MUNICIPALITY OF MEAFORD Façade Improvement Grant Program

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1 PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE APPLICATION FORM PRIOR TO COMPLETING GENERAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES The attached application is to be used by persons or public bodies as an application for a Façade Improvement Grant Program for the Municipality of Meaford. The application and any attached supporting documentation contains information collected and maintained specifically for the purpose of creating a record available to the general public and is open to inspection by any person during normal office hours. Personal information on this application is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, as amended, and will be used in the processing of the application. Questions regarding this collection should be directed to: Clerk, Municipality of Meaford, 21 Trowbridge Street West, Meaford Ontario N4L 1A1. FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM What is it? The Façade Improvement Grant program is an initiative for the Municipality of Meaford s Downtown Community Improvement Area. The program seeks to stimulate private sector investment for the revitalization of existing commercial and mixed-use buildings in the Meaford Downtown Community Improvement Plan (CIP) area. The allows the Municipality of Meaford will provide a one-time grant up to 50% of the works to a maximum of $7,500 to assist with exterior appearance and/or structural quality improvements. The funding provided by this Grant Program is intended to apply to construction costs to improve (and/or) restore the visual appearance and the integrity of the building fabric or exterior façade(s). Funding may cover signage and landscaping costs at the discretion of the Municipality. The main focus of the Grant Program is on improvements to the building streetscape but also encourages structural and weather/water proofing repairs that may be required to maintain overall building integrity. Restoration of original building features including windows is strongly encouraged. Who can apply? Grant Program Commercial building/property owners (or their agents) Commercial tenants must have a minimum 5 year lease agreement and owners approval What buildings qualify? Buildings must be located in the Downtown Community Improvement Plan (CIP) area see attached map for boundaries Page 1 of Façade Grant Program Deadline: May 31 st, 2015

2 Buildings must not have applied for a Façade Grant within the past 5 years The priority target areas are located along major streets within these areas Existing commercial and mixed- use buildings Please note: this program does not apply to buildings that are strictly zoned Residential What improvements are eligible for funding? The grant can only be used on eligible exterior work consistent with the Heritage Design Guidelines contained within the CIP and the Heritage Conservation District Plan. Restoration of original building features including windows is strongly encouraged. Examples of eligible improvements include, but are not necessarily limited to: Repainting or cleaning of the façade and those parts of the building visible from the adjacent streets or public areas; Restoration of façade masonry, brickwork or wood and metal cladding; Replacement or repair of cornices, eaves, parapets and other architectural features; Replacement or repair of windows; Entranceway modifications including provisions to improve accessibility for the physically challenged; Redesign of the store front; Removal of inappropriate signage and installation of appropriate new signage; Restoration of original façade appearance; Replacement or repair of canopies and awnings; Installation or repair of exterior lighting; and Such other similar improvements to the building exterior as may be approved by the Director of Planning and Building What improvements are ineligible for funding? Roof repairs/ replacement Insulation Manufacture of commemorative plaques Renovation or restoration of building interiors Security systems Interior window coverings What are the general design criteria? General principles that should be followed when preparing plans for building improvements include: Page 2 of Façade Grant Program Deadline: May 31 st, 2015

3 Sensitivity to existing streetscape with respect to proportions, materials, colour, signage and architectural detail; Meet the Design Guidelines of the CIP and Heritage Conservation District Restoration to the original façade (ie. Glazing, storefronts, doorways); Restoration or replacement of windows to original style; Use of original materials and historic colours where feasible; Use of metal cladding, vinyl and aluminum siding and other similar materials is discouraged; Cleaning, repainting of painted surfaces and replacement of original brick as required; Preservation, restoration of architectural details; and, Well-designed signage in proportion to building, sensitive to the appearance of the entire streetscape. What requirements must be met? To avoid any delays, discuss your proposed improvements in their preliminary stages of development with the Director of Planning & Building, the Municipality s Building Department and your design professional or contractor. Consideration will also need to be given as to whether you will require a Heritage Permit. This will be considered by the Director of Planning and Building at the time of application. You may require a building permit to undertake your proposed improvements. If a building permit is required for the work, the project will be deemed complete upon final inspection by the Chief Building Official or designate. If required, please ensure that a Road Occupancy Permit is obtained before construction has commenced. If any sidewalk closures are necessary, it will be dealt with through the Transportation Services department. Contact: Building Department Transportation Services Ext Ext What is the completion time limit? Once the application is approved by Council, work can commence immediately and must be completed within calendar year to receive the funding. The Director of Planning & Building may grant discretionary extensions when justified. When will the Grant funds be advanced? The approved grant cheque amount for construction costs will be issued to the applicant when construction is completed, contractors have been paid and invoices submitted to the Municipality. A partial advance at substantial completion may be considered, but will be provided at the sole discretion of the Director of Planning & Building. Page 3 of Façade Grant Program Deadline: May 31 st, 2015

