City of Prince Rupert opens application period for Business Facade funding program

Storefronts along the 600 Block of Third West in Prince Rupert

With a Declaration that "Prince Rupert is Open for Business", the 2024 intake program for funding applications for the City of Prince Rupert Business Façade improvement program opened on Thursday.

In their information release from February 1st, Paul Venditelli, the Director of Economic Development and Transportation noted of the opportunity that the program provides to support local business towards improvements to their property.

“One of the most consistent messages we hear from residents is that they want to see more community pride in the downtown. We don’t own the buildings, but this program is a way for us to support building and business owners in making the changes the community wants to see. We also have a number of other initiatives that we offer to businesses to help ease the up front costs of improvements. "

Towards the 2024 program the City of Prince Rupert will provide a percentage to a maximum of 50% reimbursement grant up to a maximum of $5,000 per building/project to improve the facades of existing buildings. 

To qualify the buildings must be located in the Downtown or Cow Bay Development Permit Areas 

The program is a joint initiative for the City with partners at Northern Development Investment Trust, which is providing for the 20,000 dollars in funds that will be available.

“The Business Façade Improvement Program is an excellent way for local governments and local businesses to work together to not only enhance their downtown, but also build confidence and pride within the community,”  -- Joel McKay, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust.

More on the Business Façade funding and how to apply can be reviewed here.

Thursday's launch came with a slide show presentation of some of the other incentive programs for business owners in the community.

You can learn more about those in more detail here.

A look at the focus for the Economic Development Office can be explored through the PREDO Social Media Stream

Additional themes of note from City Hall can be reviewed here.

The City's façade program is not the only funding opportunity available, last month North Coast Regional District announced their own business program, it is funded through NDIT as well.

More notes on the City's Commercial sector can be reviewed here.