Broken Window & Vandalism Pilot

The following general conditions must be met for a project to be eligible:

• The project must involve one or both of the following:
  • repairs to the ground-level façade of a commercial building due to vandalism; and/or
  • proactive preventative measures to reduce potential vandalism to the ground-level façade of a commercial building. 
• Project work on the second floor or higher is ineligible.
• Project work already paid by insurance is ineligible.
• Insurance deductibles are ineligible.
• The Preventative Grant may be combined with the Reparative Grant.
• Grant funding cannot exceed $5,500 per building.
• The site must be located within the Riversdale Business Improvement District.
• Projects supported under this Pilot may be eligible for other City incentive programs (e.g., Heritage Conservation).
• Projects supported under this Pilot may not apply to the Façade Conservation & Enhancement Grant for the same project.
• Properties in tax arrears or under an Order to Remedy are not eligible.
• The applicant must identify whether they are the property owner, tenant, or property manager. Tenants and property managers must provide written consent from the property owner.
• Projects must comply with this Framework.
• Applications may be reviewed using CPTED principles to determine whether the proposed work contributes to crime prevention and public-realm enhancement.
• Projects that negatively impact the public realm may be deemed ineligible.

Costs related to the project include, but are not limited to, materials, contractor labour, and equipment rental. Administrative costs, legal fees, and own labour (work that is performed by the applicant and/or property owners) are not to be included in total project costs.

Reparative Grant 

Project work due to vandalism that requires commercial façade repairs including, but not limited to:

• Window(s) and door(s)
• Lock(s)
• Graffiti removal

Preventative Grant

Project work that prevents potential vandalism to a commercial façade including, but not limited to: 

• Shatterproof glass
• Anti-graffiti film, paints and/or coatings
• Building numbers in the back lane

Note: Window security bars and window security roller shutters are ineligible.

• Neighbourhood Planning, Urban Design Program will receive and review all applications for incentives under the Pilot.
• Only complete applications will be considered for this Pilot.
• Applications are accepted and awarded funding on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the year until all annual funding has been allocated. Funding is not guaranteed.
• Applicants may apply retroactively for work completed in the Pilot year (2026) only.
• The grants cover the actual total project costs for the approved, funded elements of a project.
• The cash grant is payable upon completion of the project, and closure of all relevant building permits. Applicants must notify the City and submit receipts for the approved work to receive the grant. It must be demonstrated that the intended work was completed with appropriate preparation and materials, creating an outcome that contributes positively to the streetscape.

• All applications under this Pilot will be reviewed and approved by the Neighbourhood Planning Manager, Urban Design Program.
• The cash grant will be issued upon completion of the approved project and will be based on verified actual costs.
• Applicants will receive written notification of the approval decision, including the project start date and the deadline for completion.