Skip to Content
City of Oshawa

Text Resize

Regular Large X-Large

Colour Contrast

Default High

Accessible formats and communication supports are available, please contact [email protected]

View our Accessibility / ASL page

  • Careers
  • Live Chat

Invest Oshawa homepage Invest Oshawa homepage

Invest Oshawa

  • Business News
  • Incentives and Support
    • Business Retention and Expansion Program
    • Community Improvement Plans
    • Heritage Property Tax Reduction
    • Incentives and Support
    • Small Business Support
  • Why Oshawa
    • Economic Data
    • Economic Development Strategy
    • Education and Talent
    • Proximity to Markets
    • Site Selection Assistance
    • Why Oshawa
  • Key Sectors
    • Oshawa Economic Development Strategy
    • Advanced Manufacturing
    • Energy Generation
    • Health and Biosciences
    • Multimodal Transportation and Logistics
    • Information Technologies
Contact Us
X

Downtown Oshawa - Facing West

Community Improvement Plans

HomeIncentives and SupportCommunity Improvement Plans
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

The City of Oshawa has a rich history of involvement in efforts to improve the community. These Community Improvement Incentives, fully approved by the Province of Ontario, are just another way that Oshawa works with private sector partners to re-invest in our great city.

The following are the available Community Improvement Incentives within the City of Oshawa:

  • Brownfields Renaissance Community Improvement Plan
  • Harbour Road Area Community Improvement Plan
  • Simcoe Street South Renaissance Community Improvement Plan
  • Urban Growth Centre Community Improvement Plan
  • Wentworth Street West Community Improvement Plan 

 In addition to the Community Improvement Plans, through the 2024 Mayor's Budget a one-time fund of $100,000 has been established to support the business community in addressing the remediation of graffiti and vandalism acts to properties. This program will operate independently of the C.I.P.’s and provide businesses with funds for eligible commercial or industrial property graffiti and vandalism repairs, or to implement eligible preventative measures:

  • Graffiti and Vandalism Remediation Fund

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.'s)

What are Community Improvement Plans (C.I.P.'s)?

Community Improvement Plans (also known as C.I.P.’s) are financial incentive programs that are designed to encourage development and redevelopment in designated areas throughout the City of Oshawa. Property and/or business owners can apply for financial support in improving the visual and functional aspects of their commercial, industrial, and mixed-use residential buildings or parcels of land. 

How many C.I.P. programs are currently available?

The City of Oshawa has five (5) C.I.P. programs currently available, each of which has a unique program boundary and offers different grant opportunities:

  1. Brownfields Renaissance
  2. Harbour Road Area
  3. Simcoe Street South Renaissance
  4. Urban Growth Centre
  5. Wentworth Street West 

Who can apply?

Property owners, business owners, tenants, or agents acting on behalf of property owners are eligible to apply. Please note that applicants that are not the property owners must be aware of and approve any applications. 

When can I apply?

Application timelines are dependent on the type of C.I.P. and grant program that you are interested to apply for therefore it is recommended that you confirm this detail ahead of any submission through reviewing the C.I.P. and booking a Pre-Application Consultation with a member of the Economic and Business Development Services team.

 

Some C.I.P. programs have two annual intake deadlines, March first and September first of every calendar year, such as the Simcoe Street South Renaissance C.I.P., Urban Growth Centre C.I.P., and Wentworth Street West C.I.P. (not including the Increased Assessment Grant within each program – see following statement).  

 

Other programs are open year-round with funding available on a first come, first served basis, such as the Brownfields Renaissance C.I.P., Harbour Road C.I.P., and the Increased Assessment Grant within the Simcoe Street South Renaissance C.I.P., Urban Growth Centre C.I.P., and Wentworth Street West C.I.P.  

How can I apply?

Visit any of the five (5) C.I.P. pages above to learn more about the respective programs and access the digital application forms.

 

Digital applications are strongly encouraged, but physical copies are available upon request via email ([email protected]) or visiting Service Oshawa (50 Centre St. S.).

Is there a fee to apply?

No, there is no fee to apply for any of the C.I.P. grant programs. Please note the City is not responsible for any costs associated with preparing an application.

Do I need a building permit?

The requirements vary depending on the type of C.I.P. and grant program that you are applying for so it is recommended that you confirm this detail ahead of any submission through reviewing the C.I.P. and booking a Pre-Application Consultation with a member of the Economic and Business Development Services team ([email protected] or 905-436-5617). 

Is a project eligible for funding from more than one funding program?

Yes.

 

For example, a property owner located in the Simcoe Street South Renaissance boundary could apply to complete an eligible accessibility upgrade via the Façade & Accessibility Improvement Grant (up to 50% of construction costs to a maximum of $10,000) and an eligible safety upgrade via the Building, Fire & Electrical Safety Codes Grant (up to 50% of construction costs to a maximum of $10,000). 

What application requirements are needed?

This can vary depending on the type of C.I.P. and grant program; however, most applications require the following:

  • Completed application prior to any specific program deadlines, including property owner approval
  • Property Information Details
  • Project Description Details
  • Project Documents (ex. Two estimates of work, including one from a local Durham based contractor)

When does my project need to be completed?

This can vary depending on the type of C.I.P. and grant program, but generally all projects must be completed within one (1) calendar year from the time the grant is approved. 

When will you receive the funds?

Following the confirmation of the completion of approved work and all associated criteria, applications will be screened, reviewed, approved and paid by cheque in 30 business days, provided there is limited follow-up with the applicant during the screening and review process.

How can my application be successful? Why should I consider a Pre-Application Consultation?

Prior to the submission of any application form, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the respective Community Improvement Plan of interest and consult with Business and Economic Development Services ([email protected] or 905-436-5617). Early consultation can result in the identification of matters that will significantly assist in the processing of the application.

cover of Brownfields CIP
Brownfields Renaissance CIP
cover of Harbour CIP
Harbour Road Area CIP
cover of Simcoe Street South CIP
Simcoe Street South Renaissance CIP
cover of Urban Growth Centre CIP
Urban Growth Centre CIP
cover of Wentworth CIP
Wentworth Street West CIP
Incentives and Support
  • Community Improvement Plans
    • Brownfields Renaissance
    • Graffiti and Vandalism Remediation Fund
    • Harbour Road Area
    • Simcoe Street South
    • Urban Growth Centre
    • Wentworth Street West
  • View Full Incentives and Support Menu
    • Business Retention and Expansion Program
    • Heritage Property Tax Reduction
    • Incentives and Support
    • Small Business Support
      • StopGap Ramp Pilot Project

Contact Us

© 2022 Invest Oshawa

2nd Floor, Rundle Tower, City Hall,
50 Centre St. S.,
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 3Z7

Phone: 905-436-5617
Toll Free: 1-800-667-4292
Fax: 905-436-5623
Email: [email protected]

  • Resources

    • Accessibility
    • Contact Us
    • Freedom of Information
    • Land Acknowledgement
    • Privacy and Terms of Use
    • Sitemap
    • Website Feedback
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn

Browser Compatibility Notification

It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.