with the possibility of an extension up to a total of ten (10) years, after the project is completed and reassessed to help offset the costs of rehabilitating and redeveloping properties, as long as such development results in an increase in assessment and therefore an increase in property taxes.
Commercial/Mixed Use Building Facade Improvement Grant Program offers a grant program, whereby property owners, tenants and/or assignees will be eligible to receive a grant for 50% of the eligible costs of the facade improvements, up to $20,000 per property. At the discretion of Council, the grant can be increased by up to $10,000 per property/project that meet criteria outlined in the Downtown CIP.
Sandwich Town Community Improvement Plan: The purpose of this CIP is to revitalize Sandwich Town and help the community achieve the documented vision and goals, as well as addressing the issues and building on the strengths. The following financial incentive programs are offered:
Commercial/ Mixed Use Building Facade Grant Program provides a grant to promote the rehabilitation, restoration and improvement of commercial and mixed use buildings equal to 70% of the cost of eligible façade and storefront improvement/ restoration works to commercial and mixed use buildings. The Maximum grant per property/project is $15,000. The maximum can be increased by up to $10,000 for properties/projects that also require side and/or rear façade improvements when highly visible from Sandwich Street, and for properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. This grant is only available in the Commercial Core and residential area (Target Areas 1 and 3).
Commercial/ Mixed Use Building Improvement Loan Program provides a 0% interest loan equal to 70% of cost of eligible interior/exterior building maintenance and improvements to commercial and mixed use buildings. The Minimum Loan is $10,000 and the Maximum Loan is $30,000 per property/project. This grant is only available in the commercial core and residential area (Target Areas 1 and 3).
Revitalization Grant Program provides a grant for rehabilitating or developing buildings and property by providing a financial incentive that reduces the tax increase that can result when a property is improved. The program provides an annual grant equal to 70% of the increase in the municipal portion only of the property taxes for up to 10 years after project completion. The project must result in an increase in assessment and property taxes. The Grant is available in the entire CIP Area.
Commercial Core Feasibility Study Grant Program provides a grant equal to 50% of the cost to assist applicants with determining the feasibility and cost of adaptively reusing, rehabilitating, retrofitting, redeveloping, or developing a commercial or mixed use building. The grant can also be used for other studies such as archeological studies or brick and mortar analysis. Maximum grant per property/project is $5,000 with a maximum of one feasibility study per property/project. The grant is only available in the Commercial Core (Target Area 1).