Incentives and Programs
Companies located in Oshawa enjoy the benefits of doing business in Ontario, Canada. In addition to having a stable financial system, Canada's overall marginal effective tax rate is the lowest in the G7 and Canada offers the lowest business costs in G7 for research and development intensive sectors (KPMG Competitive Alternatives Study, 2014).
Local Incentives
The City of Oshawa has a rich history of involvement in efforts to improve the community. These community improvement incentives, approved by the Province of Ontario, are just way that Oshawa works with private sector partners to re-invest in our great city.
The following are the available Community Improvement Plans (C.I.P.) within the City of Oshawa:
- Brownfields Renaissance Community Improvement Plan
- Harbour Road Area Community Improvement Plan
- Simcoe Street South Renaissance Community Improvement Plan
- Urban Growth Centre Community Improvement Plan
- Wentworth Street West Community Improvement Plan
In addition to the Community Improvement Plans, through the 2024 Mayor's Budget a one-time fund of $100,000 has been established to support the business community in addressing the remediation of graffiti and vandalism acts to properties. This program will operate independently of the C.I.P.’s and provide businesses with funds for eligible commercial or industrial property graffiti and vandalism repairs, or to implement eligible preventative measures:
C.I.P. Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.'s)
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What are Community Improvement Plans (C.I.P.'s)? |
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Community Improvement Plans (also known as C.I.P.’s) are financial incentive programs that are designed to encourage development and redevelopment in designated areas throughout the City of Oshawa. Property and/or business owners can apply for financial support in improving the visual and functional aspects of their commercial, industrial, and mixed-use residential buildings or parcels of land. |
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How many C.I.P. programs are currently available? |
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The City of Oshawa has five (5) C.I.P. programs currently available, each of which has a unique program boundary and offers different grant opportunities: |
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Who can apply? |
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Property owners, business owners, tenants, or agents acting on behalf of property owners are eligible to apply. Please note that applicants that are not the property owners must be aware of and approve any applications. |
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When can I apply? |
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Application timelines are dependent on the type of C.I.P. and grant program that you are interested to apply for therefore it is recommended that you confirm this detail ahead of any submission through reviewing the C.I.P. and booking a Pre-Application Consultation with a member of the Economic and Business Development Services team.
Some C.I.P. programs have two annual intake deadlines, March 1st and September 1st of every calendar year, such as the Simcoe Street South Renaissance C.I.P., Urban Growth Centre C.I.P., and Wentworth Street West C.I.P. (not including the Increased Assessment Grant within each program – see following statement).
Other programs are open year-round with funding available on a first come, first served basis, such as the Brownfields Renaissance C.I.P., Harbour Road C.I.P., and the Increased Assessment Grant within the Simcoe Street South Renaissance C.I.P., Urban Growth Centre C.I.P., and Wentworth Street West C.I.P.
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How can I apply? |
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Visit any of the five (5) C.I.P. pages above to learn more about the respective programs and access the new digital application forms.
Digital applications are strongly encouraged, but physical copies are available upon request via email ([email protected]) or visiting Service Oshawa (50 Centre St. S.). |
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Is there a fee to apply? |
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No, there is no fee to apply for any of the C.I.P. grant programs. Please note the City is not responsible for any costs associated with preparing an application. |
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Do I need a building permit? |
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The requirements vary depending on the type of C.I.P. and grant program that you are applying for so it is recommended that you confirm this detail ahead of any submission through reviewing the C.I.P. and booking a Pre-Application Consultation with a member of the Economic and Business Development Services team ([email protected] | 905.436.5617). |
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Is a project eligible for funding from more than one funding program? |
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Yes.
For example, a property owner located in the Simcoe Street South Renaissance boundary could apply to complete an eligible accessibility upgrade via the Façade & Accessibility Improvement Grant (up to 50% of construction costs to a maximum of $10,000) and an eligible safety upgrade via the Building, Fire & Electrical Safety Codes Grant (up to 50% of construction costs to a maximum of $10,000). |
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What application requirements are needed? |
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This can vary depending on the type of C.I.P. and grant program; however, most applications require the following:
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When does my project need to be completed? |
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This can vary depending on the type of C.I.P. and grant program, but generally all projects must be completed within one (1) calendar year from the time the grant is approved. |
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When will you receive the funds? |
| Following the confirmation of the completion of approved work and all associated criteria, applications will be screened, reviewed, approved and paid by cheque in 30 business days, provided there is limited follow-up with the applicant during the screening and review process. |
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How can my application be successful? Why should I consider a Pre-Application Consultation? |
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Prior to the submission of any application form, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the respective Community Improvement Plan of interest and consult with Business and Economic Development Services ([email protected] | 905.436.5617). Early consultation can result in the identification of matters that will significantly assist in the processing of the application. |
Downtown Development Charges
No Development Charges shall be imposed with respect to any Development (D.C. By-law Section 3.6): On lands wholly within that part of Oshawa partially known as the Core Area of the Downtown Oshawa Urban Growth Centre and as depicted in Schedule “D” to this By-law:
Respecting an Apartment Dwelling Unit or a Townhouse Dwelling Unit, except back-to-back Townhouses, on lands within that part of the Shoulder Area of the Downtown Oshawa Urban Growth Centre as shown as the shaded portion of the map in Schedule “F” to this By-law:
Industrial Development Charges
No Development Charges shall be imposed with respect to any Development (D.C. By-law Section 3.6): respecting a new Industrial building or structure or the enlargement of an existing Industrial building or structure.
For more information, please visit our City of Oshawa Development Charges page or contact Building Services via [email protected] or 905-436-3311 ext. 2290.
Provincial and Federal Incentives
There are several Provincial Incentives and Federal Incentives available in commercialization, exporting, human resources and research and development.