The City of Hamilton offers financial incentive programs in the form of loans and grants to assist with various costs associated with development/redevelopment in the Downtowns, Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and commercial corridors. The Downtown and Community Renewal Community Improvement Plan provides the basis through which these programs are provided. In addition, development within a defined area of Downtown Hamilton is exempt from development charges.

A brief description of the financial incentive programs administered by the Downtown and Community Renewal Division is provided in a one page summary sheet. More detailed descriptions and applications forms specific to each program can be accessed below:

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• Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program for façade improvements within active Business Improvement Areas (BIAs).
• Hamilton Downtown Property Improvement Grant Program (formerly the Enterprise Zone Grant Program), for the development or rehabilitation of residential and/or commercial land and buildings within the Downtown Hamilton Community Improvement Project Area.
• Hamilton Downtown Multi-Residential Property Investment Program, for predominantly residential development together with uses accessory to the residential development.
• Commercial Corridor Housing Loan and Grant Program (formerly the Main Street Housing Loan and Grant Program), to stimulate residential development within Downtown Hamilton, Hamilton's Community Downtowns, BIAs and "main street" corridors.
• Hamilton Downtown Office Tenancy Assistance Program, for leasehold improvements to office buildings located within the Downtown Hamilton Community Improvement Project Area.
• Hamilton Heritage Property Grant Program, for structural/stability work required to conserve and restore heritage features of properties; and the conservation and restoration of heritage features of properties that are designated under Parts IV or V of the Ontario Heritage Act. Eligible properties must be located within the Downtown Hamilton Community Improvement Project Area or an active Business Improvement Area.

Contact Information:
Hazel Milsome
Co-ordinator of Downtown Municipal Incentives
Downtown and Community Renewal Division
Planning and Economic Development Department
City of Hamilton
71 Main Street West, 7th Floor
Hamilton, Ontario L8P 4Y5 Canada
Phone: 905-546-2424 x2755
Fax: 905-546-2693
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