Deadline waived for grants to improve look and security of downtown Maple Ridge businesses
June 2, 2022
Business owners downtown Maple Ridge still have a chance to apply for funding to spruce up the outside of their operations.
The deadline has been waived for the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association’s Facade Improvement Program, meaning anyone wanting to add decorative details to the outside of the buildings or put on a fresh coat of paint, or updated signage, awnings or lighting – can still apply for help.
The program provides grants to property and business owners in order to renovate, restore, or redesign their commercial building facades or storefronts.
Projects, though, must still meet a completion date of Dec. 31, 2022.
The purpose of the program that was introduced in 2008, is to keep the downtown core looking nice and making it inviting to people to walk downtown, shop, live in the area, and play. It also helps with the marketability of retail and commercial businesses and helps business owners to attract and retain tenants.
According the association’s website, the program can provide grants of up to 50 per cent of the cost of eligible improvements, up to a maximum of $10,000 per building. Corner properties, facing two streets, could be eligible for $20,000 maximum.
A Facade Improvement Grant must be applied for before starting a project.
In addition to the facade improvement program, business can also apply for a grant in the Lock Out Crime Through Environmental Design program, or LOCTED.
Source: Maple Ridge News
