Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Spruce the Bruce
Funding for downtown and tourism improvements
Get notified when Spruce the Bruce reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 28, 2026Latest change: Spruce the Bruce now says applications are closed, and the application checklist now includes proof of permit application.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 28, 2026
Latest change: Spruce the Bruce now says applications are closed, and the application checklist now includes proof of permit application.
Spruce the Bruce applications closed and checklist updated
The Business Accessibility Adaptability Grant page now says Spruce the Bruce applications are closed, replacing the earlier notice that funding remained available in three municipalities. The eligibility and funding notes also now exclude labour completed by immediate family members. The Spruce the Bruce page now says a complete application must include proof of permit application, alongside the existing quotes, plans, and designs requirements.
Funding available
$ 10,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Bruce County supports downtown improvement, tourism, accessibility, and agri-food projects. Funding can reach up to $10,000, depending on the grant stream and project type.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- 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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Downtown façade and storefront improvements.
- Signage, awnings, patios, and streetscape upgrades.
- Accessibility improvements for commercial buildings.
- Tourism, agri-food, and visitor-experience enhancements.
- Community marketing and destination infrastructure projects.
Documents Needed
- All necessary quotes
- Project plans
- Designs / renderings / inspirations
- Before photos
- Proof of permit application
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses and property owners
- Municipalities and local entities
- Not-for-profits and charities serving visitors
- Business improvement areas and chambers of commerce
Who is not eligible
- Applicants outside the eligible Bruce County areas.
- Projects with partners outside Bruce County, for the Community Marketing Grant.
- Projects generating advertising or promotional revenue for applicants.
Eligible expenses
- Design and production of marketing collateral, including graphics design, videography, photography, printing, and production of video or reels
- Paid promotion through marketing channels, including digital, print, and radio advertisements or promotions
- Supplies and labour related to the development of a new unit or expansion of existing units
- Supplies and labour related to necessary building code or fire code requirements
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Work started before approval, including purchasing any materials
- Temporary, removable, or consumable project materials or elements
- New building construction
- General maintenance repairs
- Projects that do not comply with the applicable community toolkit branding elements
Eligible geographic areas
- Bruce County
- Arran-Elderslie
- Brockton
- Huron-Kinloss
- Kincardine
- Northern Bruce Peninsula
- Saugeen Shores
- South Bruce
- South Bruce Peninsula
Selection criteria
- First-come, first-served for complete applications.
- Eligibility and completeness review.
- Project must fit grant components and branding guidelines.
- Only eligible projects proceed to approval.
How to apply
- Confirm the project location is within an eligible CIPA or municipality and that the project meets the eligible project components.
- Review the applicable community branding guidelines.
- Obtain all necessary municipal and / or County permits, contractor quotes, and designs or renderings or inspirations.
- Apply for the applicable grant category.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness.
- Completed applications are approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
- If approved, a Letter of Offer is sent for signing.
- Project completion must be submitted online with invoices or receipts and photos.
- Funding is issued after spend and work are confirmed.
Additional information
- Funding is limited and fully allocated for some streams.
- Applications are first-come, first-served when complete.
- A Letter of Offer must be signed before work begins.
- Project work must be completed by October 31.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Spruce the Bruce Program
What is the Spruce the Bruce?
Bruce County supports downtown improvement, tourism, accessibility, and agri-food projects. Funding can reach up to $10,000, depending on the grant stream and project type.
How much funding can be received?
Spruce the Bruce Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Spruce the Bruce program?
To be eligible for the Spruce the Bruce program, you must:
Located in an eligible Bruce County area.
Complete application with all quotes, project plans, designs, and proof of permit application.
Project must follow applicable branding guidelines.
What expenses are eligible under Spruce the Bruce?
Downtown façade and storefront improvements.
Signage, awnings, patios, and streetscape upgrades.
Accessibility improvements for commercial buildings.
Tourism, agri-food, and visitor-experience enhancements.
Community marketing and destination infrastructure projects.
Who can I contact for more information about the Spruce the Bruce?
You can contact Regional Tourism Organization 7 (RTO7) by email at info@sprucethebruce.com.
Where is the Spruce the Bruce available?
The Spruce the Bruce program is available the province of Ontario.
Who are the financial supporters of the Spruce the Bruce?
Spruce the Bruce is funded by Regional Tourism Organization 7 (RTO7)