Business Façade Improvement Program

The Business Façade Improvement program encourages downtown business owners to update their storefronts and keep our downtown core looking fresh. Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) sponsors the program. Business owners can receive a grant of up to $5,000 towards exterior upgrades.

Apply

Complete and submit an application to our Administration Department.

Business Façade Improvement Application

Guidelines

You must submit designs and costing for your project before you begin. Tenants must receive approval from their landlords before making any changes. View the full list of guidelines and program instructions in the application.

Eligible applicants

Applicant must be either the property owner or business owner. If the applicant is not the property owner, the property owner must approve the application in writing and confirm that the applicant is paying for all improvements
All property taxes of the property are fully paid and current
There must be a current, valid business license for the property unless otherwise exempt
There must be no outstanding building permits, stop work orders, or development permit

condition requirements outstanding
You have not received a previous grant under this program for the proposed improvement
Not-for-profit and enterprising non-profit organizations
Home-based businesses, with a visual presence in the traffic area, may apply for way-finding signage. A way finding sign is located on the business property directing customers to the business. Signs are eligible for 50% coverage to a maximum of $500 and must adhere to any signage bylaw applicable to our community
No outstanding building permits, stop work orders, or development permit condition requirements outstanding
Subject building has not received a previous grant under this program for the proposed improvements

Ineligible applicants

Residential homes located in the designated commercial area
Apartment buildings
Government owned buildings including municipal, provincial or federal, even if they have business tenants
Properties outside the specified area as defined in our application
Empty buildings or businesses that are not operating, except if the business is renovating or doing improvements to the building in anticipation of re-opening
New construction. Must be an older building needing new façade

Eligible improvements

New exterior lighting, not replacements
Exterior architectural features
Exterior surfaces and details including decorative details, moldings, trims and more
Windows, if they are part of larger enhancements
New siding
Façade painting
Entrances and doorways, if they are part of larger enhancements
Awnings
Permanent Signage
Wayfinding signage
Accessibility improvements to the outside of the building including ramps, wider doors and more
Permanent or semi-permanent patios that will have a legacy of more than one season
And improvements give a lasting impact

Ineligible improvements

Roofs
Routine maintenance
Structural repairs
Interior window coverings
Non-permanent fixtures including benches, planters, patios and patio heaters
Landscaping
Paving
Fencing
Any improvements not visible from the public right-of-way
Construction of additions, accessory buildings or new buildings
Any improvements deemed inconsistent with redevelopment purposes and objectives
Any improvements started before the application approval

Eligible costs

Direct project labour costs
Contractor Fees
Shipping and/or freight
Rental of tools and equipment for construction work
Project related materials and supplies
Design and architectural fees related to the façade
PST

Ineligible costs

Staff wages and/or benefits
Expenses related to improvement to the building façade not visible from the public right of way
Operational costs including utilities such as hydro and gas
GST
Duties
Purchase of construction equipment and tools
Building permits, development permits or other municipal fees
Façade improvement expenses started before application approval