Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program

The Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program supports commercial property owners and tenants in enhancing the appearance of their buildings. This program provides funding to redesign, renovate, or restore building façades that face a public road or right-of-way. Eligible properties must have commercial use at street level and may include commercial or residential uses on upper floors.

Guidelines are listed below.

Purpose

The Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program provides funding to commercial property owners and tenants of commercial property, to redesign, renovate or restore facades on commercial buildings that are commercial use at street level and may have commercial and or residential uses on upper floors. The building façade must face a public road or a right-of-way that is accessible to the public.

Enhances commercial building façades to improve streetscapes, create more attractive business areas, and support community revitalization. By refreshing building exteriors, the initiative aims to provide a more pleasant environment for workers, shoppers, and diners while encouraging private investment in the area.

Provide financial assistance to commercial properties (located within Shelburne Business Improvement Area (SBIA) - See Appendix A - SBIA Map), in the form of grants to help cover part of the cost of upgrades, such as building façade improvements, signage, and design plans to:

Make Shelburne a more inviting place to shop, eat, and visit
Helping businesses attract more customers and clients
Support property owners and tenants in maintaining and upgrading their buildings
Enhance community pride and create a more vibrant downtown
Strengthen Shelburne’s unique character and identity

**Grants are paid out after project completion and verification.

Available Grants

The Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program allows property owners and tenants to apply for one-time improvements across multiple eligible categories, including front façade restoration, rear façade enhancement, and signage upgrades. Applicants may choose to pursue one, two, or all three improvement types, with the total grant amount not exceeding $13,500 per property. The flexible structure allows property owners or tenants to focus on their most urgent heritage preservation needs and make the best use of available funding.

**Grant funding is subject to availability and the program may close without notice once funds are depleted.

Building Facade

Front Façade: Covers 50% of costs, up to a maximum of $8,000
Rear Façade: Covers 50% of costs, up to a maximum of $2,000 (must be visible from a street or lane)
Payment: Grant funds paid after project completion

Sign Improvement(s)

Covers 50% of costs, up to a maximum of $3,000, for replacing signage with heritage-appropriate signs
Signs must comply with local bylaws
Payment: Grant funds paid after project completion

Planning & Design Costs

50% of the total maximum design costs (architectural and site plans), up to a maximum of $500
Payment: Grant funds paid after project completion

Design Guidelines

CIP Design Guidelines: BUILDINGS BIG MOVE #1 Restore the fronts of Downtown buildings to reflect Shelburne’s heritage.

Building façades create the first impression for visitors and define the Downtown's character. The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) helps property owners and tenants build or improve façades that:

Maintain stylistic unity with historic Main Street
Respect Downtown Shelburne's heritage façade conventions
Allow for creative, innovative design solutions

Grant, applicants must submit designs and cost estimates. While professional design services are not required, they are encouraged. Grant approvals will be assessed through a point-based evaluation system that considers heritage authenticity (40%), material quality and durability (30%), streetscape visibility and impact (20%), and compliance with local bylaws - View Appendix C: Heritage Grant Application - Point-Based Evaluation Form.

To qualify for funding, projects must comply with the design guidelines outlined for the designated area.

Full guidelines Appendix B - Section 2 Buildings

Eligibility

Property or tenants (tenants need property owner approval)
Non-profit organizations with commercial properties
Home-based businesses with a storefront in the eligible area (Shelburne Downtown Business Improvement Areas (BIA)
Businesses must have a valid Shelburne business license
Property taxes are fully paid and up-to-date
No outstanding building permits, stop work orders, or development permit condition requirements outstanding
The subject property has not received a previous grant under this program in the past 10 years

Residential homes in the commercial area
Apartment buildings
Government-owned buildings
Properties outside the designated area
Vacant properties/businesses unless renovations are made in preparation for reopening

Eligible and Ineligible Improvements

The Town of Shelburne will require development, building and or sign permits based on the extent of the improvements to be completed. Eligible projects must take place in SBIA.

