OpenCloses in 110 days
Source verified July 12, 2026
Waterloo Major Activity Grant
Supports major Uptown Waterloo redevelopment projects
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Deadline
October 31, 2026
Opened May 1, 2026
Location
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Waterloo Major Activity Grant supports large reurbanization projects in Uptown Waterloo. It funds projects that create affordable housing and/or office employment space, with possible additional support for heritage and sustainable design elements.
/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
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Waterloo
- 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
- Repair, renovation, expansion, or redevelopment of existing buildings.
- Construction of new buildings on vacant lots.
- Projects creating affordable housing units.
- Projects creating office employment space.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Written owner authorization, if applicable
- Current photos of the property
- Drawings or plans showing the proposed changes
- Two cost estimates or quotations
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Property owners
- Tenant businesses
- Authorized agents or assignees with owner consent
Who is not eligible
- Applicants who start work before approval.
- Properties outside the Uptown CIP project area.
- Applicants without the required owner authorization, when applicable.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects started before City approval.
- Projects that do not meet the 5,000 sq. ft. minimum.
- Residential or office uses outside the program’s requirements.
- Demolition during the grant period.
Eligible geographic areas
- Uptown Waterloo
- Uptown CIP project area
- MacGregor/Albert Heritage Conservation District
Selection criteria
- Affordable housing or office employment component.
- LEED or other city-recognized sustainable design standard.
- Heritage conservation where applicable.
- As-built project performance.
How to apply
- Step 1: Pre-consultation
- Meet with City staff to confirm eligibility and application requirements.
- Review the submission checklist before preparing documents.
- Step 2: Prepare application
- Complete the application form.
- Gather supporting documents, drawings, photos, and cost estimates.
- Obtain owner authorization if you are not the property owner.
- Step 3: Submit application
- Email the completed application package to cip@waterloo.ca.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by City staff for completeness and eligibility.
- Major Activity Grant applications require Council approval.
- The City aims to issue a decision within about three months.
- Approved applicants must sign a grant agreement.
- Payments are made annually after project completion and tax reassessment.
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Eligible programs may be combined, up to a total of $25,000 per property.
- Tax increment equivalent grants cannot be combined with other Uptown CIP programs.
- Work cannot begin before City approval and required permits.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Waterloo Major Activity Grant Program
What is the Waterloo Major Activity Grant?
The Waterloo Major Activity Grant supports large reurbanization projects in Uptown Waterloo. It funds projects that create affordable housing and/or office employment space, with possible additional support for heritage and sustainable design elements.
How much funding can be received?
Waterloo Major Activity Grant Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is October 31, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Waterloo Major Activity Grant program?
To be eligible for the Waterloo Major Activity Grant program, you must:
Within Uptown Waterloo CIP area
Large redevelopment project
Affordable housing or office use
What expenses are eligible under Waterloo Major Activity Grant?
Repair, renovation, expansion, or redevelopment of existing buildings.
Construction of new buildings on vacant lots.
Projects creating affordable housing units.
Projects creating office employment space.
Who can I contact for more information about the Waterloo Major Activity Grant?
You can contact City of Waterloo by email at cip@waterloo.ca or by phone at 519-886-1550 x78706.
Where is the Waterloo Major Activity Grant available?
The Waterloo Major Activity Grant program is available the province of Ontario.