Purpose
The Downtown Heritage Facade Improvement Program assists property owners in the downtown core area of Pembroke by providing grants to improve the facades of buildings which incorporate a heritage element.

Area of Application
All properties zoned “Central Commercial - C3" by By-law No. 97-38, as amended, within project area. Project area is defined as being bounded by Christie Street on the west, Mackay Street on the east, Renfrew Street on the south, and Ottawa River on the north.

General Provisions
This municipal assistance program provides grants to property owners who improve the historical facades of buildings on lands zoned “Central Commercial - C3". The maximum grant amount is 50% of the cost to improve the historical content of a building’s facade to a maximum of $5,000.00.

The eligible improvements must contain a heritage component to be considered for a grant. The list of eligible improvements include:

• Facade restoration of brickwork, wood, masonry and metal cladding.
• Replacement or repair of entablature, eaves, parapets and other architectural details.
• Window and door repair or replacement.
• Signage in accordance with the City of Pembroke by-law respecting signs and the Ontario Building Code and Regulations.
• Painting or cleaning of the facade exterior.
• Exterior lighting.
• Repair, replacement or addition of awnings, marquees or canopies.
• Replacement of facade elements originally in place during initial construction of the building.
• Entranceway modifications.
• Redesigned shop fronts.
• Such other improvements to the building exterior as may be approved by the City’s Chief Building Official or designate.
• Professional fees.

Administration
The Planning Department, in consultation with the Finance Department, is responsible for the administration of the Downtown Heritage Facade Improvement Program. Prior to the receipt of a completed application form a pre-consultation meeting with the Heritage Facade Improvement Panel shall be held with the applicant. The Panel shall explain in depth the requirements of the program. Confirmation will be required from the Building Department and Fire Department that no outstanding work orders apply to the property, the Planning Department will confirm eligibility for funding and in consultation with the Heritage Facade Improvement Panel make a recommendation to the Planning & Waterfront Committee with final approval by Council. If an appeal is lodged regarding a recommendation of the Heritage Facade Improvement Panel, the appeal shall be reviewed and decided upon by the Finance and Administration Committee.

The City in its sole discretion, may change or discontinue this program at any time.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Any property owner desiring to be considered for a grant under this program must make an application to the Planning Department. Only one application is permitted per business/municipal address. Therefore if a business has facades on two streets, only one façade is eligible.
2. The application must incorporate heritage elements to the facade and shall not be for general maintenance only.
3. To qualify, property owners must satisfy the following conditions:
   (a) The subject property must be zoned “Central Commercial - C3”.
   (b) Outstanding work orders from the City’s Fire Department or Building Department must be fully satisfied prior to grant approval.
   (c) The subject property shall not be in a position of tax arrears.
   (d) If a property for facade improvement is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, the improvement shall not compromise the reasons for designation.
   (e) Grants will be approved at the sole discretion of the City. One grant (whether or not the applicant has obtained the maximum allowable grant of $5,000.00) shall be permitted per municipal address/business once every 10 years. If the business moves to a new address the applicant is eligible to apply for a Façade Improvement Grant.
   (f) All applicable permits shall be applied for and approved prior to construction.
4. The application must be approved prior to commencing any work related to the grant.

Please download the attached pdf to fill out the application form.