Applications are open.
The Downtown Revitalization Incentives Program aims to help eligible businesses experience the many benefits of upgrading their building façade, interior spaces and more
Grants Book an appointment FAQs
What are incentives and how do they work?
The program offers various grants to help downtown businesses, commercial property owners, and community organizations improve their building and its surrounding area. The objective of the program is to support the transformation of downtown into a safe and welcoming place where people want to spend time. The program will leverage public funding to:
- Enhance the aesthetic qualities of buildings and properties
- Encourage the reuse of vacant buildings
- Increase the safety and security of private buildings and commercial storefronts
- Improve the accessibility of private buildings and commercial storefront
Grants
Please contact us if you have questions about the application process.
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Improve building exteriors (façades) options ranging from $5,000 per storefront to $65,000 per building |
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The façade improvement grant supports renovations to building façades in eligible commercial, institutional, mixed-use, and apartment buildings. Projects can range from small-scale improvements on individual business storefronts to comprehensive façade renovations that transform entire buildings. A pre-application meeting is strongly encouraged. |
| Upgrade building interiors. Options ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 per unit |
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The interior improvement grant supports renovations to building interiors in eligible commercial, institutional, and mixed-use (street-level commercial portions) buildings. Depending on the occupancy status of the unit, different funding options are available for vacant and occupied units. A pre-application meeting is strongly encouraged. |
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Murals by local artists. Up to $30,000 per building |
| The murals grant supports new murals on eligible commercial, institutional, mixed-use, and apartment buildings. The grant is intended to improve the look and feel of the building . Murals should be completed by a “locally involved artist”. This grant is reimbursed at a rate of 75%.
A pre-application meeting is strongly encouraged. |
| Improve the land surrounding the building. Up to $40,000, depending on the premises size |
| The premises improvement grant supports property owners in making improvements to their premises areas. The "premises” is the area of the property excluding any buildings or structures. This grant supports improvements to landscaping areas, accessibility and safety (crime prevention), and more.
A pre-application meeting is strongly encouraged. |
Book a pre-application meeting
Pre-application meetings are strongly encouraged. To do this you can call Pulse at 780-743-7000 or Toll Free: 1-800-973-9663 or email incentives@rmwb.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
| How is the funding provided? |
| 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 after projects are complete and verified by the Municipality. |
| Can I apply if my project is already complete? |
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No. The program does not provide retroactive funding. Applicants must apply, receive approval, and sign the grant agreement before work may begin. |
| How long do I have to complete my project? |
| Applicants have 18 months to complete their projects from the date the grant agreement is signed by all parties. |
| How do I apply? |
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Completed applications can be submitted by email to incentives@rmwb.ca or dropped-off in-person at 9909 Franklin Avenue, Fort McMurray, AB, T9H 2K4. Please ensure your application contains all documents listed on the application form checklist. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. |
| How long do I have to complete the works if my application is approved? |
| From the date when your application is approved, you will have 18 months to complete the works. |
| Any other inquiries about DRIP? |
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Please contact Pulse Line: 780-743-7000 or Toll Free: 1-800-973-9663 |