Brockton Community Improvement

Looking to improve the look of your business, add a new sign, go green, add accessibility features, or reimagine your vacant or underused space converted into something new?

Are you an agri-business wishing to attract more roadside customers, expand the retail side of your business, or explore value-added agriculture? 

The Municipality offers several financial incentives to help local business owners achieve these goals. The following six programs are available annually, on a first-come, first-served basis, through Brockton's updated Community Improvement Plan: 

• Brockton Facade Improvement Program
• Brockton Signage Improvement Program
• Brockton Accessibility Improvement Program
• Brockton Environmental Stewardship and Energy Efficiency Program
• Brockton Farm Gate Improvement Program
• Brockton Vacant or Underused Property Conversion or Expansion Program

View the programs below to find out if you're eligible. Work started before a grant application is approved may be disqualified. Written estimates are required -- preferably from local contractors. Grant funding is contingent on the project being completed, and invoices paid. Businesses must complete their projects within 12 months of the grant being approved. 

Please note that none of these grants cover regular property maintenance. 

Brockton's full Community Improvement Plan was approved by Council and adopted in August 2022. 

Local businesses may also apply to Bruce County's Spruce the Bruce community development program. Businesses outside Walkerton may be eligible for the county's Industry Stream grants.

Brockton's Facade Improvement Program encourages businesses to restore or beautify the street-facing portion of their downtown properties, helping to preserve our heritage commercial districts. Work may include painting, replacement windows or doors, restoration of heritage features, brickwork, sanding, cladding or repointing, awnings, and other improvements. 

Funding: 50% of approved costs, up to $3,000

View our Facade Improvement Program Guidelines to find out if you may be eligible. 

Apply online through the Brockton Facade Improvement Application form. 

Brockton's Signage Program covers a portion of the costs of public facing signage on commercial properties in settlement areas of Brockton, such as downtown Walkerton, Chepstow, Elmwood, Cargill and Pinkerton. Designs and material used must be of high quality to enhance the character of these areas. Back-lit signs are not eligible for funding. All proposed signage must comply with the Municipality's sign by-law and permitting process.

Funding: 50% of approved costs, up to $1,500

View our Signage Improvement Grant Program Guidelines for more details.

Apply online through the Brockton Signage Program Application form.

Brockton is a community for people of all ages and abilities. Designing for accessibility improves access for seniors, families with young children, delivery drivers, and patrons and staff with disabilities. The Municipality will help fund the costs of improving accessibility for properties within Brockton to remove interior and exterior barriers to the public and comply with provincial accessibility laws and standards. Projects may include ramps, elevators, lifts, automatic door openers, visual fire alarms, upgrades to restrooms, or any other improvements that increase accessibility. 

Funding: 50% of approved costs, up to $2,000

View our Accessibility Improvement Program Guidelines for more details.

Apply online through the Brockton Accessibility Improvement Program Application form.

The Environmental Stewardship and Energy Efficiency Program assists commercial property owners with reducing their energy needs and improving conservation measures, contributing to a more "green" economy in Brockton. The municipality will help fund the retrofit of existing buildings for energy efficiency, or the addition of alternative forms of energy generation such as solar or wind devices.

Funding: 50% of approved costs, up to $3,000

View our Environmental Stewardship and Energy Efficiency Program Guidelines for more details.

Apply online through the Brockton Environmental Stewardship and Energy Efficiency Program Application form.

This program covers a portion of the costs for a public facing "farm gate" retail facility for eligible farms in rural areas of Brockton. It's intended to encourage the installation of new produce stands and signage, or the improvement of existing, seasonal farm gates that sell directly to the public. 

Funding: 50% of approved costs, up to $1,500

View our Farm Gate Improvement Program Guidelines for more details.

Apply online through the Brockton Farm Gate Improvement Program Application form. 

Brockton encourages the conversion and revitalization of vacant and/or underutilized commercial, industrial or institutional buildings to meet new community needs. The program aims to creatively repurpose and rejuvenate buildings of cultural or architectural significance, recognizing that they can serve new purposes to socially and economically benefit the community, by providing multi-unit housing, for example, or studio, office and retail space. The program will also help fund the conversion of a vacant or underused agricultural building for value-added opportunities to boost farm income. 

Please book a free consultation with municipal staff before applying to this program.

Funding: 50% of approved costs, up to $7,500

View our Vacant and Underutilized Properties Conversion or Expansion Program Guidelines for more details.

Apply online through the Brockton Vacant and Underutilized Properties Conversion or Expansion Program Application form.