Properties approved for facade improvements

Eight properties have been approved for funding under the inaugural Community Improvement Grant process to incentivize the façade improvement of local businesses.

New signage was approved for Heirloom 142 and Lagom 142 in Creemore. Façade improvements were approved for Clearview Auto Centre, on County Road 9 in New Lowell.

Six of the grants will go to Stayner businesses fronting onto Highway 26, including Sassenach, Ancient Traditions, Exit Realty, Billy Hill Pine, Knit’n Kaboodle and a vacant storefront at 7289 Highway 26.

The Community Improvement Plan, proposed by Clearview’s manager of community services Mara Burton, was approved in June. Twenty applications were received in the first round of applications.

Burton said staff would like to work with the applicants of the remaining applications and provide some guidance toward a resubmission in the spring of 2018.

The plan allows for up to 50 per cent funding for grants for façade improvements for commercial and industrial type properties in the downtowns and entrances to settlement areas, reported Burton. The maximum grant is $5,000 for a front façade and $2,500 for a side façade facing a street or rear façade in the downtown that is highly visible.

This year’s grants total $24,688.