Invest in Hamilton

1. Completed Application Form
2. Payment of Application Fee
3. Two (2) dated estimates for each of the works being proposed for funding
4. Written authorization of the Property Owner that the applicant is authorized to make the application must be included with this application (if applicable)
5. Articles of Incorporation Documents (if applicable)
6. Articles of Amendment (if applicable)
7. Shareholders Register (i.e. List of Shareholders and their respective percentage ownership) (if applicable)
8. List of Applicant’s Officers and Directors (if applicable)
9. Anticipated start date for construction as well as anticipated completion date
10. Photos demonstrating state of property prior to construction/renovation taking place. Photos are to be date stamped.

Please note: the above information/documentation form part of a completed application (unless deemed to be non-applicable by the City). The City reserves the right to reject any incomplete application.

As part of the final due diligence carried out on an application prior to grant payment, the applicant will be required to provide the City with copies of final paid invoices which demonstrate that the approved works have been completed and fully paid. The applicant is also required to provide the City with further documentation which shows how this payment was made (e.g., cancelled cheques, e-transfer receipts, etc.).

A detailed Letter of Understanding will be executed and returned to the appropriate agent of the City if a grant is approved and prior to any disbursement of funding under the terms of the grant.

Please refer below for a description of the terms which frequently appear in the Letters of Understanding.

If the grant application is approved, the applicant will receive a Letter of Understanding detailing the terms and conditions of the grant and listing permits etc. that may be required.

Building Permits are required for various types of construction/ renovation to facades i.e. stucco. Building Permits may also be required for awnings or replacing windows and/or doors.*

Sign Permits are required for various types of signs including awnings with lettering.*

*If you are not sure if a Building Permit or Sign Permit is required for your project or what documents are needed in addition to the completed Building Permit application, please contact the Building Services Division at 905-546-2720.

Signs must also be in conformity with the current Sign By-Law. Contact Municipal Law Enforcement at (905) 546-2782 with questions pertaining to the Sign By-Law.

Road Occupancy Permits are often required to temporarily close access to municipal sidewalks or laneways in order to provide safety to the public. Contact the Public Works Department, Traffic Section at (905) 546-2424, Ext. 6381 with questions pertaining to Road Occupancy Permits.

If an improvement to a property is located entirely or partly in, on under or above the City’s property, an Encroachment Agreement may be required. Examples may include building resurfacing, a sign, or an awning. An Encroachment Application form must be submitted to Public Works along with a drawing showing the property line and where the encroachment is. If the application is approved, an Encroachment Agreement must be completed and registered on title by a solicitor. For information on Encroachment Agreements contact the Public Works Department, Operations and Waste Management Division at (905) 546-2424 Ext 4298.

Note: Building Permits, Sign Permits, Road Occupancy Permits, and Encroachment Agreements must be obtained prior to the commencement of work.

Surveillance cameras must comply with the Fortification By-law. They must not be designed or operated to view land beyond the perimeter of the land actually owned, leased or rented. For further details, please refer to By-law 10-122.

Many repairs and renovations to buildings – including stucco, siding, masonry work, framing, replacement of windows, etc.- must be completed by a contractor/contracting business that has their Building Repair Contractor’s Trade Licence and Building Repair Master’s Trade Licence for Hamilton. The Building Repair Contractor’s Trade Licence grants the business legal permission to engage in the business of carrying out repairs or renovations of buildings.

The Building Repair Master’s Trade Licence licences the person who plans and completes or supervises the work. Please note the Building Repair Contractor’s Trade Licence and Masters Licence are specific to Hamilton. Outside contractors will require licences from Hamilton as well. Please contact Municipal Law Enforcement at 905-546-2782 to ensure your contractor has their Building Repair Contractor’s Trade Licence.

Where a project “has been designed by and is under supervision of a Professional Engineer or an Architect licenced to practice in Ontario” a Building Repair Contractor’s Trade Licence is not required. Periodic and Final Field Reviews from the Engineer or Architect must be submitted to the Building Services Department.

In general, cleaning of building exteriors or other structures utilizing chemicals, pressurized air, water, steam or other abrasives must be carried out by persons who have a Building Exterior Cleaners’ Licence.

Most electrical work requires the services of a licenced electrical contractor.

The Letter of Understanding may include recommendations from the Cultural Heritage Planner regarding the proposed work if the property is Heritage Listed or falls within a Heritage Character Zone.

Each application for City Financial Incentives must undergo several due diligence examinations by Staff. Some of those checks have been listed below.

Staff will:

1. Ensure that zoning is in conformity with the Program requirements
2. Check to see if the property is Heritage Listed or Designated
3. Check the status of the property taxes.
4. Check to ensure there are no Property Standards Orders, Building Code Violations, or Fire Orders on the property.
5. Check to see that the estimates submitted have been prepared by contractors that have their Building Repair Contractor’s Trade Licence or that the work has been designed and will be supervised by a Professional Engineer or Architect licenced to practice in Ontario.
6. Check on other items noted on the Certificate of Zoning Verification such as requirements for Municipal Licences.

The Letter of Understanding may indicate outstanding Building Permits that have not been closed or Property Standards Orders or Fire Orders that have not been rectified. Please note that Building Code, Fire Code, or Property Standards Violations must be rectified and property taxes must be paid in full prior to grant monies being advanced for completed work and that no grant funds will be paid out until the condition is met.