Closed
Source verified July 6, 2026
Million Dollar Makeover
Funding for property improvements in Kawartha Lakes
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
$ 5,000
Deadline
February 28, 2026
Opened January 12, 2026
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.
/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 : 5,000 $
- 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
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
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs associated with preparing an application or any other related costs
- Projects that have already begun before City approval
Eligible geographic areas
- CIP Focus Areas: Bobcaygeon, Coboconk, Fenelon Falls, Lindsay, Norland, Omemee and Woodville
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.
How to apply
- 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
- Successful applicants are required to sign a funding agreement outlining funding and legal requirements.
- For loan projects, the funding is released according to the funding agreement.
- For grant projects, funding is released once the project has been completed to the agreed standards.
- Grant funding is released once the final report has been received and approved by staff.
Additional information
- Priority status may be given to projects located within the CIP Focus Areas: Bobcaygeon, Coboconk, Fenelon Falls, Lindsay, Norland, Omemee and Woodville.
- Applications are open for projects taking place in 2026.
- 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 $5,000 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 must be located within a designated Project Area.
Property must be commercial, residential, or mixed-use commercial/residential, or changing to one of these land uses.
Project must be approved by the City before work starts.
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.
Where is the Million Dollar Makeover available?
The Million Dollar Makeover program is available the province of Ontario.