Commercial and industrial development incentives

• New businesses relocating from outside Niagara or existing businesses expanding with net new full-time positions and increased assessment value
• Approved for a Gateway Tax Increment Grant by the local municipality within three months of applying to Niagara Region
• Classified as an employment use under the local Official Plan
• No environmental remediation required on the property
• Not in arrears of any property taxes or charges

For expansion projects: must show a minimum 25 per cent increase in full-time equivalent positions over current levels, and must not be currently receiving a Gateway Community Improvement Plan grant.

Applications are managed through Niagara Economic Development. Before applying:

• Book a pre-application meeting with both local and Regional Gateway staff
• Do not begin works or receive a building permit before submitting your application

Your application will need to include a title search, corporate profile, status of all required planning approvals, and a copy of the local municipality's project and grant approval.

Apply through Niagara Economic Development.

To be eligible, the development must:

• Meet the definition of a hotel or motel — a commercial lodging establishment open to the public. Short-term rental units listed on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo do not qualify.
• Have Regional development charges payable on or after Jan. 1, 2025
• Not have previously received a Hotel and Motel Grant from Niagara Region
• Not be in property tax arrears

Applications can only be submitted once all applicable development charges have been paid for a development, and Niagara Region has confirmed payment.

The municipality and Niagara Region collect development charges on different timelines.

The developer is responsible for:

• Resolving delays with the municipality
• Providing Niagara Region with proof of payment for development charges on time so the application can be submitted

Square footage used for other commercial purposes — including restaurants, theatres and retail space — does not qualify for a grant under this program. These areas are subject to the full commercial Regional development charges rate under By-law 2022-71 at the time of first building permit issuance.

Your application must include:

• Completed application form
• Confirmation of Regional development charges payment (such as a municipal receipt)
• Supplier registration number to receive payment from Niagara Region
• Signed declaration that the property is not in property tax arrears

Apply for a Hotel and Motel Grant.

To qualify, your development must:

• Meet Niagara Region's definition of industrial use under By-Law 2022-71 (manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or related office and administrative uses)
• Demonstrate positive economic impact for Niagara

Land, buildings or structures used for:

• Manufacturing, producing or processing goods for a commercial purpose
• Storing or distributing goods that were manufactured or processed on site
• Research or development in connection with manufacturing
• Retail sales by a manufacturer or processor at the same site where production occurs
• Office or administrative uses directly connected to these activities

Submit an application online. You'll need to provide:

• Property information and assessment roll number
• Owner and applicant contact details
• Building type and square footage
• Description of how the development meets the industrial use definition
• Economic impact details: total investment value, new jobs created and jobs retained

Apply for an Industrial Use Development Charges Grant.