Commercial Improvement Grant

The purpose of the Commercial Improvement Grant is to support investment in the interior renovation of commercial units in older buildings within mature neighbourhoods. Improvements, whether for occupied, vacant, or under-utilized spaces, are expected to enhance the accessibility, visual appeal, energy efficiency, and functionality of publicly accessible or shared interior areas.
The intent is to help retain existing tenants, reduce commercial vacancy, and attract new investment to mature areas.

Funding

This Grant will cover up to 50% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $10,000 towards an interior renovation or improvement.

Eligibility

The Applicant must meet the following minimum requirements to be eligible to apply for the Commercial Improvement Grant:

  • The building or unit must be an Eligible Property;
  • The Applicant must be the property owner, or tenant with property owner approval;
  • If the Applicant is a tenant, there must be a minimum 3-year lease remaining from the Application Date;
  • Individual Units within a Multi-Unit Building will be treated as individual Applicants;
  • Government buildings/property, residential property without a ground-floor commercial use, churches, and other religious institutions will not be eligible;
  • Only areas that serve a commercial or business purpose are eligible. Renovations and expenses for areas with a residential purpose are not eligible;
  • The project must enhance the aesthetics or functionality of common-use interior areas, such as entryways, lobbies, waiting rooms, workspaces, or restrooms. Additionally, the project should result in an improvement to the building’s overall aesthetics and functionality.
Eligible and Ineligible Costs
Eligible CostsIneligible Costs
Architectural or engineering fees Structural/foundation/roof repairs
Interior renovations and finishes Residential area renovations or upgrades
Building systems & energy upgrades Security bars and systems 
Modification of demising walls Furniture, chattels, non-permanent fixtures 
Accessibility improvements Legal, permitting, or commission fees
Code-compliant safety features Shipping and delivery charges
  Costs incurred before the Application Date 
  Routine maintenance 
  Insurance and warranties

Application

To apply for the Commercial Improvement Grant, please complete the following:

  1. Commercial Improvement Grant Application
  2. Expense Planning Sheet (Excel download)
  3. Commercial Property Owner’s Authorization Form (if applicable)
  4. Please email any additional documentation to ecdev@fortsask.ca

Final Report

Once the proposed project has been completed, please download and complete the following:

  1. Final Expense Tracking Sheet (Excel download)
  2. Project Reflection
  3. Please email before and after photos as well as any final receipts to ecdev@fortsask.ca