Section G: Funding Sources

	City of Toronto BIA Support Programs
	Other Funding Sources
	Section G (PDF 46 Kb)

City of Toronto BIA Support Programs

The City offers support programs to help BIAs create and promote their unique neighbourhood identity. These programs include:

• Capital Streetscape Improvement Funding
• Mural Program
• Commercial Façade Improvement Funding

Capital Streetscape Improvement Funding
(Capital Cost-Share Program)
For more detailed program operating information on the Capital Cost-Share Program, see Section H.

What is the Capital Streetscape Improvement Funding Program?
The Capital Streetscape Improvement Funding Program (or BIA Capital Cost-Sharing Program) provides 50/50 matched capital funding to BIAs to undertake streetscape improvements such as decorative sidewalk treatments, pedestrian lighting, kiosks, banners and murals, BIA theme signage, fountains, street furniture, landscaping and tree planting.

What are the benefits?
Streetscape investments can enhance a BIA's physical environment, creating a more inviting public realm for visitors, shoppers and potential investors while helping to "brand" the business community.
Streetscape investments can also help to leverage additional private investment and property improvements.

How is funding calculated?
Funding is provided on a 50/50 matching capital basis. The program also provides cost-share funding for surveying, inspection costs and the preparation of professional working drawings, where City staff is unable to do so within project deadlines. The maximum annual cost-sharing request from an individual BIA is not to exceed $600,000 gross, although larger projects may be considered at Council. The City is responsible for all purchasing and tendering associated with BIA capital cost-sharing projects.

Who is eligible?
In order for a BIA to be eligible to participate in the BIA Capital Cost-Sharing Program, the BIA must:

• have in place the BIA portion (50%) of the estimated project cost
• have in place a Board of Management approved by the current Council
• agree to assume all project maintenance and operating costs
• have an operating budget, adopted at a general meeting of the BIA and approved by Council, for the year the project is to be implemented
• be in good standing with the City Auditor and the City's Finance Department with respect to the preparation and audit of the BIA annual financial statements

How do I apply?
The BIA Capital Cost-Sharing Program has a two-step submission process:

1. The BIA submits a "capital cost-sharing request project information form." The submission deadline is established by the City and takes into account the City's capital budget approval process. The request must take into consideration the Technical and Transportation Services Divisions' five-year capital program, as well as the capital programs of Parks, Forestry and Recreation, TTC and Toronto Hydro.



2. If the request is approved by Council, the BIA must submit a completed "capital cost-sharing project application form" within the year for which the cost-share request was approved. This form will require greater project detail (such as a project description and cost estimates). For projects requiring civil or electrical engineering approvals, preliminary meetings with City staff will be required (to discuss project timing, design issues etc.) prior to application submission. Since the BIA Capital Cost-Sharing Program is a partnership initiative, all application forms will require "sign-off" from the BIA Office. For projects involving civil or electrical engineering, application "sign-off" will also be required from the Technical and Transportation Services Divisions.

To receive a request form, contact your BIA advisor or the BIA Office at:

Phone: 416-392-1291
E-mail: biaoffice@toronto.ca

Mural Program

What is the Mural Program?
Business associations and community groups that include strong business participation can receive one-time funding for outdoor mural projects that help promote a local theme and facilitate commercial neighbourhood identity. The Mural Program helps local businesses and communities create an attractive and positive identity for their commercial areas.

What are the benefits?
Successful projects can:

• contribute to community and business pride
• promote a unique community theme
• leverage partnerships (business contributions, funding, in-kind services, and volunteer resources are encouraged)
• attract customers to commercial areas
• provide benefits to the community, in terms of economic development, community development, youth and local arts involvement, and others
• involve and encourage business, residents and other community representatives to participate in the project.

How is funding calculated?
One-time funding is available up to $5,000 for murals in commercial or employment districts. Eligible expenses for murals include artist fees, materials, installation, and equipment rental. Maintenance of the murals is the responsibility of the applicant.