4 Please note that The does not reward poor stewardship. As a result, the Municipality of Meaford reserves the right to withhold payment of a grant to work/projects that are substandard or completed poorly; inconsistent with the Façade Improvement Grant Application; or that requires a building permit and inspections have not been conducted. What is the application process? Consult with Municipal Planning Staff regarding the proposed project to ensure eligibility. Fill out the attached application form. Attach a photograph of the existing façade. If the application is for a corner building, please provide pictures of both facades/sides (two photographs). Attach drawings/sketches of proposed improvements. Drawings/sketches must indicate what areas of the façade are to be cleaned, repaired, painted, rebuilt, resurfaced, replaced etc., or what new features will be installed. Attach required appropriate approvals (see section, what requirements must be met ). Provide a quote from qualified contractor for the work. Return application form with accompanying photographs, drawings/sketches, approvals and contractor quotes to the Planning & Building Department. Please note: 1. The Municipality reviews each application and determines funding appropriate to individual projects based on relevant costs; 2. This is not a maintenance and repair program, such requests will not be approved; 3. If the number of qualifying applications exceed the available funding in a year, the Municipality may provide a lesser grant over all applications or defer an application to the following year based on consultation with the applicant; 4. If a lesser amount is provided, it is noted that the amount is based on all of the work that was part of the approval being completed; 5. If the application is approved, the building owner/agent will receive a letter of approval that will outline the basic terms and conditions of approval; 6. If you undertake work prior to your application being granted and receiving your approval letter, you risk your project being disqualified. 7. You must not be in default of any municipal taxes, local improvements or any other money payable to the Municipality (fees or penalties). Failure to meet this requirement will result in disqualification from the program. Page 4 of Façade Grant Program Deadline: May 31 st, 2015

5 What resources are available? MUNICIPALITY OF MEAFORD The proposed improvements shall have regard to the following reports: Urban Design Guidelines Heritage Guidelines Reports are available at: Municipal Office Meaford Public Library Website If you have any questions regarding the program, please contact: Rob Armstrong Director, Planning & Building Services Municipality of Meaford ext 1121 Submission of Application 1. Please complete one (1) copy of the application form in full and submit to the Director of Planning & Building with the following: Attached photograph(s) of existing façade, drawings(s) of proposed improvements and appropriate approvals from other departments (as required); and Provide a quote from a qualified contractor for the work. 2. Applications will not be processed where application forms are incomplete. Please note there is no fee for submitting an application. 3. The Municipality of Meaford reserves the right to withdraw funds for projects subject to any terms and conditions that are violated in the application approval contract. In particular, projects initiated before receipt of an Approved Letter will be disqualified. 4. If an agent is acting for the property owner, please ensure that the required authorization is completed and executed by the owner. The complete application is to be submitted by May 31 st, 2015 to: Robert Armstrong, Director of Planning & Building Services Municipality of Meaford 21 Trowbridge Street West Meaford, ON N4L 1A1 Page 5 of Façade Grant Program Deadline: May 31 st, 2015

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7 Df APPLICATION FOR FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT Date Received: Date Approved: Approved by (initials): SHADED AREAS FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Grant Amount Approved: Notes: PART 1 APPLICANT INFORMATION 1. Owner/ Applicant / Agent / Architect: Please list the Contact information for each of the following (if applicable) : Name Mailing Address & Postal Code Contact Information Applicant:* Owner:** Agent or Solicitor:* Architect/Contractor Telephone: Fax: Telephone: Fax: Telephone: Fax: Telephone: Fax: * An Owner s authorization is required if the applicant is not the owner. If the applicant is a prospective purchaser, also attach a copy of the Offer to Purchase. ** If there is more than one owner, attach a list of each owner. If the owner is a company, provide the name and address of company owner(s). 2. Primary Contact: Correspondence relating to this application should be sent to (select one only): Owner Applicant Agent / Solicitor Architect / Contractor Page 7 of Façade Grant Program Deadline: May 31 st, 2015

