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Business Accessibility Adaptability Grant

Communities become more inclusive, safe, and welcoming when the accessibility of commercial buildings is improved, and barriers are removed. The goal is to create inclusive and AODA-friendly environments for all.
Spruce the Bruce Business Accessibility Adaptability Grant

Spruce the Bruce Business Grants

The Business Accessibility Adaptability grant provides funding for business and property owners to upgrade or renovate the exterior or interior of their commercial building to remove or reduce barriers for people with disabilities.

Business Accessibility Adaptability Grant

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the grant:

The applicant must be a tenant or the property owner of the building. A letter of support from the property owner is required if the applicant is the tenant.

The building must be commercial or mixed-use and be located within the Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA) of one of the following municipalities: Arran-Elderslie, Kincardine, Brockton, Northern Bruce Peninsula or South Bruce.

The renovations and upgrades must be compliant with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).

Project work must not have started (including purchasing any materials) until the application has been approved.

Properties previously awarded grants are not eligible for additional funding under the same grant category unless:

  • The grant was provided more than five years ago; or
  • Either the tenant and/or property owner changed since the last grant was provided; or
  • The application is clearly for different physical elements of the building/property (as determined by County Staff)

Max Funding: 

50% of total project cost (excluding taxes) up to $3,000.

Eligible Projects 

Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to: Automatic doors (exterior or interior)

  • Accessible dressing rooms
  • Accessible washrooms
  • Wheelchair ramps
  • Flat entrance (in place of stairs)
  • Other approved by Bruce County permanent renovations or upgrades that improve the accessibility of the exterior or interior of the commercial building

Ineligible Projects 

Ineligible projects include, but are not limited to:

  • Temporary or 'removable' project materials or elements

Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Areas

Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a tool that allows a municipality to direct funds and implement policy initiatives toward a specifically defined project area and are intended to encourage rehabilitation initiatives and/or stimulate development.

Eligible Communities with Community Improvement Project Areas (CIPAs) applicable for this grant include municipal wide plans for Arran-Elderslie (communities of Chesley, Paisley and Tara); Brockton (communities of Cargill, Chepstow, Elmwood, Pinkerton, and Walkerton); Kincardine; Northern Bruce Peninsula (communities of Ferndale, Lion's Head, and Tobermory); and South Bruce (communities of Formosa, Mildmay, and Teeswater).

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