Facade Conservation & Enhancement Grant Program

Projects on buildings without heritage elements which only include maintenance work on your façade will only be eligible for the Building Refresh Incentive. It is important to understand what is considered maintenance work before you finalize your design plans. 

Maintenance work is defined in the policy as: routine, cyclical, non-destructive actions necessary to slow deterioration. It entails periodic inspection; routine, cyclical, non- destructive cleaning, minor repair and re-finishing operations; replacement of damaged or deteriorated materials that are impractical to save.

Please see the Program Guide for more information.

The following general conditions must be met for a project to be eligible:

• Projects involve the conservation, rejuvenation, or improvement of the façade and/or include design features that have a benefit to the public realm of a commercial building.
• Only the “storefront” façade will be eligible for funding. The storefront is on the frontage of a building that is delineated by features to indicate a separate or distinctive frontage and typically contains an entrance;
• Properties that are in tax arrears or under an Order to Remedy with the City of Saskatoon are not eligible; and,
• Projects on buildings without heritage elements which are only maintenance are only eligible for funding under the Building Refresh Incentive. Exceptions to this provision may be granted at the discretion of the General Manager, Community Services Division.

Costs related to the project include, but are not limited to, materials, contractor labour, and equipment rental. Administrative costs, legal fees, and own labour (work that is performed by the applicant and/or property owners) are not to be included in total project costs. 

Please see the Program Guide for detailed information on eligible project costs specific to each incentive.

The City of Saskatoon, Planning and Development Division directly administers the Program.

The Program Coordinator receives Façade Conservation & Enhancement and Heritage Conservation incentive applications, facilitates the process, and presents the project to the Adjudication Committee which consists of City Administration and representatives from the Business Improvement Districts. The Adjudication Committee reviews projects twice a year, once in spring and again in fall. Final grant amounts are determined through a proposal evaluation based on the evaluation matrix. 

Building Refresh Incentive applications are received, reviewed, and adjudicated on administratively throughout the year and awarded on a first come, first serve basis until the funding has been allocated for the year. 

Complete applications must include the following:

• Signed and completed application form.
• Full project description outlining scope of the project and detailed description of materials to be used.
• Scaled drawings/renderings of the proposed project.*
• A line-by-line cost breakdown of project components related to the facade only.
• Current photos of the building façade prior to construction beginning.
• Any historic photos of the building (if available).*
• If tenant is applying, a letter of understanding from the property owner must be provided indicating they are aware of the work being undertaken and the tenant is completing the work and will be the one to receive the incentive.

Completed applications should be submitted prior to commencement of the work. Failure to do so could result in not qualifying for funding.

*May not be necessary for Building Refresh applications. Contact Program Coordinator for more information.

There are five evaluation categories the Adjudication Committee evaluates projects on. Four categories are related to the Facade Conservation & Enhancement Incentive while the last is related to the Heritage Conservation Incentive.

The Facade Conservation & Enhancement Incentive will be awarded to projects that create an attractive environment, relate to neighbourhood context, improve the overall street character, use quality materials, and incorporate good design concepts.  Projects will be evaluated on the following four categories:       

1. Overall Economic Benefit   2. Neighbourhood Character   3. Visual Interest   4. Activity, Safety, and Comfort 

The Heritage Conservation Incentive will be awarded to projects that undertake the conservation of character defining elements of the facade (historic architectural features and details).  All work must be sympathetic to the overall building character and streetscape. To be eligible buildings must be on either the Saskatoon Register of Historic Places, or on the Built Heritage Database. Projects will be evaluated on the following category:

1. How well heritage conservation is achieved.

Please see the Program Guide for detailed information on evaluation criteria.

All applicants should visit the City of Saskatoon Building Standards Department website prior to completing their application to ensure they have a complete understanding of the work required. They can contact Building Standards at   306-975-2645 and   building.standards@saskatoon.ca.

If permits are required, grant payment will not be issued until permits are provided to the Program Coordinator along with receipts for project work.

Reasonable changes to either the design or finish level of your project should be brought to the attention of the Program Coordinator as soon as possible. If the changes are appropriate and remain in line with the overall quality and purpose of your project your grant status may remain valid.

Any changes should be submitted before construction on them begins. If changes are made to the design of the project without contacting the Program Coordinator the grant could be voided.

Please see the Program Guide for detailed information on project changes.