Who is eligible?
Business Improvement Areas, business associations and community groups that include strong business participation are eligible. Successful projects have good exposure, are visible from a public road, have the support of local businesses, build community partnerships (financial and in-kind donations), undertake public consultation, and select artists through an open process.

How do I apply?
To find out if you are eligible and to receive an application form contact:

BIA Office
Economic Partnership Advisor
Toronto Economic Development
77 Elizabeth Street, 2nd floor
Toronto, ON  M5G 1P4
Phone: 416-392-1005
Fax: 416-392-1380
E-mail: msaunder@toronto.ca

Applications should describe:

• location
• community benefits
• partnerships
• selection of artists
• participation
• maintenance
• budget
• organization

Commercial Façade Improvement Program

What is the Façade Improvement Program?
The Façade Improvement Program (FIP) provides funding to commercial and private property owners to redesign, renovate or restore commercial or industrial building facades. FIP eligible improvements include, but are not limited to, brick cleaning, restoration, wheelchair accessibility, doors, signage, windows, lighting and masonry.

What are the benefits?
Improving the appearance of your building's façade shows that you care about your property. In addition, your neighborhood streetscape is improved. This provides a more welcoming environment to work, shop and live.

How is funding calculated?
Half of the cost of eligible improvements to commercial or industrial building facades is covered and will be based on the lowest contractor estimate submitted with the application. The minimum funding is $2,500 with a maximum of $10,000 for non-corner properties. A corner property is eligible for maximum funding of $12,500.

Who is eligible?

• You must be the property owner or have the permission of the property owner.
• Your building must be located in an eligible Façade Improvement Program area (*note, this is currently under review).
• You must not owe outstanding taxes to the City.
• You must not start your improvement project before the funding application is approved.
• You must have not received the maximum façade improvement funding for your property in previous years.

How do I apply?
The application process has five stages:

1. Applicant contacts City to determine eligibility:

   Phone 416-392-1820
   Fax: 416-392-1380
   E-mail: gwheeler@toronto.ca

2. Applicant completes application form.
3. City reviews the application. Funding Review Committees are composed of local architects, business owners, historical experts and other community representatives and make recommendations to city Council.
4. City approves or declines the application.
5. City issues funding cheques to successful applicants upon completion of the agreed-upon work.

Other City of Toronto funding programs available.

Other Funding Sources

City of Toronto
Other City of Toronto funding sources (PDF) external to the BIA Office might provide support for your program. Before applying to any of these programs you must confirm your BIA's eligibility.

Ontario and Federal Government
Opportunities for employment support and funding are available through the Ontario Job Creation Partnerships program as well as the federal government's Job Creation Partnerships program.

Other Agencies

The Ontario Trillium Foundation

• Assists charitable and not-for-profit organizations by providing funding for general operating costs, including salaries and overhead, costs related to evaluation and the dissemination of information, provision of technical equipment and internet access, and capital expenditures for renovation and repairs.

Phone: 1-800-263-2887
Ontario Trillium Foundation

Ryerson University: Centre for the Study of Commercial Activity

• Non-profit research unit based at Ryerson University.
• Studies private-sector economic activities that deal directly with consumers. Among these activities are retailing, various services, financial institutions, and the developers who create the physical infrastructure of malls and offices.

Phone: 416-979-5379
Fax: 416-979-5378
Ryerson University: Centre for the Study of Commercial Activity

The Laidlaw Foundation

• Funds a cultural animation and community arts program titled "Take Part: Initiatives in Cultural Democracy."

Phone: 416-964-3614 ext. 305
Fax: 416-975-1428
Laidlaw Foundation

Evergreen

• A national non-profit environmental organization with a mandate to bring nature to our cities through naturalization projects. Evergreen motivates people to create and sustain healthy, natural outdoor spaces and gives them the practical tools to be successful.. Funding is available to BIAs through its Common Grounds Program.

Phone: 416-596-1495
Fax: 416-596-1443
E-mail: info@evergreen.ca
Evergreen

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