Facade improvement plan presented to public

A public meeting was held June 5 for the Community Improvement Plan initiated by Clearview Township director of community services Mara Burton.

The façade improvement plan is meant to encourage the beautification of commercial areas throughout the township.

The plan is to offer businesses 50 per cent funding up to a maximum of $5,000 with an additional $2,500 for work to the side or back of the business. She said based on input the plan has been tweaked to include franchises and landscaping but they still plan to exclude banks and financial institutions.

The hope is to encourage businesses to reclaim the historical features of commercial buildings, where they exist. For example, Burton said non back-lit façade signs, projecting signs, storefront cornices, windows, glass front doors, gooseneck lighting and awnings are elements that the township is looking to fund.

Owners or tenants with permission from the owner, are eligible for one-time grants, with a minimum of $500 application.

“We only have so much money to go around,” said Burton, adding staff will be looking for applications that will have an impact on the overall look of the building. She is proposing to bring the applications to council for final approval.

Council has approved $50,000 in this year’s budget for the program. Burton said there is a possibility that staff would be ready for the first intake later this summer.

No members of the public commented on the plan at Monday’s meeting.