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$2.4 million in grant funding available to help downtown businesses and organizations
(Fort McMurray, AB – May 22, 2024) – On May 21, 2024, Council approved the third phase of the Downtown Revitalization Incentives Program, which includes $2.4 million in total grant funding. The program offers various grants to help downtown businesses, commercial property owners, and community organizations improve their building and surrounding area.
“We are committed to supporting downtown, and we are pleased to continue the successful Downtown Revitalization Incentives Program,” said Mayor Sandy Bowman.
“We have heard time and time again from local businesses, property owners, community organizations and community members that the program is taking us in the right direction. It’s a good example of what can be done when we work together to enable the community’s progress.”
Changes to the program
Key changes have been made to the program to make it easier for organizations to take advantage of the grant funding available. All organizations with approved grants will now have up to 18 months to complete projects, instead of the previous 12 months. The grant streams available include:
- Façade improvements
- Interior improvements
- Premises improvements
- Murals
- Projects that include accessibility and safety may be eligible for additional funding
Downtown revitalization
Since 2020, the Downtown Revitalization Incentives Program has resulted in the following:
- 275 projects approved, with the RMWB committing $9.1 million in grant funding.
- Once all 275 projects are complete, this will represent an estimated total of $26 million invested in the downtown.
- For every $1 invested by the RMWB, $2 is invested by the private sector.
- Around 25% of approved projects included accessibility improvements, such as ramps, accessible washrooms, automated doors, and elevators.
How to apply
The call for grant applications will relaunch again on May 27, 2024 and remain open until May 2026 or until funding runs out. Additional details for the grants and application process will be available at rmwb.ca/incentives once the call for applications opens.
Once open, anyone interested is strongly encouraged to arrange a pre-application meeting with municipal staff so they can answer questions and assist with the application process. To schedule a pre-application meeting, please contact Pulse at 780-743-7000.
More information and application details will be available next week at rmwb.ca/incentives
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