A property located in a sector of exceptional historical, architectural or landscape value should be enhanced, since it contributes to the heritage attraction of the district. To preserve the character of the building, work will need to be done according to best practices, which may require the hiring of experts, the use of high-quality materials, etc.

• Only buildings vacant for more than four years and located within the Montréal heritage site (Vieux Montréal) or the Mount Royal heritage site are eligible for renovation subsidies
• Owners of heritage buildings throughout the Montréal agglomeration can apply for subsidies for restoration work if they meet the eligibility criteria
• To be eligible, an old cinema or theatre must be in a building constructed before 1975, originally built and still in use as a cinema or theatre, and must present historical or architectural interest
• Work may not be completed or started prior to receipt of the subsidy
• Costs necessary for completion of the work such as professional fees, fees for permits and application processing are also eligible (maximum 15% of the eligible work)
• The total cost of restoration work and inherent fees must be at least $5,000
• All work must be done by a contractor holding a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec.
   

For buildings designated in the urban plan or located in an area designated in the urban plan, work eligible for a subsidy must relate to at least one of the following elements:*

• The roofing for a pitched, mansard or false-mansard roof (excluding asphalt shingles), including its decorative elements such as a dormer window, woodwork, pinnacle or weathervane
• A cornice visible from the public domain
• A masonry ridge visible from the public domain composed of decorative elements such as finely worked flashing, brickwork or stonework
• A projection visible from the public domain, including a balcony, entrance steps, gallery, staircase, railing and other decorative elements such as woodwork and ironwork

*Work related to a window is excluded from work eligible for the granting of a subsidy in this component of the program.

Restoration

Restoration work ensures the preservation and enhancement of the property, it may include, depending on the type of property:

• The restoration or conservation of the original exterior appearance:
  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Cornices
  • Mansard
  • Cladding, etc.
• The restoration or conservation of an original interior element when protected under the Cultural Heritage Act
• The reconstitution of lost heritage elements
• The installation of a fire alarm or sprinkler system

Renovation

Renovation work serves to consolidate the durability of the building, e.g.:

• Work necessary for the building to comply with the Code and by-laws applicable to housing improvement
• Work to convert a building to residential use
• Work to repair or to transform a building for other than residential use

• Analysis fees: $445,60 (taxes included), payable in the form of a cheque made out to the Ville de Montréal submitted with your application. Additional fees may apply for a vacant building on a heritage site.
• No fee for an application related to a building designated in the urban plan or located in an area designated by the urban plan (not subject to the Cultural Heritage Act)

• The duly filled out application form
• A document establishing that the applicant is the latest owner according to the registration form for this building in the land register
• A resolution, if applicable, identifying the authorized signatory(ies) acting in the name of the property owner
• A document demonstrating the mandate of any person acting in the name of the property owner,
• The projected schedule for completion of the work
• Two (2) submissions issued by contractors holding a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec, accompanied by a copy of the licence
• Indication of the submission(s) you plan to accept
• Details about the costs of work and related professional fees, including the cost for permits
• Proof of the capacity of the owner to obtain the financing needed to cover the total cost of work (letter from a financial institution or a bank statement)
• A copy of the applications for permits and authorizations needed to execute the work
• Authorization to allow the city and the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications to carry out archaeological work prior to excavation, if they become necessary
• A copy of plans and specifications related to the work
• A photo of the building exterior showing the work zone(s) if required
• Any other document needed to review the application

For a building subject to the Cultural Heritage Act

• Check whether the property has heritage status under the Cultural Heritage Act via the  Répertoire du patrimoine culturel du Québec website (in French), or with your borough or city
• Submit a permit request at the permit office of the borough or the suburban city
• Then, send the documents for the subsidy request to the Division du patrimoine by email at: [email protected].

For an old cinema or theatre of architectural interest

• Submit a permit request at the permit office of the borough or the suburban city
• Then, send the documents for the subsidy request to the Division du patrimoine by email at: [email protected].

For a building that does not have a status under the Cultural Heritage Act

• Check with the borough or suburban city to see if the building:
  • Was constructed before 1975 and is of architectural or historical value
  • Is designated in the urban plan or located in an area designated by the urban plan
  • Is subject to regulatory measures for its conservation
• Send the documents for the subsidy request and a permit application to the permit office of the borough or suburban city.

Find a permit counter

• PDF file Subsidy application form 2024 [PDF 1 MB]