The Truro Built Heritage Grant Program will assist owners of older properties to maintain or restore the heritage features of their buildings. The grant is for exterior work done on buildings within the municipality of Truro built before 1930. The buildings may be private homes, apartments, businesses or churches. Grants are made in individual amounts from $300 to $2000, not to exceed fifty percent of the total project cost.
Download Built Heritage Grant Program Guidelines and Application (PDF)
Eligibility Requirements
Only those properties located within the municipality of the Town of Truro will be eligible. Property taxes must not be in arrears.
Only those properties containing subject buildings constructed prior to 1930 will be considered for a grant.
Property Owners will be able to file an application for completed work only. Only that work undertaken in the current calendar year will be eligible for grant consideration early in the following year. Work from previous years will not be eligible.
Exterior work and structural work are eligible for a grant. Interior work is not eligible.
Grants will not be made for amounts greater than the value of the work completed. Receipts and invoices deemed to be unusually high for the level of work performed will be re-valued by the grant committee. Grants will not exceed 50% of the total project cost.
Properties containing buildings that exhibit imitation siding (for e.g. vinyl) will not be eligible. Only those structures that maintain or replace materials representative of the age of the structure will be considered.
Poor, defective or unsympathetic work will not be given consideration.
Owners of multiple properties may make just one application per year.
Registered heritage properties will be given special consideration.
Colchester Historical Society board members and members of the society’s Heritage Committee will not be eligible for grants.
Technical help, advice on project appropriateness and application assistance can be provided by heritage professionals. Contact the Colchester Historical Society for a referral for gratis advice from one of our partners in historic preservation. The Town of Truro Heritage Officer or Heritage Advisory Committee may also be sources of advice in planning your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is my house eligible?
If your house was constructed before 1930 and is located within the municipality of the Town of Truro it may be eligible for a grant. Please read the grant program’s Eligibility Requirements for complete criteria.
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Do I need a permit?
Changes to your home, outbuildings or fences may require a permit and consideration by Town of Truro Planning Staff. For more information call 895-1148.
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What projects receive funding?
Grants are made for exterior work completed during the current calendar year. Before and after photos and receipts or invoices must be submitted along with a completed application. Some examples of eligible projects include:
- exterior painting
- repointing mortar joints in masonry surfaces
- conservation of wooden windows, verandahs, decorative trim
- restoration of missing features known to have previously existed
- structural work to foundations and chimneys
- restoration of carriage houses and fences
- removal of vinyl or aluminum siding
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How much funding is available to me?
Grants will be made in individual amounts ranging from $300 to $2000. Grants will not exceed 50% of the total project cost.
Applications will be assessed on a case by case basis. Funds are limited. It is quite likely that not all applications will be accepted or awarded funds.
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Are income properties eligible?
Yes, all types of properties may apply for funding including homes, apartments, commercial properties and churches.
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How can I make a strong application and improve my chances of being approved for a grant?
It is recommended that you involve the selection committee in your project from its conception and planning through to its completion. This will ensure your project is both well understood and that it maintains an appropriate level of historical integrity. Contact the Colchester Historical Society at 895-6284 to arrange a consultation. Although application assistance is available, the selection committee cannot make any preliminary assertions regarding the potential success of your application.
Additionally, special consideration will be given to registered heritage properties. For more information on registering your property, contact the heritage officer for the Town of Truro at 895-4484.
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When do I apply?
Applications are due by December 31stof the year in which the work was completed. Grants are awarded in February of the following year.
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Where can I find an application?
Applications can be picked up at the Colchester Historical Society at 29 Young Street, Truro or downloaded from the Society’s website, colchesterhistoreum.ca.
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Where do I submit my application?
Applications can be dropped off or mailed to:
Built Heritage Grant Program
Colchester Historical Society
29 Young Street
Truro, NS B2N 3W3
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Where does funding for these grants come from?
Funding for this grant program comes from various civic and corporate sponsors and is administered through the Colchester Historical Society. Additional funds are raised through the Society’s annual heritage home tour. If you are interested in contributing to this program through sponsorship or volunteering your time please call 895-6284.