Downtown Revitalization Incentives Program

The Façade Improvement Grant provides a financial incentive to make improvements to the exteriors or ‘façades’ of eligible buildings. Improvements may include new cladding or architectural features, reconfigured entrances, new window and doors, lighting, signage, weather protection and upgrades to improve accessibility. Improvements are focused on façades that face towards the street; however, other façades may be eligible.

A pre-application meeting is strongly encouraged.

Program Guidelines

Application Form

Attachment 1- Letter of Authorization

The Interior Improvements Grant provides a financial incentive to ­­­­upgrade the interiors of existing eligible buildings. Renovations will help improve the downtown’s aging building stock, attract new businesses to vacant spaces and retain existing tenants.

A pre-application meeting is strongly encouraged.

Program Guidelines

Application Form

Attachment 1- Letter of Authorization

The Beautification Projects Grant supports business and property owners in making visual enhancements to increase downtown vibrancy. The grant encourages the following projects:

• Beautification (storefront) improvements, which includes window displays, planters and holiday lighting to increase curb appeal.

A pre-application meeting is strongly encouraged.

Program Guidelines

Application Form

Attachment 1- Letter of Authorization

The Murals Grant encourages business and property owners to engage a locally involved artist and create beautiful artwork on a property structure or building.

A pre-application meeting is strongly encouraged.

Program Guidelines

Application Form

Attachment 1- Letter of Authorization

The Patio Grant provides funding to assist downtown businesses with the development of a new or improved patio. Patios must be an outdoor extension of a food establishment, such as a restaurant or café, and be open to the public. Patios can help create attractive, lively and pedestrian-friendly downtown streets. The Patio Grant encourages businesses to utilize underused, privately-owned space or municipal land, where feasible and safe.

A pre-application meeting is strongly encouraged.

Program Guidelines

Application Form

Attachment 1- Letter of Authorization

The Premises Improvement Grant supports business owners and property owners in making improvements to their properties or premises areas. The premise is the area of the property excluding building footprints. The Grant encourages the following projects:

• Parking lot improvements, including repaving/resurfacing, improved connectivity and accessibility improvements.
• Drainage, grading and erosion-related improvements.
• New amenities, including bicycle racks and benches.
• Landscaping

A pre-application meeting is strongly encouraged.

Program Guidelines

Application Form

Attachment 1- Letter of Authorization

The Municipality consulted with the public and the results supported to continue the Downtown Revitalization Incentives Program. We also recognize that while not everyone was in a position to participate previously in the Program (i.e., general timing of program launch, finances, waiting on insurance, etc.), there is a growing interest for applications and Council has supported the extension of the program.

• April 30, 2023 – Closing date for applications.
• Construction must be completed within 12 months of entering into an executed agreement with the Municipality.

The agreement sets out the applicant’s responsibilities and the terms and conditions for receiving the grant. It is signed by both the applicant and the Municipality. Once signed by both parties, work on the grant funded project may begin. 

Yes, but there are limitations. Applicants that received a grant in 2020 will be unable to request additional reimbursement for their project or make further applications for work that is already subject to an executed agreement. For example, applicants who spent $300,000 on renovations may not request further reimbursement or submit another application that includes any portion of this work.

In some instances, a building that received a certain grant may not be able to apply for the same grant again:

• Façade Improvement Grant – Buildings that received this grant in 2020 may not apply for another façade grant.
• Interior Improvements Grant –
  • Single occupancy buildings that received this grant in 2020 may not apply again.
  • In multi-tenant buildings, a new application may be submitted for a different space/unit not previously improved.
• Patio Grant – A different food establishment may apply. Previous recipients are ineligible to apply again.

Yes. Applicants may apply for more than one grant type, subject to additional eligibility requirements for each grant. For example, a building owner may apply to upgrade their façade, complete interior renovations and make exterior improvements. Separate applications must be submitted for each grant being requested.

Yes. If you are not the property owner (the person(s) or organization listed on the land title), you will need to include a letter of permission from the property owner(s) with your application. The Application Form includes a Letter of Authorization for the property owner to complete.

The grants are generally offered as 50 per cent matching reimbursement grant. A “matching” grant means that the Municipality will pay for half of the eligible costs (to the maximum allowed by each grant). A “reimbursement” grant means that applicants receive funding after their projects are complete and verified by the Municipality.

As per Council’s motion on April 13, 2021, the Patio Grant and the Murals Grant will be offered as a 75 per cent reimbursement grant. All other grants are offered at a rate of 50 percent.

No. Administration explored this option and it was determined to be not possible for following reasons:

• Administration does not have the resources (i.e., staffing) to offer phased payments, which requires review of period invoices and potential inspections.
• Providing upfront grants remains a risk that projects will not be completed, as approved.

In most cases, no. Work and expenses incurred before applicants enter into an agreement with the Municipality are not eligible. However, exceptions include professional fees necessary to make an application (for example, engineering or design professional fees). Exceptions have also been made to allow Patio Grant and Beautification Project Grant applicants to get a head start on their projects. Costs incurred up to six (6) months before applying will be eligible. See program guidelines for details. 

Yes, professional fees are eligible for reimbursement to a maximum of 15 percent of the total project cost (eligible materials and labour), before GST.

While the program is intended to spur downtown revitalization, expenses pertaining to the restoration of damage caused by the recent flooding will not be eligible. Assistance is available through the Government of Alberta’s Disaster Recovery Program. Once restoration work is complete, the Municipality encourages applicants wishing to make improvements under the Downtown Revitalization Incentives Program to apply.

Yes. Depending on the project, municipal permits may be required. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Municipality to obtain advice on permitting and municipal requirements prior to applying for a grant. Permits must be obtained prior to starting construction. 

Your project may require:

• Business License
• Development Permits
• Building Permits
• Trades Permits (e.g., electrical, plumbing, ventilation)
• Permission to occupy municipal lands (License of Occupation, Utility Installation & Street Occupancy Permit)
• Permission to construct a structure above municipal land (Encroachment Agreement)

Patio developments may also require a Food Handling Permit from Alberta Health Services (AHS), and a Liquor License from the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC).