A façade and storefront improvement program that will grant upwards of $5,000 in matching funds for storeowners looking to spruce up their buildings was approved in council May 14.
The concept of the program was originally planned for the downtown area but has been expanded to include any commercial properties in town.
“This year and maybe into next year, it will be case by case,” said Craig Teal, director of planning and development who explained to council the first year is being treated as a pilot project.
Council has allocated $25,000 for grant allocations as well as $11,000 for administration and architectural assistance.
The program is meant to make streets more interesting and inviting places to walk, shop and visit by enhancing the curb appeal of the area. Examples of work that is eligible for reimbursement include restoration of exterior finishes and repainting on the publicly visible faces of the building; repair or replace storefront windows, doors and doorways; exterior building lighting; installation of awnings, canopies and sign bands; new or increased size of storefront window openings and doorways; new architectural details such as doorways, base trim, cornices and corner accents; and the addition of patio areas and permanent landscaping elements connected to the streets.
Applications will be reviewed and approved by the municipal planning commission. Once the work is done, town planning staff conducts a project inspection and then the grant cheque is processed.
Teal said they are anticipating interest in the first year and added more money would be requested during budget deliberations in the future if there is enough interest in the program.
