An independent registry of Northern Ontario funding Data updated Aug 17, 2026 · CC-BY-4.0
Northern Ontario Grants
Open, continuous intake

Strategic Core Areas CIP, Downtown & Core Area Improvement Grants

by City of Thunder Bay

Also known as: Downtown CIP · Downtown Financial Assistance Programs

Thunder Bay's Strategic Core Areas CIP pays 50% of eligible costs, to $10,000 per grant, for commercial facade improvements, main-floor commercial conversions, and upper-floor residential/office conversions in the North Core, South Core, and Westfort, combinable to $25,000 per property, plus a planning/building fee rebate. Apply to Planning Services (planning@thunderbay.ca) and get approval before starting any work.

Amount
Up to $25,000

thunderbay.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source

Instrument
Grant (non-repayable)
Status
Open, continuous intake no fixed deadline; approvals on the funder's cycle
Your share
See terms

thunderbay.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source

Who qualifies
Property owner, business, tenant
  • Property must be within a Strategic Core Areas project zone: North Core, South Core, or Westfort Business Area (check the city's Community Improvement Plans Map)
  • Application must be approved before work begins

thunderbay.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source

Application process

Call first. This funder expects contact with a program officer before you apply.

  1. Confirm property is in an eligible core-area zone
  2. Submit application form to Planning Services with photos of existing conditions, conceptual drawings, and two cost estimates
  3. Approval before starting work
  4. Complete work and receive grant

thunderbay.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source

Common questions

Which areas of Thunder Bay qualify?

Properties inside the Strategic Core Areas project zones: the North Core, South Core, and Westfort Business Area. The city's Community Improvement Plans Map lets you check a specific address.

Can I combine the facade and conversion grants?

Yes, the facade grant and the two conversion grants (each 50% of costs to $10,000) can be combined up to a total of $25,000 per property, and planning/building permit fees can also be rebated.

Can I start renovations before applying?

No. Applications require approval before work begins, and you must submit photos of existing conditions, conceptual drawings, and two cost estimates with the application.

Apply

Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there:

www.thunderbay.ca