New exterior lighting
Decorative details, trims, and moldings
Façade painting
Permanent signage and wayfinding signage
Patio installations

Routine maintenance and structural repairs
Roof repairs
Landscaping and non-permanent fixtures
Vinyl or aluminum siding
Interior improvements
Additions or new construction
Spandrel panels
Reflective or darkly tinted glass
Window film or removable or decorative vinyl film
Stucco/EIFS cladding
Movable/temporary landscaping elements
Air conditioning units
Landscaping
Paving
Fencing * Exempt decorative fencing for outdoor patio
Wheelchair ramps
Any improvements not visible from the public right of way
Work completed before grant approval

Eligible and Ineligible Costs / Expenses

Direct project labour costs
Design, architectural or engineering fees
Contractor fees
Rental of tools and equipment
Project related materials and supplies
Shipping and/or freight

Staff wages and/or benefits
Purchase of construction tools or equipment
Utilities (hydro, gas etc.)
GST
Duties
Permit fees
Financing / consulting fees
Maintenance work
Expenses related to improvement to the building façade not visible from the public right of way
Façade improvements expenses started before the application approval

Note: Tenants applicants must submit the completed Owner and Tenant Authorization Form confirming property ownership and/or tenant consent for the proposed façade improvements

Application Process

Pre-Application Consultation: Applicants are encouraged to meet with Town staff before applying
Application Submission: Submit a completed application with photos, cost estimates, design plans, and site plans if applicable
Review & Approval: Applications are reviewed in order of submission. Approved applicants sign an agreement with the Town
Project Completion & Inspection: Work must be finished as planned and inspected for compliance
Payment: Grant funds are issued after submission of paid invoices and verification of completion of work

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. The Program ends on the first Monday in October, or until funds run out
Approved projects must be completed within 9 months of approval or before December 31 of the fiscal year end, whichever comes first
Grant payments must be requested within 30 days of project completion
Property taxes must be fully paid before grant payment is issued
Before and after photos must be provided
Detailed breakdowns of all eligible project costs must be provided

Projects will be ranked based on:

Design Quality: Use of a professional designer or architect will improve ranking
Building Condition: Priority is given to older buildings or those in poor condition
Impact on Streetscape: Projects that improve the look of the area and fit with community design guidelines will be prioritized
Project Readiness: Projects that can be completed within the required timeline and demonstrate feasibility will be given preference
Financial Feasibility: Applicants must show they can cover their portion of the costs
Business and Community Impact: Projects that support economic growth, bring more customers to the area, and meet local business needs will receive higher ratings.

View Appendix C - Heritage Grant Application - Point-Based Evaluation Form

Terms & Conditions

Improvements must stay in place for a minimum of five years
Approved businesses agree to be featured in the Shelburne FYI Economic Development Newsletter and Town of Shelburne social media and website
The Town and / or Dufferin County reserves the right to inspect work before issuing grant funds
Funding may be revoked if false information is provided, or conditions are not met
Total grants awarded cannot exceed the total project cost
All work must comply with local building codes and regulations
You are responsible for obtaining any necessary permits
The Town shall not be involved in, nor held responsible or liable for, any disputes, whether legal or otherwise, arising between property owners, tenants, or contractors
The committee reserves the right to terminate your participation in the program if you do not follow these terms and conditions

How to Apply

Applications are now being accepted. Eligible applicants can apply below until the First Monday in October or until all the grant funding has been expended. Apply by completing the Commercial Facade Improvement Grant Program Form or in-person by visiting Town Hall 203 Main Street E. Shelburne ON.

For questions about the Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program, please contact Shelburne Economic Development at ed@shelburne.ca

Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program Form

Accessible Documents

We have made every attempt to make all of our financial documents accessible. Please contact us if you require assistance and we will make every attempt to provide this information in an alternate format.