Apply for a Community Improvement Grant
Eligible property owners and tenants in the uptown area can receive grants for various renovation projects as part of the Community Improvement Plan (CIP).
On this page
- What is the Community Improvement Plan (CIP)?
- Before you apply
- Apply for an Uptown Façade Improvement Grant
- Apply for a Major Activity Grant
- Contact us
What is the Community Improvement Plan (CIP)?
The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) helps make uptown a more vibrant and welcoming place. Through financial support, it encourages investment and improves safety and accessibility.
We offer 2 different CIP grants:
The goals of the grant are to:
- improve community aesthetics
- financially support businesses
- encourage new investment
- ensure safety and security
- reduce vacancies
Before you apply
Step 1 - Determine if your property is in the uptown CIP project area |
Determine if your property is in the uptown CIP project area using the map below:![]() |
Step 2 - Determine if you need a signage permit |
Planning to install or update signage? You may need a sign permit before you apply for a CIP grant.
Once a Signage permit is acquired, applicants can proceed with applying for their CIP grant. |
Step 3 - Determine if you need a heritage permit |
Planning to make exterior façade improvements to your heritage property or unsure if your property has a heritage designation? You may need a Heritage permit to qualify for a CIP grant. Prior to applying for a CIP grant, applicants are encouraged to contact Heritage Staff at [email protected] to discuss their project’s scope of work and to inquire about the Heritage Permit process.
Once a heritage permit is acquired, applicants can proceed with applying for their CIP grant. |
If you require assistance with the application form or have questions about the programs, book a pre-application meeting with an economic development officer by phoning 519-747-8530 or emailing [email protected].
Note to all 2025 CIP applicants:
The 2025 CIP application intake will begin May 1, 2025 and conclude October 31, 2025
This means:
- all project work outlined in the application’s scope of work must be completed within this timeframe
- if you face delays impacting the expected timeline for completion, you must disclose these details by emailing [email protected]
- extensions may be granted, until August 31st, 2026 to complete their project
- no additional extensions will be granted afterwards
Apply for an Uptown Façade Improvement Grant
This grant helps improve the look of buildings and streetscapes in uptown Waterloo. It also supports the conservation of heritage features.
Grant type | Regular property | Corner property |
Matching grant from city | Up to $10,000 | Up to $15,000 |
Additional grant for designated heritage properties | $5,000 | $5,000 |
Apply online |
The CIP application period will open on May 1, 2025 and close on October 31, 2025 All project work described in your application must be finished within this timeframe. If your project is delayed and won’t be completed as planned, you must notify staff by emailing [email protected]. In these cases, an extension may be granted. Apply for an Uptown Façade Improvement Grant If you need an alternative way to apply for this grant, please phone 519-747-8530 or email [email protected] |
After you apply for an Uptown Façade Improvement Grant |
|
Major Activity Grant
This grant is for:
- large re-urbanization projects over 5,000 sqft. that create new floor space for affordable housing units and/or non-residential uses that include an office employment component
- provide a tax increment grant equal to a portion or full amount of the estimated property tax increase after the property is redeveloped and reassessed
Note for applicants:
- additional incentives will be provided for developments that include heritage conservation and/or sustainable building design and construction
Affordable housing uses | ||||||||||||
|
Office employment uses | ||||||||||||
|
Apply online |
The CIP application period will open on May 1, 2025 and close on October 31, 2025 All project work described in your application must be finished within this timeframe. If your project is delayed and won’t be completed as planned, you must notify staff by emailing [email protected]. In these cases, an extension may be granted. Apply for a Major Activity Grant If you need an alternative way to apply for this grant, please phone 519-747-8530 or email [email protected] |
Contact us
If you have questions or require an alternative application format regarding:
- CIP applications: [email protected]
- Heritage permit applications: [email protected]
- Sign permit applications : [email protected]