City of Kelowna Heritage Grants Program (CoKHGP)

Download the complete Program Guidelines here.

CITY OF KELOWNA ACTIVE LIVING & CULTURE DIVISION

CORE PRINCIPLES:

The City of Kelowna’s Active Living & Culture Division administers a number of grant programs and services for the community which:

• encourage active healthy lifestyles
• build strong neighbourhoods
• nurture lifelong participation in sport
• enhance cultural vibrancy
• facilitate development of events
• enhance social sustainability
• support effective management and operation of sport, recreation and cultural facilities

Organizations seeking funding support from the City of Kelowna through any of the grant programs administered by the Active Living & Culture Division should be aware of and aligned with one or more these core principles.

VALUES:

Any organization supported by the City of Kelowna Cultural Grant Program will commit to the following values:

• Accessibility, diversity and inclusion: we welcome everyone to engage in quality experiences that showcase the unique identity of our community.
• Accountability and fiscal responsibility: we use resources effectively to leverage opportunities that optimize value and create impact.
• Innovation: we support forward-thinking solutions that anticipate needs and brings together a range of experiences to see the future in a different way.
• Partnerships and cooperation: we achieve more through meaningful relationships of mutual respect and understanding.

The Heritage Grants Program is one of many grant programs provided by the City of Kelowna. Information about other grant opportunities is available on the City’s website: kelowna.ca/grants

1.0      PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

The Heritage Grants Program was established in 1991 and was administered by City staff with applications reviewed by a volunteer board. In 2008, the Central Okanagan Heritage Society (COHS) was awarded the contract to administer the grants program.

The intent of the Heritage Grant Program is to recognize the cultural value of Kelowna’s built heritage. Through the granting process, financial support is to assist with the conservation of properties listed on the City of Kelowna's Heritage Register. Good heritage conservation practices are based on Parks Canada's Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada.

Approximately $38,300 in total is available for distribution annually from the City of Kelowna. (In 2023, the amount was increased from $35,000)

1.1       Objectives:

The objective of the program is to promote the conservation of residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and agricultural heritage buildings by assisting owners with financial assistance towards the costs incurred in conservation work. 

The objectives of this program support the advancement of the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan goals and strategies. Goals of the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan include: 

Goals of the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan

This program is not intended to be an ongoing source of support and the entrance of new applicants and projects into the program is a key objective. 

Applicants are required to ensure that arts, culture or heritage professionals are engaged in the project and receive fair wages in accordance with industry standards.

1.2     Eligibility:

Properties listed on the Kelowna Heritage Register are eligible for this grants program. The program is limited to exterior and building foundation (stabilization) work. 

The conservation work should recognize the importance of character-defining elements as detailed in the Heritage Register Record (Statement of Significance) for the property. 

• Heritage Designated properties will be given first priority in the granting program. Residential properties will receive second priority, followed by non-residential buildings.
• Grants will not be given for work undertaken prior to a successful grant application.
• Municipal property taxes must be fully paid (if applicable).

1.2.1     Eligible conservation projects:

Eligible projects for exterior conservation funding include: 

• roof repairs and replacements;
• prep and new paint; 
• window and door conservation (including storm windows);
• siding and trim repairs;
• porch and other exterior element conservation;
• foundation repairs

Grant funding will not exceed 50% of the cost of the work to be done, to a maximum of $7,500 (Heritage Register) or $12,500 (Heritage Designation Bylaw) per 3 year period. 

1.2.2     Project requirements:

• All new roofs require a final inspection by a qualified roof inspector. 
• Heritage paint colour schemes using the Historical True Colours palette are required. Exceptions may be considered on a case by case basis. Refer to the True Colours- Historical Paint Colours for Western Canada Palette Brochure for more information.
• Paint must be high quality and a minimum of two coats. Appropriate prep for a heritage building is required i.e. NO PRESSURE WASHING.
• Prior to the commencement of work, any required permits must be in order. A building permit is not required for exterior painting work or a new roof. A building permit may be required for other exterior conservation work. Approval of a grant does not replace the requirement to obtain the appropriate permits.

Except for special circumstances, original materials are to be used. Compatible adaptation of modern materials may be considered on a case by case basis.

2.0     APPLICATION PROCESS

Owners considering submission of an application are encouraged to do the following prior to completing an application form:

• Review these guidelines;
• Contact Lorri Dauncey, Heritage Grant Administrator, Central Okanagan Heritage Society at ldauncey.cohs@telus.net to express interest;
• Attend an annual Heritage Grant Information Session (offered in March) 

The 2025 Information Session is on March 6th 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Reid Hall in Benvoulin Heritage Park, 2279 Benvoulin Road.   Email ldauncey.cohs@telus.net to register.

2.1 Submission Deadlines for 2025

The Heritage Grant Review Committee meets four times per year. Submissions must be received at least two weeks prior to the meeting date to be considered. 

• March 20th
• June 5th
• September 11th (New application will only be accepted if funds are still available)
• November 6th (New application will only be accepted if funds are still available)

2.2 Process Timeline 

A typical timeline appears in the table below. The timeline is subject to change.

