Closed
Million Dollar Makeover
Funding for commercial property improvements in Kawartha Lakes
Last Update: April 21, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000 - $ 10,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 12, 2026
- Closing date : February 28, 2026
Location
Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
Overview
This program offers grants and loans of up to $5,000 for eligible projects, with some loan support ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. It supports building improvements, façade and signage upgrades, accessibility works, heritage conservation, and related redevelopment in Kawartha Lakes.
/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
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Minimum amount : 1,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 12, 2026
- Closing date : February 28, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Retail trade
- Real estate and rental and leasing
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
Location
- Kawartha Lakes
- 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
- Commercial building façade and signage improvements
- Building repairs, renovations, and accessibility upgrades
- Heritage property conservation and restoration
- Development of outdoor patios, outdoor art, and marina slips
- Redevelopment and construction projects that improve property functionality
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Photos of the existing building and site conditions
- Sketches, plans or drawings
- Two cost estimates from licensed contractors or professionals
- Supporting reports, studies, contracts or other requested materials
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Property owners
- Businesses with property owner permission
- Commercial property owners
- Mixed-use commercial/residential property owners
- Heritage designated residential property owners
Eligible expenses
- Architectural, engineering and site plan preparation
- Planning application fees and building permit fees
- Development charges for eligible residential units or bed and breakfast conversions
- Signage, façade, accessibility and interior building improvements
- Outdoor patios, marina slips, outdoor art, and heritage conservation work
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Application preparation costs
- Work started before City approval
- Multiple grants applied to the same project cost
Eligible geographic areas
- Kawartha Lakes
- Bobcaygeon
- Coboconk
- Fenelon Falls
- Lindsay
- Norland
- Omemee
- Woodville
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the CIP Steering Committee.
- The Committee assesses eligibility and program guidelines.
- Recommendations are made to the City or delegated approval authority.
- Approved applicants must sign a CIP Agreement.
- Funding is released after project completion and approval of the final report, or according to the loan agreement.
Additional information
- No application fee.
- Projects can combine multiple funding programs.
- Applications are currently open for 2026 projects.
- Priority is given to projects in CIP Focus Areas.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Million Dollar Makeover Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Million Dollar Makeover. 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 Million Dollar Makeover?
This program offers grants and loans of up to $5,000 for eligible projects, with some loan support ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. It supports building improvements, façade and signage upgrades, accessibility works, heritage conservation, and related redevelopment in Kawartha Lakes.
How much funding can be received?
Million Dollar Makeover Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was February 28, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Million Dollar Makeover program?
To be eligible for the Million Dollar Makeover program, you must:
Property in a designated project area.
Eligible commercial or mixed-use property.
Project must improve the property.
What expenses are eligible under Million Dollar Makeover?
Commercial building façade and signage improvements
Building repairs, renovations, and accessibility upgrades
Heritage property conservation and restoration
Development of outdoor patios, outdoor art, and marina slips
Redevelopment and construction projects that improve property functionality
Who can I contact for more information about the Million Dollar Makeover?
You can contact City of Kawartha Lakes by email at carbour@kawarthalakes.ca or by phone at 705-324-9411 extension 1396.
Where is the Million Dollar Makeover available?
The Million Dollar Makeover program is available the province of Ontario.