Residents could soon see a revitalization of heritage properties around town. Oakville Town Council has approved a three-year pilot Heritage Grant Program to assist heritage property owners with the cost of restoring and maintaining their properties.
“Oakville is incredibly livable, and we’re committed to maintaining its historical character,” Mayor Rob Burton said. “This grant supports the efforts of those property owners who have made the commitment to enhance Oakville’s beautiful historic buildings.”
The Heritage Grant Program is a three-year pilot program with up to $80,000 in total funding available each year. Grants will cover up to 50 per cent of the eligible restoration costs to a maximum of $15,000 for approved projects.The number of grants awarded will be subject to available funds. Funding for the program is made possible in part through developer contributions to the Heritage Fund.
Projects eligible for a heritage grant include restoration of historic windows, doors, and porches; repairs to historic masonry and woodwork; re-painting of heritage features in appropriate period colours; refurbishment of decorative architectural detailing, millwork and trim; and the conservation or repair of any other heritage attribute that increases the cultural heritage value of the property.
Interested applicants should contact Susan Schappert, heritage planner at the Town of Oakville at 905-845-6601, ext. 3870 to confirm the eligibility of their project prior to submitting an application.
Grant applications will be accepted between February 26 and April 11, 2014. Submissions will be reviewed by town staff along with a working group from the Heritage Oakville Advisory Committee. All projects are subject to final approval by Council. Grant notification is expected to be provided to applicants by July 2014.
More information on the Heritage Grant Program and application process can be found at oakville.ca.