Open
The Heritage Community Improvement Plan Program
Supports restoration and integration of designated heritage buildings in Ottawa
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 500,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Heritage Community Improvement Plan Program offers up to $500,000 in funding to support the restoration, rehabilitation, and integration of heritage-designated buildings in Ottawa. Eligible activities include restoring heritage attributes, hiring heritage consultants or architects, and preparing required heritage reports to ensure the conservation and enhancement of Ottawa’s historic properties.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Real estate and rental and leasing
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Ottawa
- 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
Activities funded
- Restoration and rehabilitation of heritage-designated properties in Ottawa.
- Redevelopment projects that integrate heritage resources into mixed-use or multi-unit residential buildings.
- Projects that increase the number of housing units on a heritage property site.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Owners of buildings designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
- Owners of contributing properties (Category 1, 2, 3 or Grade I) designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act
Who is not eligible
- Applicants receiving concurrent funding for the same project through the Heritage Grant Program for Building Restoration.
- Projects that intend to combine this grant with any Community Improvement Plan programs other than the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan.
Eligible expenses
- Restoration of heritage attributes identified by heritage staff.
- Fees for hiring a heritage consultant or architect to oversee restoration work.
- Costs for heritage reports, such as Heritage Impact Assessments and Conservation Reports.
Eligible geographic areas
- Properties located within the geographic boundary of the City of Ottawa, Ontario.
Selection criteria
- Urgency of the project, such as the need for restoration or rehabilitation.
- Contribution to the public good, including enhancement of the public realm and support for Official Plan goals like housing affordability and sustainability.
- Project location within a Design Priority Area.
- Achievement of sustainability goals, for example, through deconstruction, material salvage and re-use, or green building retrofits.
- Extent of increase in housing units on the site.
How to apply
1
Pre-application consultation
- Consult with Heritage Planning and Economic Development staff before submitting your application
- Receive guidance on program requirements
2
Complete application form
- Fill out the official application form
- Ensure all information provided is accurate and complete
3
Submit standards and guidelines rationale
- Provide a justification that the project meets the Council-approved Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada
- Ensure compliance with any relevant Heritage Conservation District Plans
4
Submit Heritage Permit application
- Submit a Heritage Permit application
- Include a Heritage Impact Assessment and Conservation Plan in your submission
5
Submit independent tax study
- Provide an independent tax study by a qualified consultant
- The consultant must hold an ACCI, AIMA, or MIMA designation
- The study should estimate the property assessment increment related to the heritage restoration
6
Submit full application
- Ensure all required documentation and forms are completed and accurate
- Submit your full application to the City for assessment
Additional information
- The grant is self-financing, funded through the property tax increase attributed to qualifying restoration work.
- Grants are disbursed only after completion of restoration, property reassessment, and settlement of all property taxes and appeals.
- An independent tax study by an accredited consultant is a required part of the application.
- The official program details and complete information are set out in By-laws No. 2024-176 and 2020-40.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the The Heritage Community Improvement Plan Program Program
What is the The Heritage Community Improvement Plan Program?
The Heritage Community Improvement Plan Program offers up to $500,000 in funding to support the restoration, rehabilitation, and integration of heritage-designated buildings in Ottawa. Eligible activities include restoring heritage attributes, hiring heritage consultants or architects, and preparing required heritage reports to ensure the conservation and enhancement of Ottawa’s historic properties.
How much funding can be received?
The Heritage Community Improvement Plan Program Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $500,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the The Heritage Community Improvement Plan Program program?
To be eligible for the The Heritage Community Improvement Plan Program program, you must:
Properties must be designated under Part IV or Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act.
Projects must result in an increase in housing units and create a property tax uplift.
Applicants cannot receive concurrent funding for the same project from the Heritage Grant Program for Building Restoration.
What expenses are eligible under The Heritage Community Improvement Plan Program?
Restoration and rehabilitation of heritage-designated properties in Ottawa.
Redevelopment projects that integrate heritage resources into mixed-use or multi-unit residential buildings.
Projects that increase the number of housing units on a heritage property site.
Who can I contact for more information about the The Heritage Community Improvement Plan Program?
You can contact City of Ottawa by email at Ashley.Kotarba@ottawa.ca or by phone at 613-580-2424.
Where is the The Heritage Community Improvement Plan Program available?
The The Heritage Community Improvement Plan Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the The Heritage Community Improvement Plan Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
The Heritage Community Improvement Plan Program is a Grant and Funding