Awning Grant

Awnings not only provide shelter from environmental elements but can also add an extra visual appeal to the building and improve aesthetics. The Awning Grant provides funding for business and property owners to install an awning on the exterior of downtown commercial buildings.
Graphic of two women sitting outside of a bistro under an umbrella with an awning attached to the building

Applications open in February 2026. Do you have what you need to submit a complete application?

Do you have what you need to submit a complete application?
*Note: all necessary quotes, project plans, and designs must be provided before an application can be approved.

  • Confirm your business / property is with an eligible CIPA (see below)
  • Confirm your planned project meets the eligible project components (see below)
  • Review the applicable community branding guidelines to ensure your project meets the guides (see below)
  • Obtain all necessary municipal and / or County permits
  • Obtain quotes from contractors for materials and / or labour
  • Obtain designs / renderings / inspirations of the project for a visual scope
  • Ensure project work can be completed by October 31 of the calendar year

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the grant:

  • The applicant must be the tenant or the property owner (tenants must provide a letter of support from the property owner).
  • The building must be commercial or mixed-use and be located within a priority downtown Community Improvement Project Areas (CIPA) in Bruce County.
  • The project must comply with municipal bylaws and have received appropriate permits and permissions.
  • Project work must not have started (including purchasing any materials) until the application has been approved.
  • Properties previously awarded grants are ineligible for funding under the same grant category unless the grant was provided more than five years ago, either the tenant or property owner changed or the application is for different physical elements of the building/property.

Max Funding: 

  • 50% of total project cost (excluding taxes) up to $1,000.

Eligible Projects

Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to:

  • Awning above windows, doors, and /or takeout windows.

Ineligible Projects

Ineligible projects may include, but are not limited to:

  • Roof overhangs

Eligible Communities / Hamlets and Accompanying Branding

Project elements should properly reflect those included in the applicable branding document. Below are the communities eligible for this grant, permitting the property is within that community's priority downtown Community Improvement Project Areas (CIPA).

Application Intake Process

  •  

    Applications Open: Client Applies

    Applications open early February each year. The client applies for the applicable grant categories. Applications remain open until funding is exhausted.

  •  

    Applications Reviewed for Eligibility and Completion

    Only eligible projects and complete* applications proceed through the review process. Funding is not held, approved, or guaranteed. 
    *application includes all quotes (for all project materials, labour, and work), project plans, and designs.

  •  

    Applications Approved through Letter of Offer

    Funding is approved on a first-come-first-served basis for completed applications. If approved, a letter of offer (outlining grant funding and project elements approved, conditions, etc.) is sent to the client for signing.

  •  

    Client Begins Project

    Client signs the Letter of Offer and begins the project work (grant funding is not retroactive and does not cover costs associated with work completed before approval).

  •  

    Client Completes Project by October 31

    Client submits an online project completion form. Project elements and spend must comply with the details in the Letter of Offer. Only complete* forms will be reviewed and processed for payment. 
    *form includes all relevant invoices and/or receipts (for project materials, labour, and work) and after photo(s).

  •  

    Client Receives Grant Funding

    After confirmation of spend and project work, the client is sent applicable grant funding via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or cheque.

  •  

    Grant Program Closes

    All projects are to be completed by the deadline of October 31, unless otherwise noted in the letter of offer.

Contact us

Spruce the Bruce

info@sprucethebruce.com

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