Niagara Falls, Canada

Programs &
Incentives

We want your business here. Explore your ability to be cost-effective by tapping into the programs and incentives Niagara Falls has set in place for your business.
Niagara Gateway Economic Zone & Centre Community Improvement Plan (Gateway CIP)

The Niagara Gateway Economic Zone and Centre Community Improvement Plan (Gateway CIP) provides eligible projects with property tax reductions of between 40% and 100% for five to ten years to eligible property owners in Niagara Falls. Those same projects are also eligible for grants to cover Regional Development Charges. Projects that promote private sector investment, development, redevelopment and construction activity in may be eligible.

1] Tax Increment Based
Grant Program
This program provides an incremental tax grant to completed projects within the Gateway Project Area based on the project’s economic and environmental design performance. Successful applicants will receive a tax rate rebate of a percentage of the post-project values, for a period of five or 10 years depending on the location of the project. Tax savings resulting from this program can be significant.
2] Regional Development Charge
Grant Program
This program recognizes exceptional projects – those that score 14 points or more according to the Gateway CIP evaluation criteria – and provides relief from Regional Development Charges for those projects. The Development Charge Grant payment is capped at $1.5 million.
Municipal Employment Incentive Program

The incentive programs under the MEIP are subject to the eligibility requirements, conditions of approval and required documents under the Tax Increment Based Funding Program (TIBG) under the Niagara Gateway Economic Zone Community Improvement Plan (CIP). 

The Municipal Employment Incentive Programs offer additional local level financial incentives for development proposals that have received approval for the Tax Increment Based Funding Program (TIBG) under the Niagara Gateway Economic Zone Community Improvement Plan (CIP). The TIBG is delivered through a partnership with the Niagara Region.

The incentives under the MEIP are supplemental to the TIBG and are administered by the City of Niagara Falls. Included are:

Planning Application Fee Waivers

The fee for Official Plan amendments, Zoning By-law amendments, site plan control or minor variances may be waived at the discretion of City Council or its delegate for any development proposal within the Gateway CIP Project Area that proposes an eligible employment use.

Building Permit Fee Rebates

The fee paid for building, demolition or occupancy permits is rebated upon completion of an eligible development. Fees are paid at the time of application and, upon final inspection and clearance of the Building Division, are rebated to the applicant.

Study Grants

A study grant is offered to offset the cost of studies required by the City to support an employment use on an eligible property suscg as urban design studies, traffic impact studies, environmental impact studies, servicing studies, archaeological surveys, and more.
There are several incentive program opportunities available for your business in Niagara Falls. To access more information on other municipal, provincial, and federal programs offered, check out these links >>>

Niagara Foreign Trade Zone

diverse support

Thanks to its proximity to the US border and robust road, rail, air and port infrastructure, Niagara is a vital link for trade between Canada and the United States.

The Niagara Foreign Trade Zone helps companies access the federal, provincial and regional programs that support Canada’s export development efforts. The Niagara Foreign Trade Zone’s “one-window” approach means that it’s never been easier or more efficient for businesses to navigate their way through the diverse range of supports that exist.

This support includes:

  • Incentive programs
  • Mentoring services from experienced exporters
  • Global networking opportunities
  • Educational assistance
  • and more…

The Niagara Foreign Trade Zone also provides streamlined access to other government agencies, including: