Owners of historic buildings in Collingwood, Ontario, can now apply for a tax break to help with the costs of maintaining the town’s architectural character. The Town of Collingwood opened the application period for the 2026 Heritage Property Tax Relief Program on February 9, 2026, which offers a rebate of up to 20 per cent on the municipal and school portions of property taxes.
To qualify for the savings, a building must be designated as a heritage site under the Ontario Heritage Act. This program is specifically designed to help owners cover the higher costs of specialized repairs, such as using original types of wood for windows or specific mortar for brickwork, which are required to keep the buildings in good condition.
While approximately 150 properties in areas like the Collingwood Downtown Heritage Conservation District are eligible, only about 8 per cent of owners currently use the program. The Collingwood Chamber of Commerce supports the initiative as a way to help small businesses stay successful while preserving the shipyard history and old-style storefronts that define the community.
Under rules updated last year, owners who are already part of the program and have a maintenance agreement on file do not need to re-apply unless the status of their property has changed. New applicants must submit their paperwork by March 15, 2026, to receive the tax relief for the current year.
