Site Readiness Program
ON, Canada
Funding assistance for industrial site preparation in Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateSeptember 12, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
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
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for companies applying for this grant focus on ownership, site requirements, and support from local entities.
- Applications must be submitted by the registered owner(s) of the site.
- The site 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.
- Sites must not be current participants in the Investment Ready: Certified Site program, though applicants who are no longer certified are eligible to apply.
- The applicant must agree to make the site available for sale or lease for at least one year following completion of the program, unless sold.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographical area for companies applying for this grant is Ontario, as the program is administered by Ontario's Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. The focus is on preparing industrial sites within the province for investment and business expansion.
- Industrial properties located in Ontario.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Pre-application Consultation
- Contact program staff via toll-free number or email to arrange a consultation.
- Discuss site eligibility, timing, work plan, and budget during the consultation.
- Receive recommendations to strengthen your application, but note it does not guarantee acceptance.
- Step 2: Application Submission
- Receive a written invitation to submit an application package after completing the pre-application consultation.
- Prepare a completed application form and gather necessary supporting documentation.
- Submit the application package via the Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) system.
- Ensure that all items listed in the application package are included for consideration.
- Step 3: Application Evaluation and Notice of Acceptance
- Wait for the application to be evaluated based on program criteria.
- Receive notification of acceptance or rejection within 45 business days.
- If accepted, you will be offered an agreement contract to formalize participation.
- Step 4: Completion of Work Plan
- Complete the work plan as outlined, within one year of receiving the notification of acceptance.
- Step 5: Completion of the Program
- Submitted work reviewed for completeness by program staff.
- Submit all invoices for eligible costs post-completion for reimbursement.
- Receive reimbursement of 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $25,000 per site.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
investmentready@ontario.ca
1-855-585-0475
Apply to this program
Expediting Site Selection Through Ontario's Site Readiness Program
The Site Readiness Program in Ontario provides crucial funding assistance to prepare industrial properties for potential investments and business expansions. It aims to address the urgency of site selection processes by enhancing the readiness of available industrial sites to attract new investment quickly.
Detailed Insights into the Site Readiness Program
The Site Readiness Program is an initiative by Ontario's Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, focusing on preparing industrial sites for potential investors by improving site readiness. This is crucial for businesses considering setting up new locations in Ontario, as the program helps reduce the lead time necessary for site development. By facilitating the preparation of eligible sites, the program enhances their appeal to potential buyers and investors, thereby contributing to economic growth.
Participants in the program are eligible for reimbursement of 50% of eligible costs up to $25,000 per site, pivotal to offsetting site development expenses. This financial assistance is aimed at covering a range of preparations necessary to meet the specific requirements companies may have when selecting a site. Eligible costs encompass professional assessments and planning reports such as Environmental Impact Studies, Geotechnical Studies, and other technical investigations needed to certify the site’s readiness for development. This comprehensive support structure ensures that sites meet all requisite standards, including zoning compliance and utility servicing, which are essential considerations for businesses.
The program employs a structured approach, beginning with a mandatory pre-application consultation to confirm site eligibility and prepare the application strategy. The pre-application phase is instrumental in aligning the site's development plan with municipal and provincial guidelines, thus strengthening the applicant's position when the formal application is submitted. This consultation also facilitates connections between applicants and key municipal stakeholders, fostering a collaborative planning environment that is beneficial for long-term site development.
Once accepted into the program, applicants are required to complete a detailed work plan, finalizing all site readiness activities within one year. The binding agreement with the Province ensures compliance with specified standards and benchmarks, underscoring the site's readiness. Following successful project completion and verification by program staff, applicants can submit their related expenses for reimbursement.
Importantly, the program is a non-entitlement, discretionary funding program, where acceptance of applications is contingent on the program’s evaluation of the site’s potential and available funding. This ensures that only sites with high potential for successful development and investment attraction are included, aligning with the province’s economic development objectives.
The Site Readiness Program offers significant advantages not only in terms of financial support but also in raising the profile of Ontario as an attractive investment destination. By equipping sites to meet industrial requirements more rapidly, the program enhances Ontario's competitive edge in attracting business investments, thereby contributing to regional and provincial economic development.
Overall, by systematically preparing sites and offering substantial reimbursement for preparation costs, the Site Readiness Program enhances the investment potential of industrial lands in Ontario. This makes it an indispensable resource for property owners and developers seeking to tap into Ontario’s economic potential by attracting new industrial ventures to the region.
