Apply for funding to develop beautiful areas in a municipality: Beautification and Streetscaping Program

You need to use the funding to beautify, improve or maintain property that the municipality owns or leases. Or the funding needs to be used to pay grants to an organization for beautifying a business district.

Funding amount

The Beautification and Streetscaping Program may fund up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $25,000 (maximum of 2 projects per applicant). The applicant or other sources need to fund the remaining balance of the project.

Eligible costs

Eligible costs include:

• signage
• beautification fixtures like baskets, banners, benches, bike racks, waste receptacles, planters and flowers
• planting shrubs and trees
• lighting
• building façades
• kiosks and other amenities directed at a tourism audience
• beautification and streetscaping plans
• accessibility upgrades and improvements
• contracted labour (non-staff)
• professional services

Ineligible costs include:

• buying land
• buying equipment for project construction
• operating costs
• in-kind contributions
• marketing plans and initiatives
• ongoing maintenance costs and administration

Reporting requirements

If you receive funding from the Beautification and Streetscaping Program, you need to submit a Project Closeout Report and Statement of Expenditures (with proof of payment) within 60 days of completing the project.

Accessing the funding

Once a project is approved, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides an approval letter and terms and conditions that outline the conditions of the funding. The department provides 100% of the funding after you agree to the terms and conditions (and return the signed document).

Returning funding

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing may ask that you return any funding you didn't spend and any funding that was spent on items that weren't part of the project. You also need to return the funding if you cancel the project.

Eligibility

Only municipalities and villages can apply for funding. Community groups can partner with their municipality on a joint application.

The application needs to demonstrate the project’s potential to increase economic development or promote tourism. Total eligible costs need to be at least $20,000 to be considered.

You need to apply for funding by 13 June 2024. Only money spent on costs between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 is eligible for funding.

How to apply

1. Review detailed program criteria in the Beautification and Streetscaping Program Guidelines.
2. Complete the application form.
3. Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
4. Send your completed application and supporting documents by email.
5. Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing reviews your application after the submission deadline (this can take 6 to 8 weeks).

How long it takes

It should take 6 to 8 weeks for the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing to review your funding application and let you know if your funding application is approved. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your application hasn’t been filled in correctly.

Cost

There is no cost to apply for the funding, but you need matching funding (from 1 or more sources) to fund the balance of the project.

Before you start

Make sure you have:

• partnered with your municipality if you’re a community group
• Keyhole Markup Language (KML) file of the project location

Application form

Applications are closed.