Site Readiness Program

• Application form submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON)
• Signed application sponsorship form from an Economic Development Officer and Chief Planning Official
• Aerial photo of the site with parcel boundary clearly shown
• Parcel register report and the index map from the Ontario Land Registry Office

Who is eligible?

• Registered owner(s) of the site

Who is not eligible

• Current participants in the Investment Ready: Certified Site Program

Eligible expenses

• Arborist Report/Tree Survey
• Archaeological Study (Stage 1,2,3 and/or 4)
• Conservation Authority studies/drawings
• Drainage Plan
• Environmental Impact Study (EIS)

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Costs incurred prior to the pre-application consultation date
• Infrastructure or capital costs related to bringing the site up to eligibility and property standards, site preparation, maintenance and property taxes
• Travel costs and accommodations incurred by the applicant, agent or third-party consultants for the application or work plan
• Ongoing operational expenses, including labour costs, office and overhead expenses
• Activities related to remediation of the site

Eligible geographic areas

The Site Readiness Program is focused on supporting investment within Ontario, Canada. Geographical eligibility is centered around areas designated for industrial development in Ontario.

• Sites located within Ontario, Canada.

• Applications are accepted based on the merits of the application and available program funding.

• Schedule a pre-application consultation with program staff.
• After the consultation, receive a written invitation to submit an application package through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON).
• Submit a completed application form and supporting documentation through TPON.

• Complete applications are evaluated by review committees.
• Applicants receive written notification if the site has been accepted within 45 business days.
• Accepted applicants are offered an agreement contract to formalize participation in the program.
• After the work plan is deemed complete, the applicant can submit expenses for reimbursement.

Here are additional relevant details for the Site Readiness Program:

• The program is discretionary, meaning acceptance and funding is not guaranteed even if all criteria are met.
• Acceptance into the program is heavily reliant on the quality and detail provided in the application package.
• Reimbursement is based on eligible cost calculations, not exceeding 50% or $25,000 per site.
• The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade makes the final decision on eligible costs and any interpretation issues regarding expenditures.
• Pre-application consultation is mandatory to evaluate the site's eligibility before submitting an application.
• A written invitation to apply is required post-consultation to submit a formal application.
• Applications must be made through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) with all necessary documentation attached.
• Sites that have participated in the "Investment Ready: Certified Site" but are no longer certified are eligible.
• There is a strong emphasis on detailed and accurate mapping and documentation, including topographic and context maps, to support your application.
• Sponsors or endorsements from municipal or regional economic development organizations and relevant officials are required.
• The program seeks sites with existing public road access and minimum servicing requirements met at the start of participation in the program.
• The listing of completed sites in Ontario’s investor attraction platform is optional post-project completion.