Grants and Funding for Properties within Heritage Conservation Districts (HCDs)
On March 23, 2021, Regional Council adopted a program to support the restoration and renovation of buildings located within the boundaries of the Schmidtville (PDF Map) and Old South Suburb (PDF Map) Heritage Conservation Districts, over a period of five years.
Between 2009 and 2017, the Barrington Street Heritage Incentives Program supported the restoration and renovation of buildings located within the Barrington Street Heritage Conservation District boundaries to revitalize the commercial blocks on the street.
Incentives Program for Schmidtville and Old South Suburb HCDs
Conservation Grants
The Incentives Program for Schmidtville and Old South Suburb HCDs provides matching conservation grants of up to $50,000 to complete exterior conservation work on properties located within the boundaries of these two HCDs. Conservation grants are cost shared with property owners at 50% of costs for material and labour.
Functional Improvement Grants
This program also provides functional improvement grants which assist with projects that propose the installation or repair of integral building systems, including work that would bring these systems up to current building code requirements or improve their energy efficiency (including plumbing, heating, electrical, etc.). Functional improvement grants are available to cover 15% of material and labour costs.
All properties located within the boundaries of the Schmidtville HCD or the Old South Suburb HCD are eligible for a conservation grant and a functional improvement grant. However, if a property is not identified as a contributing heritage resource (see above maps), the conservation grant will only apply to maintenance and installation of exterior wood and masonry materials, asbestos abatement, and painting of exterior wooden elements.
For both grants, work cannot have been undertaken prior to the application being made. Properties currently under investigation or prosecution for Land-use, Building or Fire Code, or Heritage Property Act violations, subject to an Order to Comply, or with liens or taxes outstanding are not eligible for this program.
When is the deadline?
The Program will run for five consecutive years starting in 2021 and closing after 2025. Successful applicants have four years to complete their approved work from the date in which their application is approved.
Applications are accepted between January 1 and March 1 of each year. However, in 2021, applications were accepted between April 1 and midnight on May 31.
What do I need to apply for the Heritage Incentives Program?
To apply for this program, submit a completed application form [PDF] along with the following supporting documentation:
• recent photographs of all sides of the building, illustrating the areas of work for which the grant is applied
• two contractors cost estimates for the proposed work
• Building Conservation Plan (optional)
If your building is governed by a condominium By-law, you must also provide a copy of the board of directors’ minutes approving the submission of the application. The Heritage Officer may also require you to submit additional information, depending on the project.
How do I apply?
You may submit the above documents by email or mail to the Heritage Property Program.
By mail:
Paul Boucher, Heritage Property Program
Planning & Development
PO Box 1749
Halifax, NS B3A 3J5
Please note: email applications are preferred due to ongoing COVID-19 protocol. If you cannot email or mail your application, please arrange a time to deliver your application in-person (40 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth).
