Deadline: 27-Apr-23
Applicants are now invited to submit their applications for the City of Fort St. John Business Façade Improvement Program, funded through the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT).
This program will run through the City of Fort St. John with support from the Mayor’s Standing Committee on Community Economic Recovery, to assist local businesses with renovating, signage, and improving aesthetics of commercial and building areas.
The program is intended to
- Boost the economic viability and vibrancy of the downtown by supporting visual improvements such as façades, signage, murals, architectural features, siding, lighting and awnings
- Advance the Downtown Action Plan and meet the form and character of the Downtown Development Permit Area
- Stimulate private sector investment in local business improvements
- Enhance the quality of life for citizens, workers and visitors to the community
- Increase the attractiveness of the community to enhance community pride and visitor experience
- Improve community appearance to support recruitment of new businesses and residents
Funding Information
- NDIT will provide a one time 50% reimbursement grant of up to $5,000 maximum per comercial building/project.
- Additional funding provided by the Mayor’s Standing Committee on Community Economic Recovery may be available to businesses located on a corner.
- Projects must have a minimum total cost of $1000
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be either the property owner or business owner (if the applicant is the business owner, the property owner must approve the application in writing and confirm that all improvements are to be paid for by the applicant)
- The business must be located in the Downtown Development Permit Area
- Property taxes pertaining to the property must be fully paid and current
- You must have current, valid, business licenses for the property (unless otherwise exempt)
- There must be no outstanding building permits, stop work orders, or development permit requirement outstanding
- The subject property must not have received a previous grant under this program
Eligible Façade Improvements
Eligible improvements may consist of but are not limited to:
- Exterior lighting (new, not replacement)
- Exterior architectural features
- Exterior surfaces and details (decorative details, moldings, trims etc.)
- Windows (only if part of larger enhancements, no standalone window replacement)
- New siding
- Façade painting
- Entrances and doorways (only if part of larger enhancements, no stand-alone entrance doorway replacement)
- Awnings and canopies
- Signage
- Accessibility improvements (ramps, wider doors etc.)
For more information, visit City of Fort St. John.