8 PART II PROPERTY INFORMATION 3. Property Information: 3.1 Location and Description of Subject Land(s): Municipal Address (Street # and Street Name) Assessment Roll # Registered Plan(s) Lot(s)/Block(s) # Reference Plan(s) Part(s) # Lot(s) Concession(s) Approximate Area (hectares) Heritage Designation (ex. Designated heritage, designated in a heritage conservation district, significant or non heritage): 3.2 Please provide a brief description of the property improvements being applied for (you will be required to provide a drawing/sketch of these improvements in Section 7 of this application): Page 8 of Façade Grant Program Deadline: May 31 st, 2015

9 4. Design Professional Information (if applicable): Name Mailing Address & Postal Code Contact Information Design Professional: Firm Name: Telephone: Fax: Telephone: Fax: 5. Construction Schedule: Approximate date of construction commencement: Approximate date of construction completion: 6. Current Photograph(s) of the Façade Please attach the photograph(s) in the space provided below. If you are providing more than two pictures, please attach to a separate page or the back. Page 9 of Façade Grant Program Deadline: May 31 st, 2015

10 7. Drawings/Sketches of the Proposed Improvements to the Existing Façade Please draw/sketch the proposed improvements to the façade in the space provided below or attach it to the application. Page 10 of Façade Grant Program Deadline: May 31 st, 2015

11 8. Applicant s Acknowledgement: The applicant hereby acknowledges: MUNICIPALITY OF MEAFORD That this application and the attached supporting documentation, information and materials, if any, contains information collected and maintained specifically for the purpose of creating a record available to the general public and is open to inspection by any person during normal office hours pursuant to the provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act; That conceptual development plans and/or drawings submitted with this application are not reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code (O.B.C.) and/or related regulations; That submission of this application constitutes tacit consent for authorized Municipal Staff representative(s) to inspect the subject lands or premises, and to carry out any inspections, tests and investigations as may be required; That additional fees and/or charges (ex. Building permit fees, parkland dedication fees, development charges) associated with any development approved in conjunction with this application may be required; and That any additional information and/or materials may be required, and therefore, the application may not be deemed complete, nor processed unless the additional information and/or materials are submitted. Questions about the collection and inspection of this information should be directed to: Clerk, Municipality of Meaford, 21 Trowbridge Street West, Meaford Ontario N4L 1A1. 9. Owner s Authorization: If the applicant is not the owner of the land that is the subject of this application, then written authorization by the owner, authorizing the applicant to prepare and submit the application must be attached, or the owner must complete the authorization set out below. Is written authorization attached? Yes No If NO, then the following Owner s Authorization for the Agent to prepare and submit the Application must be completed: I,, am the owner of the land that is the subject of this please print application and I authorize please print to prepare and submit this application on my behalf. Signature of Owner Date Page 11 of Façade Grant Program Deadline: May 31 st, 2015

12 10. Declaration: I,, of the please print (ex. Municipality of Meaford ) in the (ex. County of Grey), make oath and say (or solemnly declare) that the information contained in this application is true and that the information contained in the documents that accompany this application in respect of the Sections above is true. Sworn (or declared) before me at the (ex. County of Grey) in the year. (ex. Municipality of Meaford ), in the, this day of, in the Applicant Commissioner of Oaths Checklist Is the application form complete? Have you attached current photographs of the façade? Have you provided a drawing/sketch of your proposed improvements? Have you obtained the appropriate approvals from other departments? Have you provided at least two quotes from contractors for the work? Do you have the property owner s authorization (if applicable)? Have you signed the declaration? Has a Heritage Permit been submitted, if required? Applications will not be processed where application forms are incomplete Page 12 of Façade Grant Program Deadline: May 31 st, 2015