There are several grant foundations in place that fund construction in Ontario.
Canadian construction workers with a jack hammer and nowhere to use it are in luck, as there are several grant foundations that will allow them to break ground on projects across Ontario. Grant money can be used to alter existing homes or construct new buildings that incorporate some of the latest green technology. Certain programs are also available that reward smart design in already constructed buildings.
Better Buildings Partnership
The Better Buildings Partnership is designed to promote the building of structures in Ontario that do more than satisfy minimum requirements in the Ontario Building Code. Although this program does not directly fund construction, it does reward builders who strive to cut down on energy costs in the design phase and after construction is complete. During the design phase, accepted projects will be evaluated and changes will be proposed that make these buildings more efficient. According to the Better Buildings Partnership, the benefits include lower utility bills, reduced emissions and increased value. Once construction of a building is complete and the building passes the standards set forth by the Partnership, the builder receives payment based on how much energy per year that the building saves. In this way, the Better Buildings Partnership provides a gift that keeps on giving to energy-conscious builders.
City of Toronto
Energy Efficiency Office
Metro Hall, 2nd Floor
55 John Street
Toronto, ON M5V 3C6
416-392-1456
toronto.ca
Building Canada Fund
The Building Canada Fund (BCF) is a major infrastructure program that funds a variety of different construction projects throughout Canada, such as national highway systems, wastewater projects, public transit and green energy projects. According to Infrastructure Canada, Ontario will receive over $3 billion from the fund to benefit major infrastructure projects and communities in Ontario. Any number of individuals and organizations can apply for this grant money, from whole provinces and local governments to non-profit and for-profit private businesses. If the construction project proposed is deemed a priority to receive money from the BCF, a federal review of the proposal is completed before money is given out.
Infrastructure Canada Communications
180 Kent Street
Suite 110
Ottawa, ON K1P 0B6
613-948-1148
buildingcanada-chantierscanada.gc.ca
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation offers financial assistance for existing homes while also providing construction grants for new housing. The financial assistance that the Mortgage and Housing Corporation provides is mainly used to renovate houses so that they meet minimum health and safety requirements. However, assistance for Multi-Unit Projects can be used to fund the construction of low-income rental units and home adaptations. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Government of Canada announced in September 2008 that it would pay $1.9 billion over five years to projects such as these for low-income Canadians.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
700 Montreal Road
Ottawa, ON K1A 0P7
613-748-2000
cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Tags: Housing Corporation, Mortgage Housing, Mortgage Housing Corporation, Better Buildings, Better Buildings Partnership, Buildings Partnership, Canada Mortgage
