Overview

The Surplus Property Transition Initiative (SPTI) is a government program that helps organizations and community groups transition publicly owned properties, such as schools, public hospitals or other publicly owned properties to meet community needs. The SPTI consists of two stages:

Holding cost stage

  • provides funding to hold publicly owned properties for up to 18 months that are no longer in use or that have been deemed surplus (small planning grants may also be available)
  • this gives organizations time to
    • find partners
    • complete a business plan
    • secure funding to redevelop the property into a community hub

New: Fair value offset stage

  • provides funding to help community organizations acquire eligible surplus properties at below fair value to support community re-use
  • eligible projects must demonstrate a clear need for the fair value funding as well as demonstrate long-term financial sustainability

Organizations can now apply to one or both stages.

For both stages, the current property owner must agree to participate in the program.

While community hubs are locally driven, the province’s role is to make it easier for local supporting organizations to offer services that are integrated and coordinated, strengthening community partnerships and make the best use of public space to serve people in their communities.

Eligibility

Organizations

Joint applications are strongly encouraged, especially when the application reflects coordinated or integrated local planning and the proposal outcomes includes co-location of services and an integrated service delivery model.

You can apply for the program if you are a:

  • municipality
  • Consolidated Municipal Service Manager
  • District Social Services Administration Board
  • Indigenous community or organization
  • not-for-profit corporation
  • registered charity
  • school board*
  • public hospital*

As you develop your proposal, you are also encouraged to secure partnerships with other organizations in your local community.

* School boards and public hospitals are not eligible proponents in applications that identify properties that they currently own.

Properties

The property must be owned by:

  • a school board (existing rules and regulations about surplus school properties, under Ontario Regulation 444/98 continue to apply)
  • a public hospital
  • the Province of Ontario

Selection process

Applications will be reviewed by a multi-ministry committee led by the Community Hubs Division in the Ministry of Infrastructure.

Proposals must be operationally feasible and should:

  • be based on local community needs
  • clearly identify intended outcomes
  • reflect provincial priorities

Properties selected for the holding cost stage will enter into an “on hold” period for up to 18 months. During this time, the property identified in your proposal, with the current property owner’s consent, will be held by the current property owner while you work to develop a business model for your community hub proposal.

Priority will be given to applicants who can demonstrate that the property can transition to community use at the end of the “on hold” period at the location on a long-term financially sustainable basis.

Consideration under the fair value offset stage does not provide a commitment that fair value offset funding will be provided as these decisions require multi-ministry review and approvals on a case-by-case basis. Eligibility through the program means that the proposal has sufficient alignment with provincial priorities to warrant consideration and the Ministry of Infrastructure will work with these proponents as they further develop their long term business case and other due diligence required for decision making.

High level assessment criteria for Fair Value Offset Stage

  • proponent and supporting organization(s) is/are eligible, well-established and reputable with some demonstrated experience/past success
  • proposed programs, services and outcomes align with community needs and provincial priorities and incorporate co-location/integrated service delivery
  • property of interest is eligible, available and suitable for the proposed future use
  • holding cost / fair value offset amount is reasonable and clearly justified
  • current property owner has agreed to participate in the program
  • project feasibility / readiness is demonstrated through business and financial planning details including a project plan with clear milestones, realistic timelines, and established partnerships
  • long-term financial sustainability is demonstrated through operational budget and revenue/funding sources

Deadline

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. In order to be eligible for consideration for funding support in 2018-19, applications must be received no later than October 31, 2018. Proponents are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible as available funding is limited.

For more information, read the program guidelines and application form.

For questions, please contact the Community Hubs Division at community.hubs@ontario.ca.