Year-round grants
If you own or lease a property in Uptown Waterloo, you may be eligible for a grant to support renovation projects through the Community Improvement Plan (CIP).
The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) helps make uptown a more vibrant and welcoming place. Funding helps support commercial improvements, heritage preservation, environmental sustainability and community accessibility.
Offered by Waterloo Economic Development Office
Amount
50% to 75% (up to 100% in some cases) of eligible costs, up to $5,000–$15,000 per grant (plus up to $5,000 for designated heritage properties), to a combined maximum of $25,000 per property
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
To apply for a CIP program, your property must be located within the uptown CIP project area.
The project area covers uptown Waterloo, including the central business area and surrounding streets near King Street, Erb Street and Bridgeport Road.
If you plan to install signage or improve heritage or building features, you may need a permit before you apply.
Do not start any CIP project work until you receive a fully signed CIP letter of approval and have all required permits.
All work in your application must:
- be eligible under the program you apply for
- be completed within this timeframe
To receive funding, your project must match the approved scope of work and include only eligible expenses.
- Your property is fully within the Uptown CIP Project Area.
- You are a property owner, tenant, or authorized agent.
- No project works have started that you wish to claim under this application.
About the funding
We offer different CIP Grants based on your project. You may apply for more than one grant, up to a combined maximum of $25,000 per property.
This does not include the Major Activity Grant, which cannot be combined with any other grant.
Commercial and Heritage Façade Improvement Grant
This grant covers 50% of eligible expenses.
Show all funding details
Grant type: Grant from the city; Regular property: Up to $10,000; Corner property: Up to $15,000
Grant type: Additional grant for designated heritage properties; Regular property: Up to $5,000; Corner property: Up to $5,000
Fee and Study Grant
This grant covers 50% of eligible fees and studies.
Grant funding:
Grant type: Grant from the city; Regular property: Up to $5,000 per project
Accessibility Enhancement Grant
The grant covers 75% of eligible costs for existing businesses or building upgrades. In some cases, you may get up to 100% if you explain why in your application.
Grant type: Grant from the city; Regular property: Up to $15,000 per project
Sustainability and Climate Resilience Grant
The grant covers 50% of eligible sustainability upgrades.
Grant type: Grant from the city; Regular property: Up to $10,000
Commercial Interior and Vacancy Improvement Grant
The grant covers 50% of eligible expenses.
Grant type: Grant from the city; Regular property: Up to $10,000
if approved, you will receive funding 2 to 3 weeks after your project is complete and you submit proof of project completion
Find a complete list of eligible expenses in the CIP Manual – page 18 (PDF).
Some eligible expenses include:
- repair or replacement of outside materials, doors, windows and features
- storefront improvements (windows, awnings, entrances)
- permanent landscaping – up to 15% of the grant
- signage that follows the sign bylaw – up to $3,500
- safety and security upgrades (lighting or stronger doors and windows)
- permanent patio structures (no furniture or temporary items)
- other approved exterior improvements, including upgrades to eligible heritage properties
This grant helps cover costs for permits, studies or other application fees required under the Planning Act or Building Code. You can also use funding for fees related to fire compliance, heritage requirements, or to meet sustainability goals.
Find a complete list of eligible expenses in the CIP Manual – page 20 (PDF).
Some eligible expenses include:
- Committee of Adjustment applications (consent, minor variance)
- site plan application fees
- condominium conversion fees
- building permits (including façade and patio work)
Some eligible study expenses include:
Must be completed by a qualified professional and approved by the city:
- urban design and architectural drawings
- engineering or structural assessments
- heritage impact assessments
- energy or greenhouse gas studies
- LEED or zero carbon certification fees
- accessibility audits
- fire safety plan approval
- safety audits (CPTED)
Find a complete list of eligible expenses in the CIP Manual – page 22 (PDF).
Some eligible expenses include:
- accessible entrances (ramps, wider doors, automatic openers)
- accessibility upgrades (handrails, guards, doorbells, visibility strips)
- non slip surfaces at entrances and walkways
- accessible bathroom upgrades (existing bathrooms only)
- elevators or lifts
- anti glare window treatments
- braille, tactile and wayfinding signage
- other approved accessibility improvements
Find a complete list of eligible expenses in the CIP Manual – page 24 (PDF).
Some eligible expenses include:
- energy efficient windows and doors (Energy Star certified)
- installation of heat pumps (excluding ground-source)
- insulation upgrades
- improvements to heritage windows for better energy performance
- air sealing and heat recovery systems
- electrical upgrades to support energy efficient systems
- on demand electric water heaters
- smart thermostats and energy management systems
- on site renewable energy (for example, solar panels)
- reflective roofing to reduce heat and improve efficiency
- EV chargers in public parking areas
- secure bicycle parking
- other approved environmental or sustainability improvements
Find a complete list of eligible expenses in the CIP Manual – on page 26 (PDF).
Some eligible expenses include:
- building code or structural upgrades needed to use the space
- electrical and plumbing upgrades (including panels, wiring, and washrooms)
- new interior walls
- interior structural repairs and finishes (flooring, ceilings)
- built in features (counters, shelving, display units)
- commercial kitchen upgrades (cabinets, ventilation hoods)
- fire safety upgrades (sprinklers, emergency lighting, fire separation)
- demolition, if part of a larger project and under $2,500
- other approved permanent interior improvements
Similar programs
| Program | Type | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brownfields Community Improvement Plan (BCIP) | Grant | No fixed amount | Open |
| Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund | Grant | Stream 2 (New Builds/Signature New Builds): up to $10 million, provincial cost-sharing up to 90% for Indigenous communities and Indigenous not-for-profit organizations, up to 50% for municipalities, local services boards and not-for-profit organizations, up to 25% for for-profit organizations (Signature New Builds may be considered for over $10 million) | Open |
| Enbridge Gas New Construction: Savings by Design Residential | Grant, In-Kind Support | Incentives of $1,650 per home for up to 50 homes (ENERGY STAR for New Homes) | Open |
| Enbridge Gas Retrofits & Custom Projects: Affordable Multi-Family Housing Program, Commercial Custom Retrofit Program, and Industrial Custom Engineering Program | Grant, In-Kind Support | Commercial Custom Retrofit: up to 50 percent of incremental project costs | Open |
