Facade Grants Ontario — Storefront Improvement Grants 2026
Ontario small business owners have access to CIP facade grants in nearly every municipality — government programs that pay 50–75% of your storefront renovation costs including signage, awnings, windows, and exterior paint. If your business has a physical location, this is the fastest grant available to you.
Ontario Facade Grant Programs
The primary Ontario facade grant program, active in 100+ municipalities. Covers signage, paint, awnings, windows, and accessibility improvements at 50–75%.
Provincial funding for commercial corridor revitalization; often layered on top of municipal CIP programs for higher total funding.
Local Business Improvement Area grants for signage, awnings, and exterior lighting — faster approval, less paperwork than CIP programs.
Government-backed loan covering renovation costs beyond what the facade grant pays. Can be combined with CIP funding for a larger project.
Ontario Cities with Active Facade Grant Programs (2026)
These Ontario municipalities have confirmed CIP facade grant programs active in 2026. Contact each municipality's economic development or planning office for current intake information:
- Hamilton — multiple CIP areas including downtown and commercial corridors
- Kingston — Heritage and Downtown CIP programs
- Peterborough — Downtown and Nogojiwanong CIP
- Barrie — Downtown Barrie CIP
- London — multiple neighbourhood CIP areas
- Windsor — Downtown and commercial BIA programs
- Guelph — Two Rivers and neighbourhood CIPs
- Brantford — Downtown Brantford CIP
Frequently Asked Questions
- What facade grants are available in Ontario in 2026?
- Ontario small businesses can access CIP (Community Improvement Plan) facade grants from their local municipality, typically $2,500–$25,000 at 50–75% cost-share. Cities with active programs include Hamilton, Kingston, Barrie, London, Windsor, Guelph, Peterborough, and Brantford. BIA (Business Improvement Area) members in most cities can also access signage and awning micro-grants up to $5,000.
- Do facade grants apply to signage in Ontario?
- Yes, signage is one of the most commonly funded improvements under Ontario CIP facade grants. This includes exterior business signs, LED and illuminated signs, window graphics, and awning banners. The sign must be permanently affixed to the building exterior. Temporary or portable signs are not eligible. Heritage-style signage in designated heritage districts may qualify for higher grant amounts.
- How much does a facade grant pay in Ontario?
- Ontario CIP facade grants typically cover 50% of eligible costs with a maximum grant of $10,000–$25,000 depending on the municipality. Some programs offer 75% for accessibility improvements. The property owner or tenant must fund the remaining 25–50%. You will also need to demonstrate that the project is within the CIP boundary area and meets the municipality's design guidelines.
- Are facade grants taxable income in Canada?
- Government grants received for business purposes are generally considered taxable income in Canada and must be reported on your business tax return. However, if the grant funds a capital expenditure (like a building improvement), the grant typically reduces the capital cost of the improvement rather than being treated as income directly. Consult your accountant for how to classify your specific CIP grant.
Browse by Province
Want Help Applying for an Ontario Facade Grant?
Not sure if you qualify? Book a free 15-minute eligibility call — our grant specialists have helped Canadian businesses secure over $2M in funding. We'll confirm your CIP program and review your storefront project.
Book Free Eligibility Call — $297 Grant Review →