Waterloo Region & Guelph

GrantLocal program

Uptown Community Improvement Plan grants

The City of Waterloo's Uptown Community Improvement Plan has 6 grant streams for properties in uptown, around King Street, Erb Street and Bridgeport Road. They cover façades, fees and studies, accessibility, sustainability, interiors and large redevelopment projects. Owners and leaseholders in the project area can apply.

Amount
Up to $25,000 in combined grants per property, across 5 grant streams. The Major Activity Grant is a separate tax increment grant.
Status
Closed for nowThe 2026 window ran May 1 to October 31, 2026 and is closed. The city says applications will reopen in spring 2027 (no date given).
Type
Matching grants (50% to 75%) and a tax increment grant
Run by
City of Waterloo
Where
Waterloo
Checked on
Nov 13, 2026

Who it's for

  • Owners or leaseholders of property in the uptown CIP project area
  • The area is around King Street, Erb Street and Bridgeport Road
  • Façade grant: commercial or mixed-use commercial owners and tenants
  • Major Activity Grant: redevelopments of 5,000 sq. ft. or more

Not for

  • Properties outside the uptown CIP project area
  • Work started before a fully signed CIP approval letter and all permits
  • Major Activity Grant together with any other CIP grant

What it covers

  • Façade Improvement Grant: 50% of costs, up to $10,000 per street-facing façade ($15,000 for both façades on a corner lot), plus up to $5,000 more for designated heritage property
  • Fee and Study Grant: 50% of fees and studies, up to $5,000 per project
  • Accessibility Enhancement Grant: 75% of costs, up to $15,000 per project
  • Sustainability and Climate Resilience Grant: 50% of costs, up to $10,000
  • Commercial Interior and Vacancy Improvement Grant: 50% of interior costs, up to $10,000
  • Major Activity Grant: 50% to 100% of the tax increase for 6 to 10 years, for affordable housing or office space

How to apply

  1. Check the property is in the uptown CIP project area (map on the city page)
  2. Read the general requirements in the CIP Manual
  3. Book a meeting with an Economic Development officer at ecdev@waterloo.ca
  4. Get any permits you need: sign, heritage or building
  5. Apply during the intake window with quotes, drawings, photos and any studies
  6. Don't start work until you have a fully signed approval letter

Good to know

  • Combined CIP grants are capped at $25,000 per property.
  • The city says approved funding is paid 2 to 3 weeks after the project is finished and proof of completion is sent in.
  • Accessibility grants can go up to 100% if the application explains why.
  • Façade grant limits: landscaping up to 15% of the grant, signage up to $3,500.
  • Interior grant: demolition only counts as part of a bigger project and under $2,500.
  • Tenants need an owner authorization letter and a dated lease. The CIP Manual asks for a lease of at least 3 years, or the owner's confirmation of an extension.
  • If an approved project is delayed, the city says to email cip@waterloo.ca; a one-time extension to August 31, 2027 may be possible.
  • Funding is first come, first served, and the city can approve only part of a request.
  • Property taxes and other municipal obligations must be in good standing.
  • A property that received a grant can't get the same grant again for 5 years.

Questions

When can I apply next?

The 2026 window closed October 31, 2026. The city says applications will reopen in spring 2027, but it hasn't posted a date yet.

Can I combine more than one grant?

Yes, for the five main grants, up to $25,000 in total per property. The Major Activity Grant can't be combined with any other grant.

Can I start the work and apply later?

The city says not to start CIP work until you have a fully signed approval letter and all required permits.

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