Business Beautification Pilot Program
The Town of Atikokan and Atikokan Economic Development Corporation announce a newly launched joint pilot program.
Business Beautification Pilot Program – Overview
The Town of Atikokan and the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation have launched a joint pilot project to revitalize our business community by supporting the rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, and improvement of the front, side, and rear facades of existing commercial, mixed-use, and institutional buildings, including retail storefront display areas and business signage.
Description
This pilot program will provide a grant equal to up to 50% of the cost of eligible front, side, and rear facade and storefront improvement and restoration works, to a maximum grant of $5,000 per property/project. A limited amount of funds is available.
Funding Opportunity
Get back a portion of your investment in your property’s exterior:
Grant Amount: Up to 50% of eligible costs.
Maximum Funding: Up to $5,000 per property/project.
Eligible Facades: Improvements to front, side, and rear facades are included.
Eligible Improvements
Storefronts
Masonry & Brickwork
Architectural Details
Surface Treatments
Lighting
Signage
Other similar exterior repairs and improvements may also be considered for approval. See the detailed description of eligible improvements below.
Program Requirements
Eligibility: Open to existing commercial, mixed-use and institutional buildings on commercially zoned properties within the Town of Atikokan.
Phased Projects: Applications for phased improvements may be considered.
Location: Eligible buildings must be located on commercially-zoned properties within the Town of Atikokan.
Approval: Subject to general program requirements. AEDC is responsible for receiving, reviewing, and approving applications, subject to the availability of funding approved by Council.
Applicants are eligible to apply for funding under this program, subject to meeting the general program requirements, the following program requirements, and subject to the availability of funding as approved by Council.
The following types of building facade improvement work on existing commercial, mixed use, and institutional buildings are considered eligible for a grant under this program:
repair or replacement of storefront, including windows, doors, awnings and canopies;
repair, repainting, or installation of new masonry and brickwork;
repair or replacement of cornices, parapets, eaves, soffits and other architectural details;
facade painting, cleaning, treatments, and refinishing as deemed acceptable;
addition of new lighting/upgrading of existing lighting fixtures on exterior facade and in entrance and storefront display areas;
repair, installation, and improvement of exterior signage; and,
other similar exterior repairs/improvements as deemed acceptable.
Combining Funding Programs
The Business Beautification Pilot Program may be combined with the AEDC Façade Improvement Loan Program to support eligible façade improvement projects.
Learn more about the loan program
and access the
Important: Applicants interested in combining support from both programs must discuss their proposed funding request with the AEDC team before submitting an application.
How to Apply
Ready to improve your storefront? Follow these steps:
- Review the Overview on this page and the Business Beautification Pilot Program – Eligibility, Guidelines & Scoring, available for download in the Downloads section.
- Contact AEDC: email [email protected] and CC [email protected], or call us at (807) 597-2757.
- Download and complete the application form available in the Downloads section.
The Overview, Eligibility Guidelines, and Application Form are also available from AEDC staff upon request.
