Revitalization Incentives

The Development of Vacant Property Abatement is available for new residential, commercial or mixed-use development that is constructed on a property within the Downtown Zone that has been vacant for more than 5 years.

This incentive is a five-year declining tax abatement.

Downtown Mixed-Use Development Abatement

The Downtown Mixed-use Development Abatement is targeted towards new mixed-use development that is constructed within the Downtown (DT) Zone, and that is 12 metres or higher and has a minimum of 4 dwelling units. Developments that are constructed with more than 9 dwelling units must dedicate 10% as affordable housing.

This incentive is five years of full tax abatement.

The Residential Central Mixed-Use Development Abatement is targeted towards new mixed-use development that is constructed within the Residential Central (RC and RC-1) Zone, and that has a minimum of 4 dwelling units, and has commercial uses at street-level. Developments that are constructed with more than 9 dwelling units must dedicate 10% as affordable housing.

This incentive is five years of declining tax abatement.

The Environmental Impact Study (EIS) Grant supports environmental site assessments for property remediation in the Downtown Zone. Properties can apply for one or both of the following options:

• A 50% contribution, up to $10,000, for a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment
• A 50% contribution, up to $10,000, for a Remedial Work Plan or Risk Assessment after the completion of a Phase II Site Assessment

A property can receive up to $20,000 if both options are applied for.

The Bicycle Racks and Storage Grant is available for new, redevelopment, and exterior façade projects that include safe bicycle storage. This grant provides the following two options:

• Up to 50% of the cost, with a maximum of $1,000, for property redevelopment projects
• Up to 100% of the cost, with a maximum of $5,000, for new developments

The Shared Vehicle Grant is available for developments that install vehicle sharing (car, e-bike, or bicycle) within the Downtown, Residential Central, and Residential Intensification Zones. This grant provides the following three options:

• $5,000 per car share (up to 4 cars), to a maximum of $20,000 per development;
• $1,000 per e-bike share (up to 5 e-bikes), to a maximum of $5,000 per development; and
• $200 per bike share (up to 15 bicycles), to a maximum of $3,000 per development.

Developments that are entirely commercial may qualify for one vehicle share, whether a car, a bike, or an e-bike.

Commercial Development for Universal Design Grant

The Commercial Development for Universal Design Grant is available to commercial businesses (new or existing) in the Downtown, Commercial Service, and Old Town Mixed Use Zones. This grant provides:

• 50% of architecture, engineering, design, and labour costs, with a maximum of $15,000, to create a universal entrance into the business
• 50% of architecture, engineering, design, and labour costs, with a maximum of $15,000, to create a universal streetscape that improves pedestrian accessibility from the building to the sidewalk.

Universal Dwelling Grant

The Universal Dwelling Grant is for new residential developments where dwelling units are built with barrier-free access to the building and at least 4 accessibility features. The grant covers up to 50% of the cost of accessibility upgrades, with a maximum of $15,000.

Accessibility Features (for the complete list please refer to section 4.4.4 of Development Incentives By-law No. 5097):

• Access to the dwelling with ramps, elevators or lifts
• Automatic or push-button doors at multi-unit dwelling entrances
• Accessible parking or drop-off location
• Accessible bathrooms
• Countertops, cabinets, light switches, and other appliances with accessibility features
• Accessible laundry washing facilities

Development Permit and Building Permit Fee Grant (only for new housing)

This grant is for new residential developments that have gotten approval of any of the previous incentives. Non-residential developments will not qualify for this grant.

100% of the Development Permit application fees will be re-imbursed, and 100% of the Building Permit application fee will be re-imbursed up to a maximum of $10,000.