Closed
Source verified August 10, 2026
Million Dollar Makeover
Funding for property improvements in Kawartha Lakes
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
Latest source updateLast Update: April 9, 2026Latest change: The program page now emphasizes FAQ and application guidance, with added details on documents, permits, funding conditions, and closed intake timelines.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Latest change: The program page now emphasizes FAQ and application guidance, with added details on documents, permits, funding conditions, and closed intake timelines.
Million Dollar Makeover updated
The Million Dollar Makeover page was reorganized to focus more on FAQ and application instructions, while the overview and quick-link content was reduced. New text adds clearer guidance on required documents, pre-application meetings, permit and approval expectations, and when applications must be complete before work starts. The update also adds more funding-terms context, including stacking examples and language about withholding or adjusting funding if conditions are not met. Program timelines remain visible as closed intakes with listed 2025 to 2026 dates, and the contact details appear to be largely unchanged.
Funding available
$ 10,000 - $ 50,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Million Dollar Makeover supports property owners and businesses in Kawartha Lakes through financial incentives for commercial, mixed-use commercial/residential, and heritage designated residential properties. It funds visual and functional improvements, including downtown revitalization, heritage restoration, and building repairs or retrofits.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
- Minimum amount : 10,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Kawartha Lakes
- 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
- Downtown main street revitalization and enhancements
- Heritage districts and building restoration and improvements
- Derelict building repairs and improvements to functionality
- Affordable rental housing private space retrofits in mixed-use buildings
Documents Needed
- Photos of the existing building and site conditions
- Sketches of the work to be completed
- Two cost estimates for eligible work provided by licensed contractors or appropriate professionals
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Property owners
- Businesses with permission of the property owner
- Owners of commercial, mixed-use commercial/residential, or heritage designated residential properties
- Business owners to whom the property owner has delegated the right to receive funding
Eligible expenses
- Property improvements such as clearance/demolition, construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation, or improvement of energy efficiency
Eligible geographic areas
- Across all of Kawartha Lakes
Selection criteria
- Priority status may be given to properties within communities whose improvement proposals align most closely with the City’s policy and design guidelines foundation.
- Eligibility for grants may be prioritized for applicants within communities that have participated in Downtown Revitalization workshops resulting in Action Plans for redevelopment.
- Projects may also be prioritized based on the strategic goals of the municipality and financial considerations.
How to apply
- Pre-consult with City staff to discuss your project and ascertain all program details, eligibility, and timeframes.
- Determine which funding category best fits your project.
- Read and understand the Eligibility Criteria and Conditions.
- Obtain supporting documentation such as photos, quotes, plans and drawings.
- Complete and submit your application form with all supporting documentation.
Processing and Agreement
- If the submitted application is approved, the City and the applicant will enter into a CIP Agreement specifying the terms, duration, default, and any other provisions of the financial incentive program.
- Where the Agreement is between the City and a property tenant or business owner, the building owner must consent to the Agreement.
- For loan projects, the funding is released according to the funding agreement.
- For grant projects, funding is released to the applicant once the project has been completed to the agreed standards.
- Grant funding will be released once this report has been received and approved by staff.
Additional information
- The program includes 10 funding categories that can be used individually or stacked together for a particular project.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Million Dollar Makeover Program
What is the Million Dollar Makeover?
The Million Dollar Makeover supports property owners and businesses in Kawartha Lakes through financial incentives for commercial, mixed-use commercial/residential, and heritage designated residential properties. It funds visual and functional improvements, including downtown revitalization, heritage restoration, and building repairs or retrofits.
How much funding can be received?
Million Dollar Makeover Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $50,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Million Dollar Makeover program?
To be eligible for the Million Dollar Makeover program, you must:
Property must be located within a designated Project Area and be commercial, residential or mixed-use commercial/residential, or changing to one of these land uses.
Property and building(s) must not have tax arrears, outstanding utility charges, contraventions, penalties, fines or fees, or any other legal claim, lien or order, and must comply with all municipal by-laws.
Appropriate building permits and planning approvals must be in place, and a complete application must be approved by the City before work commences.
What expenses are eligible under Million Dollar Makeover?
Downtown main street revitalization and enhancements
Heritage districts and building restoration and improvements
Derelict building repairs and improvements to functionality
Affordable rental housing private space retrofits in mixed-use buildings
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.
Is the Million Dollar Makeover a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Million Dollar Makeover is a Grant and Funding