Downtown Revitalization Incentives Program

Exterior upgrades – grants available from $5,000 per storefront to $65,000 per building.

The Façade Improvement Grant supports exterior renovations to building façades. It is available to commercial, institutional, mixed-use, and apartment buildings. Projects may range from small-scale improvements to individual storefronts to more comprehensive renovations that transform the entire building.

Interior upgrades – grants available from $20,000 to $40,000 per unit.

The Interior Improvement Grant supports renovations to building interiors. It is available to commercial, institutional, and mixed-use (street-level commercial portions) buildings. Funding options vary depending on whether the unit is vacant or occupied.

Murals by local artists – grants available up to $30,000 per building. 

The Murals Grant funds new murals on eligible commercial, institutional, mixed-use, and apartment buildings. Projects must be completed by a locally involved artist, with costs reimbursed at 75%. Applicants can also receive support to connect with the local arts community.

Improve the land around the building – grants up to $40,000 available.

The Premises Improvement Grant helps property owners upgrade the areas surrounding their buildings. Eligible projects include landscaping, accessibility upgrades, crime prevention measures, and more.

Making your business or property accessible means that everyone can use and access it, regardless of ability or gender.

Improving accessibility is good for business. It expands your customer base, since 27% of Canadians aged 15 years or older live with one or more disabilities that affect their daily activities (StatsCan, 2022). Accessibility upgrades also benefit parents with young children in strollers, seniors, and people recovering from injuries.

Accessibility improvements can be included in many projects and are an eligible cost under the Façade, Interior, and Premises Improvement Grants outlined above.

Examples of eligible improvements include but are not limited to:

• New barrier-free or universal access washrooms.
• Wider entrance doors with barrier free thresholds.
• Power-assisted doors in entrances and common spaces.
• Acoustic treatments to reduce background noise, echoes, and reverberation that interfere with communication and assistive listening systems.
• Adding or significantly renovating an exterior ramp at the building entrance.

Larger developments may also benefit from an accessibility audit by a qualified specialist. The cost for professional fees and services is an eligible expense.

Additional resources to assist with project planning:

• Alberta Building Code (2023 Barrier-Free-Design-Guide (alberta.ca)
• CSA/ASC B651-23 Accessible Design for the Built Environment (2023)
• Engineering Servicing Standards and Development Standards (2021)
• RMWB Accessibility Checklist

Supporting crime prevention and improving safety is a program priority. Businesses benefit from introducing crime prevention measures and maintaining clean, well-kept premises; staff and customers feel safer, and insurance costs may decrease.

Safety improvements can be included in many projects and are eligible under the Façade, Interior, and Premises Improvement Grants outlined above.

Crime prevention improvements include, but are not limited to:

• Security cameras and alarm systems (equipment purchase only)
• Electronic sensors for people entering or leaving the building
• New lighting for entrances and doors to illuminate the storefronts and sidewalks
• Reinforced doors and hardware that enhance security without impeding accessibility
• Shatter-proof security film
• Security partitions at cash desks

For information on how to protect your business or property:

• Visit the Crime Prevention web page to learn about crime prevention strategies.
• Review the Business Crime Prevention Kit for tips and a checklist to help your business carry out a self-assessment.
• Register new security cameras on CAPTURE (Community Assisted Policing Through Use of Recorded Evidence).
• Email incentives@rmwb.ca to request a free RCMP site visit for advice on your business or property

A note about window coverings:

The program encourages businesses to keep street-level windows uncovered to improve visibility and deter robbery. Window treatments that obscure street-level windows are ineligible, including tinted, frosted, and mirrored glass, vinyl wraps, security bars, and rolling shutters.

The program does not endorse individual contractors. Applicants can find contractors through online business directories such as:

• Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce 
• Fort McMurray Construction Association
• Northern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association (NAABA)

The program requires detailed estimates as part of the application process. Each estimate must include: 

• Company letterhead
• Contractor’s contact information and GST number
• A complete description of the project and a breakdown of the work, including materials, quantities, and labour
• All associated costs (i.e., permits, demolition, management fees)
• An itemized list of individual costs and the total project cost.

For more information and tips on hiring contractors, visit alberta.ca/hiring-contractor.

Applicants must submit pricing for their projects after a preliminary application has been received and conditionally approved. Once notified, applicants will have 90 days to submit pricing for their projects. Applications require two estimates from separate contractors, who must be independent and arms-length (i.e., not associated with one another).

The following tips will help you plan your project and ensure your estimates are complete:

• Allow enough time to obtain estimates, and always ask for and check references.
• Provide a clear written scope with as much detail as possible
• For larger projects, supply drawings to help contractors prepare accurate costs.
• Ask what is and isn’t included in the estimate (e.g., waste removal, landfill fees).
• Submit detailed estimates—lump sum estimates will not be accepted.
• Ensure estimates are comparable (i.e., cover the same work items). If they are not, obtain a third estimate.
• Confirm that contractors have a valid municipal business licence, carry insurance, and that sub-contractors are also licensed
• Include estimates for professional fees, such as design and engineering.
• Remember: detailed estimates are essential. The program may request revisions, additional estimates, or reject unreasonable pricing.

All funding is provided as a matching reimbursement grant. As a matching grant, the Municipality pays 50% of eligible costs (or 75% for the Murals Grant) to the maximum allowed by each grant type. As a reimbursement grant, applicants receive funding only after projects are complete and verified by the Municipality.

No. The program does not provide retroactive funding. Applicants must apply, receive approval, and sign the grant agreement before work begins. 

Completed applications can be submitted by email to incentives@rmwb.ca or dropped off in-person at 9909 Franklin Avenue, Fort McMurray.

Please ensure your application contains all documents listed on the application form checklist. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Applicants have 18 months to complete their projects from the date the grant agreement is signed by all parties.

You can submit for reimbursement when the following conditions are met:

• All work as outlined on your grant agreement is completed.
• Any required permits are closed.
• All invoices are paid in full.

For the full set of requirements, please refer to the DRIP Reimbursement Application Form and DRIP Reimbursement Spreadsheet. 

Reimbursement applications can be submitted by email to incentives@rmwb.ca or dropped off in-person at 9909 Franklin Ave., Fort McMurray.

Please contact Pulse with any other questions!