Heritage Grants - Heritage Façade Rehabilitation Program

• Funding covers 50% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $50,000 per principal façade.
• Buildings on corner sites may be eligible for grants for each principal façade.

• The building must be privately owned, either commercial or non-commercial (including non-profits).
• The property must be listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register.
• The building must be constructed primarily of unreinforced masonry.
• The property owner must not be in arrears on property tax payments.
• The project must be completed in compliance with all applicable heritage conservation standards, design guidelines, and relevant bylaws before any funds are disbursed.

Who is eligible?

• Privately owned commercial building owners
• Privately owned non-commercial building owners, including non-profits
• Tenants of eligible heritage buildings (with owner consent)

Who is not eligible

• Buildings not listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register.
• Properties constructed primarily of wood-frame or materials other than unreinforced masonry.
• Publicly owned buildings (only privately owned properties are eligible).
• Properties with owners in arrears on property tax payments.
• Applicants seeking retroactive funding for already completed work.

Eligible expenses

• Conservation and repair of ground floor storefronts.
• Seismic stabilization of major projecting architectural components (such as cornices, parapets, historic signs).
• Conservation of building envelope materials (including brick, stone, or wood).
• Restoration or repair of windows and doors on the principal façade.
• Conservation or repair of exterior architectural features, historic signs, and awnings.
• Architectural lighting on principal façades.
• Consultant fees and application preparation costs (only for successful applications).

Eligible geographic areas

• City of Vancouver, British Columbia

• Level and quality of heritage conservation work proposed.
• Seismic stabilization work proposed.
• Rehabilitation of ground floor for active uses.
• Relationship of building to groupings of heritage buildings.
• Compliance with design guidelines, conservation standards and principles, and by-laws.
• Amount of incentive being sought as a proportion of capital investment (projects proposing a higher level of private investment are considered more favourably).

• The program covers 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $50,000 per principal façade.
• Tenants may apply with the written consent of the property owner.
• Buildings on corner sites may be eligible for grants for more than one principal façade.
• Applicants are responsible for all costs associated with preparing and submitting an application; these may be partially recoverable if the application is successful.