Closed
Port Hope Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
Funding for downtown redevelopment and property upgrades
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Funding available
$ 15,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Port Hope’s Community Improvement Plan offers financial incentives to support downtown revitalization and redevelopment. It includes support for signage, façade work, building and property improvements, upper storey conversions, brownfield remediation, tax relief, and certain fees.
/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 : 15,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Retail trade
- Real estate and rental and leasing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
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 signage improvements.
- Façade restoration and improvement.
- Building and property upgrades.
- Upper storey conversions to residential, live-work, or studio space.
- Brownfield remediation and redevelopment.
Documents Needed
- CIP Pre-Application Form
- Permit applications required for the project
- Proof of payment after project completion
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Property owners.
- Business owners within the Downtown CIP Area.
- Commercial, institutional, and mixed-use properties in the CIP Area.
Who is not eligible
- Applicants without property owner permission.
- Projects outside the Downtown CIP Area.
- Projects that have already started.
Eligible expenses
- Signage design and related permit costs.
- Urban design studies, architectural drawings, and heritage impact assessments.
- Façade, building, property, landscaping, and paving improvements.
- Planning, development, demolition, building, and related permit fees.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects that have already started before applying.
- Tax Increment Grant and Development Charge Grant together for the same property owner.
- Tax Increment and Development Charge grants for projects that do not meet the catalytic project requirement.
Eligible geographic areas
- Downtown CIP Area, Port Hope.
- Commercial properties within the CIP area map.
Selection criteria
- For the Tax Increment Grant Program and Development Charge Grant Program, projects must meet the Municipality’s minimum performance requirements for a catalytic project.
- For the Downtown Heritage Signage Program, signage must comply with Port Hope Downtown Design Guidelines.
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact the Economic Development Coordinator to discuss the proposed project.
- Discuss eligibility and available programs.
- Obtain guidance on the application process.
- Step 2: Complete the CIP Pre-Application Form.
- Submit the pre-application online.
- Step 3: Submit the required permit applications and program-specific forms.
- Provide the applicable permits for the project.
- Submit any additional CIP forms required for the selected program.
- Step 4: Wait for approval and complete the work.
- Begin work only after approvals and permits are issued.
- Step 5: Submit proof of payment for reimbursement.
- After completion, send proof of payment.
- The approved grant is then issued by cheque.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after the pre-application is submitted.
- The municipality advises applicants on suitable programs and guides the process.
- Some projects require approval by Council or a designate before work can begin.
- After completion, proof of payment is submitted and the approved grant is paid by cheque.
Additional information
- Multiple CIP incentives can be stacked, except the Tax Increment Grant Program and the Development Charge Grant Program.
- Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
- For the Downtown Heritage Signage Program, permits must be in place before work starts.
- For some programs, Council or a designate must approve the project before work can proceed.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Port Hope Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Program
What is the Port Hope Community Improvement Plan (CIP)?
Port Hope’s Community Improvement Plan offers financial incentives to support downtown revitalization and redevelopment. It includes support for signage, façade work, building and property improvements, upper storey conversions, brownfield remediation, tax relief, and certain fees.
How much funding can be received?
Port Hope Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Port Hope Community Improvement Plan (CIP) program?
To be eligible for the Port Hope Community Improvement Plan (CIP) program, you must:
Property owner or authorized applicant
Project in the Downtown CIP Area
Work not yet started
What expenses are eligible under Port Hope Community Improvement Plan (CIP)?
Downtown signage improvements.
Façade restoration and improvement.
Building and property upgrades.
Upper storey conversions to residential, live-work, or studio space.
Brownfield remediation and redevelopment.
Who can I contact for more information about the Port Hope Community Improvement Plan (CIP)?
You can contact Municipality of Port Hope by email at Meg Ronson.
Where is the Port Hope Community Improvement Plan (CIP) available?
The Port Hope Community Improvement Plan (CIP) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Port Hope Community Improvement Plan (CIP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Port Hope Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a Grant and Funding