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Facade and Storefront Improvement Program

What does it do?

This program is for commercial storefronts located within Target Areas, which are located within Business Revitalization Zones (BRZ).

The Façade and Storefront Improvement Program encourages commercial building owners to invest in façade renovations and storefront upgrades by providing matching grants to cover a portion of renovation costs.

These grants provide an incentive to conduct building improvements that make streets a more interesting and appealing environment, and attract people and businesses to the area.

This program is intended to:

• Make city streets a more inviting and interesting place to walk and shop.
• Help building owners attract and retain tenants.
• Build civic pride among the local business community.
• Contribute to the quality of life of residents, workers and visitors.
• Promote the marketability of the local business area.

Taipan Café, 10627 – 97 Street

Myhre’s Music, 8735 – 118 Avenue

Exterior improvements encouraged by this program help make buildings more interesting, showcase merchandise and services, and produce an attractive final product.

Taipan Café, 10627 – 97 Street
Façade improvement completed 2011

Myhre’s Music, 8735 – 118 Avenue
Façade improvement completed 2007

How does it work?

Successful projects will strive to improve the exterior appearance, design and function of a building by:

• Exposing unique architectural details that have been hidden by previous attempts to modernize the façade
• Improving the interior view of shops and restaurants through the use of clear glass and storefront designs that make use of window display areas
• Coordinating façade improvements with neighbouring buildings and the unique character of the neighbourhood business area
• Adding visual interest and variety at the sidewalk level by emphasizing active storefronts and orienting windows and doorways to the street
• Undertaking general cleaning of the building exterior by repainting faded and peeling paint, repairing damaged areas of the façade and restoring unique architectural features

The program can provide reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of eligible renovations, up to a maximum of $30,000 per building. Corner buildings with two street-facing facades could be eligible for up to $60,000 in matching grants.

Façade and storefront improvement proposals will be:

• Reviewed on a case by case basis
• Subject to approval by a Review Committee
• Subject to a legal agreement between the building owner and the City
• Issued a cheque upon project completion and final inspection by the City

What are the Program Design Guidelines?

Projects are required to reflect principles of good design. Applications should address the design criteria outlined in the Program Information Package, as this will assist in securing approval of your application by the Project Review Committee.

Eligible Work:

• Design and architectural fees (to a maximum)
• Restoration of exterior finishes and repainting
• Repair or replacement of storefront windows and doors
• New storefront window openings and new doorways
• Exterior lighting
• Interior window display areas and lighting
• Creation of new retail bays in an existing building
• Removal and disposal of roll-down grilles, broken signage and fixtures
• Installation and design of awnings
• Signs that are uniquely designed and integrated into building architecture
• Removal of exterior materials that cover architectural details
• New architectural details such as entryway features and cornices
• Addition of patio areas and permanent landscaping elements (to a maximum)
• Removal of barriers to access for people with disabilities and mobility challenges

The above list is not all-encompassing. Other improvements could be eligible if they meet the objectives of the Program Design Guidelines and Policy criteria.

Development, Building, and Sign Permits are required where applicable.

For more information:

Manager, Facade Improvement Program