Façade Improvement Grant/Loan
Available in the Central Business District, District Shopping Area and Mixed-Use Areas
Purpose
The Façade Improvement Gran/Loan Program offers grants and loans for improvements to the façades of existing commercial or mixed-use buildings. The purpose of the program is to finance façade improvements that would otherwise be considered cost-prohibitive by a property owner. The program will also promote improvement of the physical condition and visual aesthetic of private property and buildings. The Town will benefit from façade improvements to private properties, which will promote a design that is generally consistent with the community image and brand.
Funding Opportunity
The Town provides up to 50% of the approved façade improvement costs for eligible buildings, to a maximum of $10,000. The maximum municipal contribution for the façade improvement would be a $5,000 interest-free loan and a $5,000 grant.
At the sole discretion of the Town, the maximum municipal contribution may be increased to $15,000 ($7,500 interest-free loan and a $7,500 grant) if:
- The building has more than one street address and/or storefront
- The building has more than one wall that is visible from a public street or public space, or fronts onto a laneway or parking lot
- Original heritage features are being restored
Eligibility
The following evaluation criteria will be used to determine if the applicant will be eligible to receive funding:
- Adherence to Architectural Façade Design Guidelines, 1992
- Building restoration impact
- Aesthetic improvement to the building
- Improvement to the streetscape (impact)
- Quality of the application
Façade improvements to existing commercial or mixed-use buildings located in the Central Business District, the District Shopping Area, and Mixed Use areas may be considered eligible for the Façade Improvement Gran/Loan Program.
Exterior improvements to the main façade of buildings are eligible for the program. Where a side and/or rear wall is visible from a public street or public space, or fronts onto a laneway or parking lot, improvements to these walls will also be eligible.
Eligible façade improvements will include (but not be limited to) the following, as determined by the
Town:
- Restoration/replacement of existing brickwork/cladding, or installation of new brickwork/cladding
- Restoration or replacement of cornices, eaves and parapets
- Restoration or replacement of windows, doors, and awnings
- Restoration or replacement of exterior lighting
- Chemical or other façade cleaning
- Redesign of storefront or entrance modifications, including provisions to improve accessibility for the disabled
- Such other similar improvements and repairs that may be necessary to improve the appearance of a building façade exterior as may be approved by the Town
Contact Us
Town of Bracebridge
1000 Taylor Court
Bracebridge, ON P1L 1R6
Phone: (705) 645 5264