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[MUNICIPALITY]

Business Façade Improvement Program

2023 Guidelines

Program Purpose and Goals

Please outline the purpose and goals of the program.

Please include the benefits that this initiative will bring to your community.

Funding for the [Municipality] Business Façade Improvement program is provided by Northern Development Initiative Trust.

The Program

These program guidelines are intended to maximize the program benefit for improving aesthetics of commercial areas.

The [Municipality] will provide a [percentage to a maximum of 50%] reimbursement grant up to a maximum of [up to $5,000] per project to improve the facades of commercial buildings.

Each building is eligible for an annual grant to a maximum of $5,000. Each year a building may access the Business Façade Improvement program for new/incremental façade improvements.

Projects must have a minimum total cost of [cost].

Application deadline is [date - usually end of April or May].

The Business Façade Improvement program is offered by the [municipality] with funding provided by Northern Development Initiative Trust.

Eligible Areas

[The municipality decides on a specified area where buildings are eligible; if possible, also add a map that illustrates the eligible area here.]

Eligible Applicants

Applicant 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)

Non-profit and enterprising non-profit organizations (tenants)

Home based businesses which are zoned commercial, have a storefront and are within the specified area

Home based businesses without a commercial storefront (eligible for wayfinding signage only)

Property taxes pertaining to the property are fully paid and current

Current, valid business licenses for the property (unless otherwise exempt)

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 commercial area

Apartment buildings

Government owned buildings (municipal, provincial or federal, even if they have business tenants)

Properties outside the specified area (as defined in Eligible Areas)

Empty buildings or businesses that are not operating (exception if the business is renovating or doing improvements to the building in anticipation of re-opening)

Eligible Façade Improvements

Eligible improvements may consist of but are not limited to:

Exterior lighting (new but not replacement)

Exterior architectural features

Exterior surfaces and details (decorative details, moldings, trims etc.)

Windows (only if part of larger enhancements, no stand-alone window replacement)

New siding

Façade painting

Entrances and doorways (only if part of larger enhancements, no stand-alone entrance/doorway replacement)

Awnings

Signage (permanent on applicant property)

Wayfinding signage (sign located on the business property i.e. at the bottom of a driveway).

Signs are eligible for 50% to a maximum of $500 and must adhere to any signage bylaws and regulations

Accessibility improvements (ramps, wider doors etc.) to the outside of the building only

Patios [The municipality defines eligible patio criteria]

Ineligible Façade Improvements

The following improvements are ineligible:

Routine maintenance

Structural repairs

Roofs

Non-permanent fixtures (benches, planters, patio heaters etc.)

Landscaping

Paving

Fencing

Interior/internal improvements

Improvements not visible from the public right of way

Construction of additions, accessory buildings or new buildings

Improvements that have been started prior to application approval

Improvements deemed inconsistent with redevelopment purposes and design guidelines

Eligible Costs/Expenses

Direct project labour costs

Design, architectural or engineering fees (related to facade only)

Contractor fees

Rental of tools and equipment

Project related materials and supplies

Shipping and/or freight

PST

Ineligible Costs/Expenses

Staff wages and/or benefits

Purchase of construction tools or equipment

Operational costs including utilities (hydro, gas etc.)

Duties

Permit fees

Expenses related to improvement to the building façade not visible from the public right of way

Façade improvement expenses started prior to application approval

GST

Design Guidelines

To be eligible for this grant, the applicant must submit designs and costing for the project.

Please indicate how will grants be awarded? On First come first serve? By merit? By visual impact?

Designs need to clearly outline the proposed improvements to allow the review committee to accurately evaluate the project and clearly see that the finished product looks like what was intended during the application process.

Projects must be as consistent as possible with the general form and character of the design guidelines set out for the area.

Please indicate where the Design Guidelines can be found.

Building, sign and/or other permits may be required based on the extent of the improvements to be completed. These requirements are not waived by approval for the Business Façade Improvement Program and should be applied for prior to or concurrently with application for this program.

Business Application Process

Please indicate how applications will be accepted.

Submitting an application does not necessarily mean your project or a specific grant amount will be approved. All project proposals are subject to a comprehensive review, must meet high quality standards, and must reflect the spirit and intent of the Business Façade Improvement Program Guidelines.

[SAMPLE: You may edit or change this process to best fit your municipality.]

Owner/Tenant contacts the Municipality to determine if the building qualifies for the Façade Improvement Program, discuss your project, and obtain the Program Guide and Application.

Owner/Tenant submit a complete application with designs. All required supporting materials and documents (including owner authorization) must be received prior to be considered complete.

Staff reviews the application and proposed façade improvements to ensure that improvements meet the applicable Design Guidelines and Business Façade Improvement Program Guidelines.

Applications are reviewed and a decision to accept or reject the application is made.

Applicant is advised of the decision by email and mailed letter.

For successful applications, a Letter of Understanding is sent to the applicant which must be signed by the owner/tenant and a representative of the Municipality.

Owner/Tenant acquires any required permits and completes the renovations.

Owner/Tenant provides verification of expenses and proof of payment (including invoices or other confirmations of payment) and submits their totals on the provided expense tracking sheet.

Owner/Tenant provides a Certification of Completion signed by the applicant or contractor, indicating that all work described in the application/approval and has been paid in full, as well as before and after photos (matching) and any other supporting documentation.

Owner/Tenant acknowledges they may be contacted by the Municipality or Northern Development to supply a testimonial about the value of the supported façade improvement to the business.

Owner/Tenant provides proof that the improvements have passed final inspection for municipal permits (where required) and meet all building standards and codes (where required).

Staff verifies that the renovations meet the Letter of Understanding requirements and approves reimbursement.

Applicant is issued a cheque.

Please note:

Approved projects must be completed by Year End (December 31).

Evaluation/Selection Process

How will Applications be evaluated? Will it be a Committee? A Staff Member? Who will sit on the Committee?

SAMPLE: The Project Review Committee will consist of 3 members, including: 1 Council Member, one Staff Member and one Chamber of Commerce Member. All Eligible Projects will be evaluated using the following ranked criteria:

Does the project for which the funds are being sought meet the applicable Design Guidelines?

Will the project once complete have a noticeable impact on the streetscape?

Will the renovation offer a noticeable improvement on the streetscape?

Was a professional designer or architect used?

Evaluation or projects will be based on the following criteria:

Additional Information

Please include any additional information here.