What it covers
The Facade Improvement Grant provides a grant to property owners who rehabilitate and improve the facades (including signs) of buildings within the Central Area Community Improvement Project Area — including rear-facing facades with high public visibility.
- 50% of eligible work, up to $15,000 per property address with one facade
- An additional grant of up to $15,000 for corner lots improving both street-facing facades
- $30,000 upset limit for properties with more than one municipal address, facade, owner, or tenant
- No application fee, and projects can stack with other CIP incentive programs
Any property owner within the project area may apply in writing to the City, and must receive written approval before starting any work related to the grant.
How applications work
1. Pre-application: arrange a meeting with municipal staff to confirm eligibility.
2. Application: submit the application form with all supporting documentation, including a letter of engagement with your design consultant.
3. Review: City staff review, may request clarification, inspect the property, and prepare a recommendation with a grant agreement.
4. Approval & payment: Council (or its designate) approves; the executed agreement is returned to you, construction proceeds, and the grant is paid on proof of completion.
This is a City of Peterborough program — the DBIA is glad to help members understand it and put together a strong application.
Improve your storefront
Download the full application package — program guide, process chart, application form, and administration provisions — or talk to us before you start.