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Site Readiness Program
Funding assistance for industrial site preparation in Ontario
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 25,000
Timeline
- Open Date : September 12, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Site Readiness Program in Ontario offers funding assistance of up to $25,000 per site to help prepare eligible industrial properties for potential buyers and investment. The program aims to support investment attraction and business expansion by reimbursing property owners for eligible due diligence and site preparation work necessary for site selection decisions.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : September 12, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Site Readiness Program provides support for various due diligence and site preparation activities, critical for attracting investment to industrial properties in Ontario. Eligible activities include professional assessments and reporting necessary for site development and compliance with municipal or provincial standards.
- Arborist Report/Tree Survey
- Archaeological Study (Stage 1, 2, 3, and/or 4)
- Conservation Authority studies/drawings
- Drainage Plan
- Environmental Impact Study (EIS)
- Environmental Site Assessment Phase I, II (ESA)
- Erosion/Sediment Control Plan
- Geotechnical Study/Slope Stability Study
- Grading Plan
- Groundwater Impact Study
- Heritage Impact Assessment
- Hydrogeological Study
- Hydrological Report
- Natural Heritage Impact Study
- Noise Impact Study
- Pedestrian Level Wind Study
- Planning Rationale Report
- Servicing Options Report
- Soil Management Report
- Species at Risk Assessments/Mitigation Report
- Stormwater Management Report
- Topographic Survey Plan
- Tree Preservation Plan
- Transportation Impact Study
- Utility Plan
- Vibration Study
- Other (as approved by program staff)
- Mapping (e.g., topographic map, environmental context maps)
- Aerial photograph or video of site with parcel boundary clearly shown
- Parcel register, Title Opinions, and Property Index Map
- Plan of Survey
- Legal fees (including contract and fees associated with updating site description information)
- Surveyor’s real property report
- Property assessment/valuation reports
Eligibility
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses for the Site Readiness Program include specific costs directly related to site preparation and due diligence work required for site readiness.
- Arborist Report/Tree Survey
- Archaeological Study (Stage 1, 2, 3, and/or 4)
- Conservation Authority studies/drawings
- Drainage Plan
- Environmental Impact Study (EIS)
- Environmental Site Assessment Phase I, II (ESA)
- Erosion/Sediment Control Plan
- Geotechnical Study/ Slope Stability Study
- Grading Plan
- Groundwater Impact Study
- Heritage Impact Assessment
- Hydrogeological Study
- Hydrological Report
- Natural Heritage Impact Study
- Noise Impact Study
- Pedestrian Level Wind Study
- Planning Rationale Report
- Servicing Options Report
- Soil Management Report
- Species At Risk Assessments/Mitigation Report
- Stormwater Management Report
- Topographic Survey Plan
- Tree Preservation Plan
- Transportation Impact Study
- Utility Plan
- Vibration Study
- Mapping (e.g., topographic map, environmental context maps)
- Aerial photograph or video of site with parcel boundary clearly shown
- Parcel register, Title Opinions, and Property Index Map
- Plan of survey
- Legal fees (including contract and fees associated with updating site description information)
- Surveyor’s real property report
- Property assessment/valuation reports
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.
Additional information
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Site Readiness Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Site Readiness Program. 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 Site Readiness Program?
The Site Readiness Program in Ontario offers funding assistance of up to $25,000 per site to help prepare eligible industrial properties for potential buyers and investment. The program aims to support investment attraction and business expansion by reimbursing property owners for eligible due diligence and site preparation work necessary for site selection decisions.
How much funding can be received?
Site Readiness Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $25,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Site Readiness Program program?
To be eligible for the Site Readiness Program program, you must:
The applicant must be the registered owner of the site.
The application must be sponsored/endorsed by either the municipality or regional economic development organization and by the municipal Chief Planning Official or their delegate.
Applicants are limited to submitting five applications for reimbursement per year.
What expenses are eligible under Site Readiness Program?
The Site Readiness Program provides support for various due diligence and site preparation activities, critical for attracting investment to industrial properties in Ontario. Eligible activities include professional assessments and reporting necessary for site development and compliance with municipal or provincial standards. Arborist Report/Tree Survey
Archaeological Study (Stage 1, 2, 3, and/or 4)
Conservation Authority studies/drawings
Drainage Plan
Environmental Impact Study (EIS)
Environmental Site Assessment Phase I, II (ESA)
Erosion/Sediment Control Plan
Geotechnical Study/Slope Stability Study
Grading Plan
Groundwater Impact Study
Heritage Impact Assessment
Hydrogeological Study
Hydrological Report
Natural Heritage Impact Study
Noise Impact Study
Pedestrian Level Wind Study
Planning Rationale Report
Servicing Options Report
Soil Management Report
Species at Risk Assessments/Mitigation Report
Stormwater Management Report
Topographic Survey Plan
Tree Preservation Plan
Transportation Impact Study
Utility Plan
Vibration Study
Other (as approved by program staff)
Mapping (e.g., topographic map, environmental context maps)
Aerial photograph or video of site with parcel boundary clearly shown
Parcel register, Title Opinions, and Property Index Map
Plan of Survey
Legal fees (including contract and fees associated with updating site description information)
Surveyor’s real property report
Property assessment/valuation reports
Who can I contact for more information about the Site Readiness Program?
You can contact Government of Ontario (ON) by email at investmentready@ontario.ca or by phone at 1-855-585-0475.
Where is the Site Readiness Program available?
The Site Readiness Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Site Readiness Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Site Readiness Program is a Grant and Funding