Grants, Programs and Incentives
Community Improvement Plans (CIPs)
The new Niagara Falls Community Improvement Plan was approved by Council on January 20, 2026, with the new financial incentive programs in effect as of February 13, 2026
The intend of the City's CIPs is to encourage the rejuvenation of strategic investment areas and older business areas that have experienced economic decline over the years. The Community Improvement Plans contain grant programs that provide incentive for business to build and renovate industrial buildings in Niagara Falls and to improve the appearance and the structure of commercial buildings and conversion of upper floor space for residential use. The City has also prepared two Brownfield Community Improvement Plans which encourage the environmental clean-up and redevelopment of older abandoned industrial and commercial sites that require remediation.
Employment Generator Tax Increment Grant
The Employment Generator Tax Increment Grant (TIG) is an incentive program meant to attract and retain large employers in Niagara Falls. The program is intended to enhance the City’s long-term economic resilience by strengthening and diversifying its tax base, and supporting the creation of full time, permanent jobs. The Program targets key locations, generally applying to lands designated as a Node or Corridor, Employment designation, Tourism Commercial Area, Strategic Growth Area, or a Business Improvement Area identified within the Employment Generator Area Map included in Section 7 of this program.
The Employment Generator TIG provides a financial incentive by rebating a portion of the increased municipal property taxes that result when a property is rehabilitated, redeveloped, or newly developed. Grants are issued annually for five years, based on the municipal tax increment, which is the difference between pre- and post-development property taxes.
In addition to the base-level Grant, the City of Niagara Falls may offer an Incentive Top-up for projects that demonstrate exceptional economic value. Projects that exceed minimum program thresholds may qualify for an extended Grant duration of up to ten years total.
Additional information is available here: New Niagara Falls Community Improvement Plan
Additional Community Improvement Plans
In addition to the Employment Generator CIP, the City of Niagara Falls has four additional approved CIPs, including:
- Brownfield Environmental Study Grant
- Brownfield Tax Increment Grant
- Urban Infill Tax Increment Grant
- Streetscape Improvement Grant
More information on CIPs is available here
Development Charge Exemptions
The City provides for a full exemption of Development Charges pertaining to Industrial developments in accordance with City Policy #700.40, a copy of which can be found here: Industrial Development Charge Grant Program Policy
Niagara Region Industrial Development Charges Grant
This program provides financial reductions for industrial users investing in Niagara that have obtained (or plan to obtain) a building permit to build or expand existing facilities.
You can apply for funding before receiving a building permit or within 90 days of receiving a building permit, and receive a grant for up to 100 per cent of the Regional development charges payable. More information, including the application form can be found here.