The PRAM-Commerce program, launched in the fall of 2015, has a budget of $14.5 million. The program is geared towards business people and commercial real-estate owners who wish to renovate facades and modernize commercial spaces.

Areas of action

1. Renovation

Financial assistance can reach a maximum of: 

• $50,000 for a building with a main facade measuring up to 10 metres.
• $125,000 for a building with a main facade measuring between 10 and 20 metres.
• $250,000 for a building with a main facade measuring 20 metres or more.

The subsidy can cover a third of the cost of eligible work.

2. Design

Financial assistance can reach a maximum of:

• $4,000 per project for a building with a main facade measuring up to 10 metres.
• $10,000 for a building with a main facade measuring between 10 and 20 metres.
• $20,000 for a building with a main facade measuring 20 metres or more.

These sums can cover 50 per cent of professional fees (architecture, interior design, engineering).

Objectives

• Stimulate, revitalize or consolidate commercial streets in the agglomeration of Montréal.
• Provide financial assistance for the renovation of commercial buildings.
• Offer consumers an updated commercial environment and a more attractive built environment.

Areas of implementation and duration of the program

The subsidy program applies solely to commercial streets where business development corporations (SDCs) or merchant associations constituted as a non-profit organization are established. The commercial streets are designated by the city’s executive committee. No commercial streets are currently designated.

In order to receive the subsidy, the applicant must submit an application within the required time period and must be deemed eligible for the subsidy before the work is undertaken.

Eligible work: 

• Transformation of facades (doors, windows, display windows, architectural elements, masonry, exterior walls)
• Construction of building access points or permanent terraces
• Installation and alteration of signs and awnings
• Exterior lighting
• Structural elements, such as the building foundation, framing, sloped roof
• Interior renovation or expansion of the retail space

In order to submit an application under the subsidy program, you must send all the following documents to [email protected]:

1. The completed application form.
2. Proof of ownership or rental agreement (lease), depending on your status (owner or tenant).
3. Detailed estimate of the cost of the work.
4. Building owner’s consent to perform the work if you are a tenant.
5. A document establishing the power of attorney held by any person acting on your behalf (if there is a representative).
6. Photos of the building facade and the commercial space where the work will be carried out. The photos must be taken at the time of the subsidy application and not before.

Once your eligibility is confirmed, you must:

• Get the permits required to complete the renovation project.
• Execute the work within 36 months.

• Application form – PRAM-Commerce program (in French) [PDF 136 KB]
• Building owner’s consent – PRAM-Commerce program (in French) [PDF 43 KB]

In order to apply for payment of the subsidy following the completion of the work, you must send all the following documents to [email protected]:

1. Work completion notice form

2. Summary of expenses form

3. Copies of bills for the work

4. Proofs of payment for the work

5. Copy of work permits and proofs of payment thereof

6. Photos of the building facade and the renovated spaces

The subsidy will be paid by cheque, in one installment.

• Work completion notice form – PRAM-Commerce program (in French) [PDF 96 KB]
• Summary of expenses form (in French) [PDF 149 KB]