Closed
Main Streets and Rural Economic Development Incentives
Funding for Lakeshore main street and rural improvements
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Funding available
$ 25,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Financial incentives support main street and rural economic development projects in Lakeshore. Funding covers improvements such as redevelopment, façade upgrades, accessibility work, signage, public art, structural repairs, and vacant property revitalization.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
- 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
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- 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
- Redevelopment and rehabilitation of commercial or mixed-use properties
- Façade and signage improvements
- Accessibility upgrades
- Structural repairs and building restoration
- Vacant or underutilized property revitalization
Documents Needed
- Cover letter
- Completed Lakeshore CIP incentive program application form
- Itemized contractor estimates
- Concept drawings, plans, or designs
- Photos and supporting documents requested by staff
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered or assessed property owners
- Authorized tenants
- Assignees
- Businesses with commercial or mixed-use properties
Who is not eligible
- Projects involving condominium developments
- Applicants with unpaid municipal taxes or other municipal arrears
- Applicants involved in ongoing litigation with the Municipality
Eligible expenses
- Planning, permit, and development charge fees
- Contractor, professional, material, and installation costs
- Eligible improvement and repair costs for approved property work
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Applications or work not supported by staff
- Performance securities, professional studies, consultant fees, and legal expenses
- Costs related to Ontario Land Tribunal appeals or court proceedings
- Backlit, read-o-graphs, and electronic signage
- Properties in disrepair due to neglect
Eligible geographic areas
- Municipality of Lakeshore
- Primary Settlement Areas
- Secondary Settlement Areas
- Properties zoned HC, HE, CS, CA, MU, CN, CT, and CR
Processing and Agreement
- Municipal staff review complete applications and supporting documents.
- Applications are evaluated and recommended to Council or its delegate.
- Applicants are notified of the funding decision.
- Approved projects require a legal agreement before funding is issued.
- After completion, the Municipality inspects the work and releases the incentive if approved.
Additional information
- Applications can be submitted year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Pre-consultation with municipal staff is optional but recommended before applying.
- Successful applicants must enter into a legal agreement with the Municipality.
- The Municipality may inspect projects and audit costs after completion.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Main Streets and Rural Economic Development Incentives Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Main Streets and Rural Economic Development Incentives. 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 Main Streets and Rural Economic Development Incentives?
Financial incentives support main street and rural economic development projects in Lakeshore. Funding covers improvements such as redevelopment, façade upgrades, accessibility work, signage, public art, structural repairs, and vacant property revitalization.
How much funding can be received?
Main Streets and Rural Economic Development Incentives Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $25,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Main Streets and Rural Economic Development Incentives program?
To be eligible for the Main Streets and Rural Economic Development Incentives program, you must:
Registered owner, tenant, or assignee
Property in Lakeshore
Project must meet CIP rules
What expenses are eligible under Main Streets and Rural Economic Development Incentives?
Redevelopment and rehabilitation of commercial or mixed-use properties
Façade and signage improvements
Accessibility upgrades
Structural repairs and building restoration
Vacant or underutilized property revitalization
Who can I contact for more information about the Main Streets and Rural Economic Development Incentives?
You can contact Municipality of Lakeshore by email at housing@lakeshore.ca or by phone at 519-728-2700.
Where is the Main Streets and Rural Economic Development Incentives available?
The Main Streets and Rural Economic Development Incentives program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Main Streets and Rural Economic Development Incentives a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Main Streets and Rural Economic Development Incentives is a Grant and Funding