Toronto Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program
Toronto, ON, Canada
The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program provides matching funds to revitalize vacant storefronts, enhancing the economic vitality of Toronto's main streets.
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Grant and Funding
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- Retail trade
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- City of Toronto
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The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program provides matching funding of 50% to commercial business operators and owners of vacant or at-risk storefront properties for interior renovations. Funded by the Government of Canada, the program aims to support the recovery and long-term success of small retail businesses in Toronto by funding eligible activities such as structural upgrades, HVAC improvements, electrical work, and plumbing. The maximum base grant is $20,000, with additional funding available for accessibility upgrades and multi-unit properties.
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The grant is specifically targeted for properties within certain geographical confines to boost local economic activity. Only properties in designated urban areas can apply.
- Properties located within the city of Toronto.
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Eligibility for the Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program is determined by specific criteria related to the property and its location.
- The property must be either vacant or at risk of becoming vacant.
- The property must have previously received support under the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) Program or be located in corridors impacted by Major Transit Expansion-related construction.
- The property must be within the city of Toronto and used for commercial purposes at street level or have direct street access from another floor.
- The application must include written permission from the property owner, if the applicant is a tenant.
- At least three eligible improvements must be proposed for the property/unit.
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The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program is available to owners and tenants of commercial, street-level properties in Toronto that meet specific conditions. Applicants must be either owners or tenants of vacant or soon-to-be vacant properties, or those that have previously received support under the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) Program. Additionally, properties situated in corridors affected by major transit construction projects, such as the Ontario Line or Eglinton Crosstown, are eligible. Properties must have commercial usage at the street level or direct street access from another floor, and tenants must have the property owner's written consent to make renovations. Ineligible parties include places of worship, institutional buildings, not-for-profit commercial buildings, and residential buildings. Projects must include a minimum of three eligible renovations, and certain types of maintenance and moveable items are not eligible for funding.
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This grant program has specific restrictions on eligibility, excluding certain types of buildings and projects. These restrictions are in place to channel funds effectively towards eligible commercial properties seeking rehabilitation.
- Places of worship.
- Institutional buildings.
- Not-for-profit commercial buildings.
- Residential buildings.
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The grant supports various interior renovation activities for commercial spaces to help local businesses thrive and improve accessibility. The eligible projects focus on upgrades that enhance structural integrity, aesthetic appeal, and accessibility of the properties.
- Structural upgrades to the commercial property.
- Electrical work and improvements in interior lighting.
- Enhancement of HVAC systems, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
- Plumbing updates and new plumbing fixtures.
- Interior painting projects.
- Installation of new flooring, ceiling, and wall finishes.
- Adding permanently affixed counters and merchandise displays.
- Improving accessibility features to meet AODA standards, such as ramps or accessible restrooms.
- Covering design fees for architectural and engineering services up to a certain limit.
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The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program covers various expenses related to interior improvements and accessibility enhancements.
- Structural upgrades.
- Electrical work and interior lighting.
- HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
- Plumbing and plumbing fixtures.
- Interior painting.
- Flooring, ceiling, and wall finishes.
- Permanently affixed counters and merchandise displays.
- Accessibility improvements such as interior ramps or accessible public washrooms.
- Design fees up to $2,000 per application, including architectural, engineering, certified AODA specialist, and BCIN registered designer fees.
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The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program in Toronto offers funding to support commercial business operators and owners of vacant storefronts in making interior renovations.
- The grant program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
- Applications are currently closed, but interested parties can subscribe to the Business TO newsletter for updates on future rounds of funding.
- Tenants must have written permission from the property owner to make improvements and apply for funding.
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Michael.Saunders@toronto.ca
416-392-1005
Apply to this program
Empowering Small Businesses Through Space Rehabilitation
The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program provides vital financial support to small business operators and owners of vacant storefronts in Toronto, helping them conduct essential interior renovations. This initiative is part of the broader efforts by the Government of Canada to boost economic recovery and encourage the revitalization of main streets in the city.
Detailed Insights into the Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program
Funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, the Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program is a pivotal initiative designed to aid the economic rejuvenation and sustainability of small businesses along Toronto's vibrant main streets. By offering a matching fund of 50 percent, this grant specifically targets vacant storefronts or those at risk of becoming vacant, thereby facilitating crucial interior renovations necessary for attracting new tenants or supporting current occupants. Through this program, the grant helps safeguard the backbone of local economic activity, acknowledging the indispensable role small retail businesses play in the community and its development.Eligible participants in the program can recuperate up to $20,000 of their renovation expenses, with the potential to increase this to $24,000 if their improvements include adhering to Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) regulations. This additional funding underscores the program's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that commercial spaces are not only updated but are also accessible to all. Moreover, for properties with multiple commercial units, an additional $20,000 is available for further renovations, capped at $4,000 per additional unit, thereby accommodating the diverse needs of larger scale projects.The grant targets a variety of upgrades, focusing on substantial work such as structural improvements, electrical, HVAC system updates, and plumbing enhancements, which are critical for maintaining a competitive and attractive business environment. These upgrades are seen as pivotal in not just refurbishing physical spaces, but also in uplifting the broader economic morale by keeping Toronto's commercial districts thriving and vibrant. Moreover, these grants provide an avenue for properties previously assisted under the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) Program, as well as those affected by construction from Major Transit Expansion projects like the Ontario Line and Eglinton Crosstown. By prioritizing these areas, the grant ensures that businesses impacted by external factors are given a fighting chance to recover and resume operations, thereby revitalizing neighborhoods and creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire city's economic infrastructure.This cycle of investment and return is well illustrated through success stories such as that of Berkeley Castle Investments, which efficiently utilized the grant to recuperate $20,000 of their renovation expenses. This financial boost allowed them to complete transformative projects that attracted new tenants, thereby reducing vacancy rates and contributing to a more dynamic business environment. Similarly, Zaad's experience with the grant was transformative, enabling extensive refurbishments that ranged from plumbing and electrical work to the installation of new furniture and finishings.While current applications for the program are closed, interested parties are encouraged to subscribe to the Business TO newsletter for updates on future funding opportunities. These grants not only provide critical financial relief but also foster a more inclusive, dynamic, and economically resilient Toronto by empowering small businesses—a sector that stands as a cornerstone of local entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.
