- Façade and sign improvements.
- Project design and feasibility studies.
- Parking and landscape enhancements.
- Municipal planning and redevelopment-related site work.
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Site plan or floor plans
- Estimated renovation or redevelopment costs
- Business plan
- Detailed work plan and budget
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Private sector landowners.
- Property owners in the policy area.
- Tenants for some programs.
- Business Improvement Area associations for signage in some cases.
Who is not eligible
- Non-property owners leasing street-related commercial space are not eligible for the façade and sign program.
- Properties outside the Community Improvement Policy Area are not eligible for program support.
- Properties in tax arrears are not eligible for the project design grant.
- Projects that rely on contaminated soil tipping fees are not eligible under the tipping fees program.
Eligible expenses
- Building renovations and rehabilitation work.
- Architectural, engineering, and design studies.
- Facade improvements and signage.
- Planning and development fees.
- Parking, landscaping, and related site works.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Hazardous landfill tipping fees.
- Structured above-grade or underground parking.
- Land costs and site preparation, including environmental remediation.
- Retroactive funding.
Eligible geographic areas
- City of Cornwall, Ontario
- Community Improvement Policy Area
- Priority Areas: Pitt Street Business District and Le Village Business District
Selection criteria
- Alignment with downtown renewal objectives.
- Potential to leverage public investment.
- Strategic development potential of the site.
- Project feasibility and supporting documentation.
- Location within a priority area.
How to apply
- Step 1: Complete the application
- Use the City’s application form.
- Prepare the required project information and supporting details.
- Step 2: Submit for review
- Send the application to the City of Cornwall.
- The City screens the application for basic requirements.
- Step 3: Evaluation and approval
- The Cornwall Planning Programs Evaluation Committee reviews accepted applications.
- Some programs may require PAC or Council approval.
- Step 4: Funding release
- Provide required proof of costs and final invoices where applicable.
- Funding is released after conditions are met and approval is confirmed.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are screened for minimum program requirements.
- Accepted applications are evaluated by the Cornwall Planning Programs Evaluation Committee.
- Some programs require additional plans, approvals, or cost proof before funding is released.
- Final approval may require City Council or PAC review, depending on the program.
Additional information
- Seven programs are available under this initiative.
- The City gives preference to projects in the priority areas.
- Applications are available on the City website.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Heart of the City (HOTC) Community Improvement Plan Program
What is the Heart of the City (HOTC) Community Improvement Plan?
This program supports downtown and Village revitalization projects in Cornwall with funding up to $30,000, depending on the program. It helps with building improvements, façade upgrades, design studies, planning fees, tipping fees, parking, landscaping, and related redevelopment work.
How much funding can be received?
Heart of the City (HOTC) Community Improvement Plan Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $30,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Heart of the City (HOTC) Community Improvement Plan program?
To be eligible for the Heart of the City (HOTC) Community Improvement Plan program, you must:
Property must be in the policy area.
Priority areas receive preference.
Project must support redevelopment or improvement.
What expenses are eligible under Heart of the City (HOTC) Community Improvement Plan?
Commercial and residential building rehabilitation.
Façade and sign improvements.
Project design and feasibility studies.
Parking and landscape enhancements.
Municipal planning and redevelopment-related site work.
Who can I contact for more information about the Heart of the City (HOTC) Community Improvement Plan?
You can contact City of Cornwall or by phone at 613-930-2787 ext. 2105.
Where is the Heart of the City (HOTC) Community Improvement Plan available?
The Heart of the City (HOTC) Community Improvement Plan program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Heart of the City (HOTC) Community Improvement Plan a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Heart of the City (HOTC) Community Improvement Plan is a Grant and Funding