Open, closes Feb 1, 2027Grant
Heritage grants
No per-grant maximum stated; about $50,000 to $60,000 is shared among successful applicants this window
Waterloo Regional Heritage FoundationAll of Waterloo Region
MixedLocal program
Designated Heritage Grant and Heritage Tax Refund
Two City of Kitchener supports for owners of designated heritage property. The grant can pay up to half the cost of conserving, rebuilding or restoring significant heritage features. Owners of designated property may also be able to get a property tax refund of up to 40%.
- Amount
- Grant up to 50% of eligible costs: $500 minimum, $5,000 maximum for General Projects, $15,000 for Special Projects. Tax refund up to 40%.
- Status
- Check statusThe grant deadline was April 15, 2026. The city's guidelines say General Project applications may still be considered after the deadline if funding is left, so contact heritage staff first. Special Projects are not awarded after the deadline. No deadline is stated for the tax refund.
- Type
- Grant (up to 50%) and property tax refund
- Run by
- City of Kitchener
- Where
- Kitchener
- Checked on
- Nov 13, 2026
Who it's for
- Owners of property individually designated under the Ontario Heritage Act
- Owners of property in one of Kitchener's heritage districts (grant)
- Tax refund: owners of property designated under the Ontario Heritage Act
Not for
- Non-historic projects and most interior work
- Non-original siding, roofing, windows and doors
- Landscaping and driveway paving
- Heating, cooling and energy efficiency upgrades
- Work started or finished before applying, except emergencies at staff discretion
What it covers
- Conserving significant architectural elements named in the designating bylaw or district plan
- Rebuilding significant elements that still exist but can't be repaired
- Restoring lost significant features, backed by historic drawings or photos
How to apply
- Meet with heritage staff first. The 2026 form says all applicants must do this before applying; email heritage@kitchener.ca to arrange.
- Download the Designated Heritage Property Grant application form
- Add written cost estimates and as much detail as possible on materials, methods and size
- Email the completed form to heritage@kitchener.ca by April 15
- Tax refund: the page says to call 519-741-2426 if the property has a heritage easement or a preservation and maintenance agreement
Good to know
- The city says structural needs get priority and applications are handled first come, first served.
- Staff may ask for more plans, drawings, photos or other evidence.
- Special Projects have several parts and must be approved as a Special Project by heritage staff before applying. The city funds at most two a year.
- The page doesn't describe an application process for the tax refund beyond the phone number.
- Some heritage work also needs a heritage permit; the city has a separate page on that.
- The 2026 form lists an $86 non-refundable administrative fee.
- One application per property per calendar year. The 2026 form says work and final invoices are due by December 31, 2026.
- If the owner does the work, the grant is based on half the cost of eligible materials. Labour isn't funded.
Questions
Can I get the grant for work I've already done?
The city lists work started or completed before applying as ineligible. It says retroactive funding is only considered in emergencies, at staff discretion.
How much can the grant pay?
Up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a $500 minimum. The maximum is $5,000 for General Projects and $15,000 for Special Projects.
Can I replace old windows with this grant?
The city lists non-original windows and doors as ineligible. The grant is for significant heritage elements named in the designation or district plan.