Two funding grants will become available for property owners and businesses downtown in April. One will focus on improving community vibrancy while the other focuses on enhancing safety and crime prevention measures.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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Local businesses and property owners downtown planning to enhance visual appeal of their commercial space will be able to apply for a City Centre Vibrancy Program grant starting in April.
The program includes two funding options up to a maximum of $30,000 per applicant to fund improvements such as fence upgrades, signage, lighting, accessibility enhancements and other efforts that contribute to a more welcoming and vibrant city centre.
The two funding options, each worth up to $15,000, will be distributed through the City of Medicine Hat’s Economic Development, as well as an opportunity to apply for matching funds through an interest-free loan of up to $15,000 provided by Community Futures Entre-Corp, with the city funding the cost of interest.
“The program provides funding to help commercial property owners and tenants make lasting improvements that strengthen the vibrancy, sustainability and livability of Medicine Hat’s city centre,” said Selena McLean-Moore, director of economic development.
This will be the second year the city has offered the grants to businesses and property owners in the core.
The application process will begin online at 8 a.m. on Apr. 1 and will be processed on a first-come, first served basis.
Additionally in April, property and business owners downtown will have the opportunity to apply for funding to purchase property improvements that enhance safety and crime prevention.
A total of $70,000 is available beginning in April to provide downtown properties a 50 per cent matching grant from between $250 to $5,000 for eligible projects on a first-come, first-served basis.
That funding is targeted toward security and safety enhancements, including exterior security lighting, fencing, shutters, shatter-proof glass, bars, gates and cameras. Other improvements may also be considered.
Applications can be completed online on the city’s Economic Development webpage beginning on Apr. 13, and will be accepted until the program runs out of funding.
