What you need to know about Toronto Heritage Grant Program
In a bid to preserve heritage properties and structures, the Toronto government is offering to cover up to 50% of the cost of eligible heritage conservation projects through the Toronto Heritage Grant Program. The funds will be allocated to only designated heritage properties which fall under Parts IV or V of the Ontario Heritage Act.
Heritage Grant Program for places of worship
Religious places play an important role in any community. They are crucial for the material and spiritual welfare of a community and also help to bring the whole community together. The Heritage Grant Program covers active places of worship which are designated under Part IV or V of the Ontario Heritage Act. Places of worship designated under the act vary from churches, mosques, and temples to synagogues. As mentioned earlier, the grant will fund up to 50% of the cost of the proposed conservation project which includes roof replacements, window repairs or restoration, interior repairs, door renovations etc. subject to eligibility. The application deadline for the Grant is June 30, 2017.
How do properties qualify?
For any property to qualify for the grant, it must satisfy the below conditions
- Should be located in the City of Toronto
- It should be designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. You can check the City of Toronto’s Inventory of Heritage Properties to see if your property is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.
- The property should either be classified as a residential property or as a tax-exempt property in relation to property tax.
Also, a property will only get the benefits of the grant once every 5 years and owners who own multiple heritage properties can only apply for one property each year.
What work is eligible for a grant?
- Exterior work, especially repair or restoration of heritage aspects like porches, slate roofs, woodwork, and masonry are covered.
- Roof repair or replacement to match the original roof
- Repair or restoration of existing original windows and doors
- Window replacement is covered if original windows cannot be repaired, but new windows must match the original windows in their detail, material, and operation.
- Repair or reconstruction of original architectural features which can be identified from photographs or drawings.
- Consultant fees for technical research related to the building are covered
What must an application include?
The application must include the following things to be eligible for consideration
- Completely filled application form which includes both, part A & B. The form should also detail each component of the complete scope of the proposed conservation project.
- Three quotations or estimates for each component of the scope of work must be provided from qualified contractors.
- Recent photographs printed on photographic paper and also digital images on a cd providing a complete view of the whole building/structure must be provided. Detailed view of the areas of proposed conservation project should also be provided. All photographs should be in color and must have dimensions of at least 6×4” and images should be at least 300 dpi.
How do I submit an application?
Completed applications should be dropped off or mailed to the following address before the application deadline which is 30 June 2017. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Heritage Preservation Services
City Hall, 17th Floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON, M5H 2N2
Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How are applications reviewed?
The complete review process for applications will be as follows:
16th October 2017 – All applications will be reviewed by Heritage Preservation Services to ensure that they are complete and meet all eligibility requirements
7th November 2017 – The Toronto Heritage Grant Selection Committee will make grant award recommendations according to the below criteria after reviewing all qualified applications.
- The application demonstrates the highest standards of heritage conservation.
- The scope of work is clear, logical and demonstrates the maximum retention of the historic fabric.
- The application demonstrates full value from the investment i.e. public heritage benefits such as retention and continued use of an entire structure (not just its facades); restoration of significant features; commitment to future conservation; assurance of public access.
- The application will contribute to the broadening of the public’s understanding of heritage conservation.
- The integrity of the subject property may be threatened if the proposed conservation work is not undertaken.
February 2018 – Successful applicants will be intimated about the final grant awards