2.3 Funding Details

The maximum available funding is dependent on the building:

• Buildings with a Heritage Designation Bylaw are eligible for grants to a maximum of $15,000 per 3 year period.
• Buildings listed on the Kelowna Heritage Register are eligible for grants to a maximum of 9,000 per 3 year period.
• Grants will not exceed 50% of the cost of the work to be done (exclusive of GST). There is limited funding available. 

2.4    Documentation

For All Applications: (prepare prior to applying on-line)

1. All applicants need to include current high quality photographs (jpeg format, 500 kb to 1 MB) of the heritage property, and specifically of the area where the work is to be done, in their application. These should include a jpeg of each façade- the front, back, and sides of the building and details that show the condition of materials of the area that is part of grant applying for. 
2. Two PDF format quotes (refer to Owner & Contractor Quote Checklist). 
3. Upload the Statement of Significance (SOS) from the Heritage Register Record and save as a pdf to be included with your application.
4. At the completion of the work, the grant money will be allocated when the “Declaration of Project Completion” form and detailed requirements are submitted online and the work is approved by the committee by one of the four deadlines. 

2.5     Additional documentation for specific types of projects:

Grants for exterior painting: (prepare prior to applying on-line)

As well as the required documents for all applications (listed above), applicants applying for a grant for exterior painting of a heritage property need to include in their application:

• Heritage colour scheme and paint colour samples based on the True Colours- Historical Paint Colours for Western Canada Palette Brochure.
• Estimate of costs if work is to be done by the owner (up to 100% for materials only).
• Two quotes if work is to be done by a contractor. The estimates should clearly indicate a minimum of two coats and that prep will NOT include pressure washing. 

Grants for roof repairs and replacement: (prepare prior to applying on-line)

As well as the required documents for all applications (listed above), applicants applying for a grant for a new roof or roof repairs on a heritage building need to include in their application:

• Proposed colour and roofing materials.
•  Two contractor quotes. Roof Inspection fee may be submitted.
• Minimum one year warranty for labour and materials AND a roof inspection undertaken by a certified roof inspector is required; a written copy of the warranty and the Roof Inspection Report will be required with the “Declaration of Project Completion”.

Grants for exterior conservation & foundation work: (prepare prior to applying on-line)

As well as the required documents for all applications (listed above), applicants applying for a grant for exterior conservation and foundation work of a heritage property need to include in their application:

• Quotes of costs from two contractors.
• Minimum one year warranty for labour and materials MAY be required; a written copy may be required with the “Declaration of Project Completion”. If a warrantee for labour and/or materials is needed, this will be stipulated in the grant approval letter.

Grants for supplemental work: (prepare prior to applying on-line)

As well as the required documents for all applications (listed above), applicants applying for substantial supplemental work that is required for a primary project to be completed need to include in their application:

• Quotes of costs from two contractors.
• Minimum one year warranty for labour and materials MAY be required; a written copy may be required with the “Declaration of Project Completion”. If a warrantee for labour and/or materials is needed, this will be stipulated in the grant approval letter.

3.0    TIMELINE AND PROCEDURES

1. Once an application has been received, it will be screened by the Heritage Grants Program Administrator to ensure the application is complete.
2. The application will be reviewed by the Heritage Grants Committee.
3. When an application is approved or declined by the Committee, the applicant will be advised in writing and email.
4. Prior to the commencement of work, any required municipal building permits must be applied for. A building permit is not required for exterior painting work or a new roof. A building permit may be required for other exterior conservation work.
5. The successful applicant must have the work completed within one year of the grant being awarded. An applicant may ask for an extension in the case of unforeseen circumstances.
6. No application may, in any manner, be considered to form a contractual or other obligation on the part of the Committee.
7. Upon the completion of the heritage building conservation project, the following is required by the Committee before the grant will be paid out:

a)  High quality photographs of the completed project (jpeg format, 500kb to 1 MB) ; pictures of each façade- the front, back, and sides of house; details that show the completed work)

b)  Submission of all bills showing ‘paid in full’ or showing a $0 balance, with an authorized signature. Costs of plans and related expenses may be included.

c)  The “Declaration of Project Completion” form must be submitted online.

d)  Site Inspection by Committee member or as required by the City of Kelowna.

e)  Written warranties as required for a new roof, foundation repairs, and exterior conservation work.

f)  Roof Inspection Report by a certified roof inspector is required for all roof replacements, with any deficiencies rectified.

4.0     ASSESSMENT

• Assessment will be based on the degree to which projects meet the criteria, based on the information provided. 
• Heritage Designated properties will be given first priority in the granting program. Residential properties will receive second priority, followed by non-residential buildings. 
• Only online applications will be accepted. Please ensure you receive an email confirmation upon submission.
• Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. 

Questions regarding eligibility, review status, or technical; contact Lorri Dauncey, Grant Administrator for Central Okanagan Heritage Society at ldauncey.cohs@telus.net

We are committed to ensuring equitable access to our submission process. Submitting owners are invited to contact culture@kelowna.ca with questions or comments.