The Planning and Building Permit Fees Grant program is an incentive offered through the Employment Development Community Improvement Plan (CIP). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
The program allows for the upfront waiving of Site Plan Application fees and the rebating of base Building Permit fees for qualifying employment development projects.
Site plan application fees may be waived at the discretion of the Executive Director of Development Services or their designate for any development project that fits the eligibility criteria.
The waiver only applies to the City’s portion of the Application Fee and would not include fees required by other agencies (for example, conservation authorities).
Applicants are responsible for paying Building Services fees for the base building permit at the time of application. Upon completion of an eligible development and following successful occupancy clearance from Building Services, 50% of the base building permit fee will be rebated up to a maximum of $150,000 per project. Only the base building permit fee qualifies for this rebate.
If awarded a grant, an agreement between the owner (registered or assessed owners of lands/buildings) and the City may be required, which will set out the terms, duration, and default provisions of the grant provided. This may be registered on title of the subject lands at the discretion of the City.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the exemption of Site Plan Fees and Building Permit Fees Grant program under the Employment Development CIP, applicants must meet all eligibility requirements in Sections 3.3.1 and 3.3.3 of the Employment Development CIP. Please read and review the Employment Development CIP before completing an application.
- Projects must be located within the City of Barrie municipal boundary as it existed on the date of passing By-Law Number 2026-018 to be eligible for financial incentives.
- Project sites shall not be located on lands subject to flooding hazards, erosion hazards, including wetlands.
- Projects must be employment or industrial uses including but not limited to advanced manufacturing (inclusive of priority sectors such as automotive, defense, mining, and life sciences). Residential, office, mixed-use, commercial and retail projects would not be eligible.
- May be vacant land or underutilized industrial buildings.
- Priority will be given to projects anticipating the creation or retention of a large number of jobs.
- Priority will be given to projects anticipating the creation of a large amount of new/redeveloped gross floor area and large construction values.
- Priority will be given to projects in priority sectors such as automotive, defense, mining, and life sciences.
- Priority will be given to projects receiving funding through Invest Ontario, or other provincial or federal funding agencies.
- Building permit grants will be issued upon first occupancy, which must occur within 24 months of the building permit being issued. To qualify for funding, the first occupant must meet the CIP’s use eligibility criteria.
- Extensions of up to 12 months may be considered if construction has commenced and there is verifiable proof of future tenancy.
- For multi-tenant developments, a rebate of base building permit fees for the shell structure may be provided once the first qualifying occupancy occurs. A new CIP application can be made for each tenant provided they individually meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
- For renovations to existing multi-tenant buildings, if the entire building is being renovated and intended for multiple tenants, a single application may be submitted for the whole property. However, if only one unit is being renovated, that unit must independently meet the CIP eligibility requirements. The same grant disbursement timing as above would apply.
How to Apply
An application to the Exemption from Site Plan Application Fees must be submitted prior to Site Plan Application.
Applications for the Building Permit Fees Grant should be made at the time of Building Permit Application.
The Exemption from Site Plan Application Fees will be implemented at the discretion of the Executive Director of Development Services.
For the Building Permit Application Fees Grant, Invest Barrie staff aim to confirm eligibility within two weeks of receiving a completed application. Once staff have confirmed eligibility, and occupancy has been granted, applicants will be notified in writing. Then, necessary legal agreements will be finalized and registered.
Building permit grants will be issued upon first occupancy, which must occur within 24 months of the building permit being issued. To qualify for funding, the first occupant must meet the CIP’s use eligibility criteria. Extensions of up to 12 months may be considered if construction has commenced and there is verifiable proof of future tenancy.
For multi-tenant developments, a rebate of base building permit fees for the shell structure may be provided once the first qualifying occupancy occurs. A new CIP application can be made for each tenant provided they individually meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
For renovations to existing multi-tenant buildings, if the entire building is being renovated and intended for multiple tenants, a single application may be submitted for the whole property. However, if only one unit is being renovated, that unit must independently meet the CIP eligibility requirements. The same grant disbursement timing as above would apply.
Please see the guidelines for full information, an overview of application requirements and links to applications. The application must be submitted along with the required cover letter and required supplemental materials.
For more information about which fees are eligible to be waived, or to confirm whether you qualify to have your application fees waived, contact invest@barrie.ca.