The aims of the Commerce-Montreal Program are to:

• Encourage the renovation of commercial spaces and properties
• Stimulate the city’s economy by focusing on projects that support the social, circular and ecologically responsible economy

Financial assistance

The subsidy covers 40 per cent of eligible work costs up to $50,000 per project. In addition, 75 per cent of costs for professional services related to the work are reimbursable, up to $10,000 per project. 

At a minimum, applicants must invest at least $40,000 (before taxes) per project in order to encourage projects that will have a substantive impact on a district.

A total of $12 million will be available over three years to fund renovation projects on commercial properties and spaces, completed between 2024 and 2029 throughout the 19 boroughs and 15 suburban cities.

All commercial property owners and business owners throughout the agglomeration are eligible.

Exclusions

The subsidy program does not apply to: 

• Government and municipal buildings, and those belonging to school boards or religious institutions
• Buildings or portions of buildings allocated to industrial activities
• Gas stations, service stations, mechanical workshops and car washes
• Companies that are part of a network with more than five branches, subsidiaries or franchises
• Projects that already benefit from financial support from the city

Eligible work

• Exterior elements (walls, facings, doors, windows, shop windows, architectural elements, signs, awnings and lighting)
• Creation of a permanent terrace and access to the building
• Roofing, frame and foundations
• Interior renovation in commercial spaces (walls, floors, ceilings, stairs, painting, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, lighting and client washrooms)

Refer to the program rules for all details.

No subsidy will be granted for work:

• That started prior to the date when the grant application was declared eligible
• Executed without the help of a design professional (for exceptions, see the by-law)
• For which estimated cost and real cost are each below $40,000

A criteria list has been created to select the most promising projects. Selections will be made as a function of the projects getting the most points until the $1 million envelope per eligibility period has been exhausted. There are several eligibily periods a year.

Additional points will be given to:

• Projects leading to the occupation of vacant spaces
• Projects that facilitate universal access
• New food stores in an area where food availability is more than a 15-minute walk away

Applications must be submitted during the eligibility periods. Applications submitted outside these periods will be systematically rejected.

First, find out which documents are required, depending on your situation (tenant or owner).

Other documents may be required, depending your situation or project. See program rules (Sect.8).

If you appoint a representative: You must fill out a document to authorize the person acting in your name (proxy).

To get payment of your subsidy on completion of the work, you must provide the following documents: 

• The End of Construction Notice form (in French)
• Invoices and other documents detailing the real cost of the professional services and the real cost of work 
• Proof of payment, other than cash, of each invoice (e.g. copy of cashed cheque or bank draft, bank or credit card statement.) Receipts, annotated invoices or releases are not accepted 
• A summary document (summary of expenditures) of the work detailing, for each invoice submitted, the name of the supplier, the total amount before taxes, the method of payment and a reference to proof of payment 
• A copy of any permit for eligible work 
• Photographs of any part of the building where eligible work has been completed 
• The declaration form of the Office québécois de la langue française (see document in the previous section) 

Send your documents to: [email protected]. 

The subsidy will be sent to you by cheque in 1 instalment.