Grant/Loan Programs
186 Front St N
The Department is responsible for administering four municipal grant/loan programs. They include:
1. The Downtown Rehabilitation Grant Program:
Under the Downtown Rehabilitation Grant Program, property owners within the Downtown Community Improvement Area who are planning to do renovation/rehabilitation work may apply for a grant which would be based on their tax increase for a period of up to twelve years following the work, if the work results in a re-assessment and corresponding tax increase. At the time of a building permit application, a property owner may make application to the City in order to be considered for participation in the grant program. The amount of municipal assessment and the actual taxes paid would be determined and, upon the completion of the work, a re-assessment would be done to determine any increase in taxes paid. The difference between the municipal taxes paid prior to the work being undertaken, and the taxes paid after the completion of the work shall be the amount of the grant under this program.
2. The Sarnia Downtown Building and Facade Improvement Loan Program:
The Sarnia Downtown Building and Façade Improvement Loan Program provides assistance to registered property owners to rehabilitate and improve the facades, heating, air conditioning, wiring and hydro of buildings in the Downtown Community Improvement Area. Registered owners of properties could be eligible for a low interest loan up to $20,000 per “storefront” to a maximum of $60,000 per property.
3. The Northgate Facade Improvement Loan Program:
Northgate Façade Improvement Loan Program provides assistance to registered property owners of commercial buildings within the Northgate Community Improvement Area to improve the facades. Registered owners of properties could be eligible for a low interest loan up to $10,000 per “storefront” to a maximum of $40,000 per property.
4. The Mitton Village Facade Improvement Loan Program:
Mitton Village Area Façade Improvement Loan Program provides assistance to registered property owners of commercial buildings within the Mitton Village Community Improvement Area to improve the facades. Registered owners of properties could be eligible for a low interest loan up to $10,000 per “storefront” to a maximum of $40,000 per property.
The guidelines and applications for these programs can be found at the "Applications/Guidelines" page.
For more information on the various programs, please contact Max Williams at 519-332-0330 extension 3293.
