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.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Retail trade
grant_single|grantors
- City of Toronto
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
Several improvements are eligible for the Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program, aimed at enhancing the interior of commercial properties.
- Structural upgrades
- Electrical work and interior lighting
- HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
- Plumbing and plumbing fixtures
- Interior painting
- Flooring/ceiling/wall finishes
- Permanently affixed counters and merchandise displays
- Accessibility improvements
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program is available to commercial properties at street level in Toronto that are vacant or at risk of becoming vacant, with specific requirements for previous subsidy support or location. Improvements must include a minimum of three eligible upgrades and meet certain criteria regarding the type of property and permission from owners.
- Properties must be commercial at street level within the city of Toronto.
- Properties must be either vacant or at risk of becoming vacant.
- Properties that previously received support under the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) Program are eligible.
- Properties located in corridors impacted by Major Transit Expansion-related construction (e.g., Ontario Line, Eglinton Crosstown) are eligible.
- Applications must include a minimum of three eligible improvements.
- Tenants must have written permission from the property owner to make improvements and obtain grant funding.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program is available for owners and tenants of vacant commercial properties or occupied properties that meet specific criteria within the city of Toronto. Eligible businesses must be at street level and perform a minimum of three eligible interior improvements.
- Properties that previously received support under the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) Program
- Properties located in corridors impacted by Major Transit Expansion-related construction (e.g., Ontario Line, Eglinton Crosstown)
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of entities that are not eligible for the Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program.
- Places of worship
- Institutional buildings
- Not-for-profit commercial buildings
- Residential buildings
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for the Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant include a variety of interior renovation and improvement costs. Here is a summary of the eligible expenses:
- 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
- Design fees (architectural, engineering, certified AODA specialist, and Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) registered designer fees, up to $2,000 per application)
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program is available to properties within the city of Toronto. They must be used for commercial purposes at street level or have direct access to a street from another floor.
- City of Toronto
- Commercial purposes at street level
- Direct access to a street from another floor
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
Michael.Saunders@toronto.ca
416-392-1005
Apply to this program
Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program Overview
The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program provides matching funding of 50% up to $20,000, or $24,000 if accessibility standards are met, for interior renovations of commercial storefronts that are vacant or at risk of becoming vacant. This initiative is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
Detailed Explanation of the Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program
The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program is designed to support the recovery and long-term success of Toronto’s small retail businesses, which are vital to the city’s economic prosperity and community vitality. The program offers up to 50% matching funding for interior renovations to commercial spaces at street level, providing financial assistance to improve vacancies or preventing potential vacancies in key urban areas. Funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, this program addresses economic challenges faced by small businesses, especially in areas affected by major transit construction.
Objectives of the Program
The main objective of the Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program is to stimulate economic growth by revitalizing Toronto’s main streets and neighborhoods. Small retail businesses serve as critical economic drivers, contributing to the economic well-being of residents, families, and the broader community. By providing financial assistance for interior improvements, the program aims to enhance the attractiveness and functionality of commercial spaces, facilitating long-term business success and helping to maintain the vibrancy of local economies.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. The program is open to both owners and tenants of commercial properties within Toronto that are either vacant or at significant risk of vacancy. Eligible properties must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have previously received support under the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) Program.
- Be located in corridors impacted by Major Transit Expansion-related construction, such as the Ontario Line or the Eglinton Crosstown.
Additionally, the properties must be used for commercial purposes at street level or must have a direct street access from another floor. Applicants must undertake at least three eligible improvements to qualify for the grant.
Funding Details
The program provides matching funding equal to 50% of the cost of eligible interior improvements, up to a maximum of $20,000. For properties undertaking accessibility upgrades that meet the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) design standards, additional funding of up to $4,000 is available, increasing the maximum grant to $24,000.
For multi-unit properties, the grant offers further funding of up to $20,000, with $4,000 per additional unit for a maximum of five units. Thus, property owners and tenants can potentially receive substantial financial support to facilitate significant improvements in their commercial spaces.
Eligible Improvements
The grant program covers a broad range of interior improvements to enhance the usability and attractiveness of commercial properties. Eligible improvements include:
- Structural upgrades
- Electrical work and interior lighting
- HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems
- Plumbing and plumbing fixtures
- Interior painting
- Flooring, ceiling, and wall finishes
- Permanently affixed counters and merchandise displays
- Accessibility improvements
Design fees associated with architectural, engineering, certified AODA specialist, and Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) registered designers are also eligible, up to a maximum of $2,000 per application. These comprehensive eligible expenses ensure that applicants can make significant and beneficial upgrades to their commercial properties.
Ineligible Projects and Expenses
Certain projects and expenses are not covered by the Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program. Ineligible applications include:
- Applications for work totaling less than $5,000
- Maintenance costs for existing interior property elements
- Projects from places of worship, institutional buildings, not-for-profit commercial buildings, and residential buildings
- Projects involving moveable furniture, window coverings, equipment, appliances, computers, and IT expenses
- Projects for business chains or franchise organizations (only one application per chain or franchise is permitted)
This focus ensures that the program is targeted towards substantial and impactful improvements that can significantly enhance the commercial viability of eligible properties.
Success Stories
The success of the Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program is exemplified by past recipients, who have leveraged the funding to make transformative improvements to their commercial spaces. For instance, Berkeley Castle Investments received $20,000 to cover half of the $40,000 spent on renovations. This investment facilitated new tenancy opportunities, showcasing the program's potential to revitalize commercial spaces and attract businesses.
Another example is Zaad, a restaurant that underwent extensive renovations including plumbing, electrical work, furniture, and finishings. With the help of the grant, Zaad transformed its space and opened successfully, contributing to the local economy and community vibrancy.
Application Process
While applications for the current round are closed, interested parties should stay informed by subscribing to the Business TO newsletter for updates on future funding opportunities. When applications reopen, potential applicants must prepare by gathering necessary documentation and permissions. Tenants, for example, require written permission from property owners to make improvements and receive grant funding.
The grant application should detail the scope of proposed improvements and provide cost estimates to support the application. Ensuring compliance with eligibility criteria and clearly articulating the anticipated benefits of the improvements will enhance the chances of a successful application.
Contact Information
For questions or further details about the Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program, interested parties can contact Michael Saunders at 416-392-1005 or via email at Michael.Saunders@toronto.ca. Staying engaged with program updates and direct inquiries will help businesses prepare and respond promptly when applications reopen.
Conclusion
The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program is a strategic initiative aimed at invigorating Toronto's commercial properties and supporting the city's economic recovery. By providing essential funding for interior renovations, the program not only helps to fill vacant spaces but also enhances the long-term sustainability of small retail businesses. These efforts contribute to the overall economic health and liveliness of Toronto’s neighborhoods, benefiting residents and business owners alike.