Northern Rockies Regional

Municipality Municipal Office 5319 -

50th Avenue South Bag Service 399, Fort

Nelson, BC V0C 1R0

Tel 250.774.2541 Fax 250.774.6794 www.northernrockies.ca

Business Façade Improvement Program

Purpose

The physical environment in which we live and work has a great effect on us. A community that is more

appealing and interesting to the eye gives its residents a greater sense of place. The program is aimed

to provide grant funding to business owners to improve retail and commercial building frontages. It is

envisioned that the program will help enhance the community as an appealing, interesting, and friendly

place to do business, visit and live.

By facilitating improvements to business façades, business areas can become more appealing to

consumers, thereby increasing the marketability of commercial spaces, assisting in business retention

and providing a better sense of pride within the community to retain both current and future residents.

Timeframe and Dates

Applications will be accepted in a first come order starting in February or as soon as program funding is

secured. Projects must be able to prove work started by July 31st

. If work has not been started the

allocated grant funding may be redistributed to projects on a waiting list. All projects must be complete

and verification of expenses and payment must be submitted to the NRRM by October 31st.

Grant Amount Eligibility

The program can provide grants for up to 50% to a maximum of $5,000 per business.

Eligible Properties

Existing buildings within the Commercial Development Permit Areas as per Northern Rockies Official

Community Plan bylaw #64, 2011. Includes Downtown Commercial, Gateway Commercial & Highway Commercial Development Permit Areas, please see map attachment. A business can only receive the maximum grant of $5,000 once.

Eligible Applicants You must be either the property owner or business owner (if the applicant is the business owner, the

property owner must approve the application in writing and confirm that all improvements are to be

paid for by the applicant);

Not for profits as tenants

All property taxes pertaining to the property are fully paid and current;

There must be a current, valid business licenses for the property (unless otherwise exempt);

There must be no outstanding building permits, stop work orders, or development permit condition

requirements outstanding; and

You have not received the maximum grant under this program for the subject property.

Ineligible Applicants Residential homes located in the designated commercial area are not eligible;

Municipally owned buildings;

Properties outside the specified area (please see attached map);

Non-operating business

Eligible Façade Improvements Eligible improvements may consist of but are not limited to: Exterior lighting (new but not replacement)

Exterior architectural features

Exterior surfaces and details (decorative details, moldings, trims etc.)

Windows (new but not replacement)

New siding

Façade painting

Entrances and doorways (new but not replacement)

Awnings

Signage attached to façade and directional signage

Accessibility improvements (part of a larger façade improvement project)

Ineligible Façade Improvements The following are improvements are ineligible: Routine maintenance

Structural repairs

Roofs

Patios

Impermanent fixtures

Interior improvements

Any improvements not visible from the public right of way

Construction of additions, accessory buildings or new buildings

Non-permanent fixtures (benches, planters, patios, patio heaters etc.)

Landscaping

Paving

Fencing

Any improvements that have been started prior to application approval

Eligible Costs/ Expenses Direct project labour costs

Design, architectural or engineering fees

Contractor fees

Rental of tools and equipment

Project related materials and supplies

Ineligible Costs/ Expenses Staff wages and/or benefits

Expenses related to improvement to the building façade not visible from the public right of way

Utilities (hydro, gas etc.)

Equipment purchased

GST/PST

Duties

Shipping cost

Permit fees

Façade improvements expenses started prior to application approval

Application and Program Process

1. Read the program guide for details on eligibility and application requirements.

2. Apply for all necessary permits including development permit, building permit, and /or sign

permit.

3. Once permits have been approved, submit a complete Business Façade Improvement Program

application to the Municipal Office.

4. The application will be approved or rejected based on eligibility requirements, the scope of the

project and funding availability.

5. Once the application has been approved the applicant will be contacted to come in and sign a Letter

of Understanding which will detail the façade improvement project including all relevant

attachments included in application (drawings, color swatches, etc), total cost, anticipated

completion date, and the amount of the grant offered.

6. Project construction can start providing all other necessary permits have been acquired.

7. If projects cannot prove work started by July 31st, the funding may be reallocated to a project on the waiting list.

8. Upon project completion, business owner must provide verification of expenses and payments and

‘after’ pictures (JPEG format) to the NRRM.

9. Northern Rockies staff will verify that the completed project renovations meet the details and

requirements in the Letter of Understanding and will then approve reimbursement.

10. Reimbursement cheque will then be prepared and mailed to the business owner.

11. Business owner will be asked to provide a testimonial for year-end reporting and program

evaluation.

Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Municipal Office 5319 - 50th Avenue South

Bag Service 399, Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1R0

Tel 250.774.2541 Fax 250.774.6794 www.northernrockies.ca

Building Address:

Email: Phone:

Property Owners Name:

Email: Phone:

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Business Façade Improvement Program:

Grant Application

Applicant Name:

Mailing Address:

Letter of Authorization Attached: Yes No

Proposed Start Date:

Planned Completion Date:

Estimated Total Project Cost:

PROJECT COST BREAKDOWN

Costs (estimates)

Design/Architectural $

Mechanical/Electrical $

Structural $

Materials/ Supplies $

Other $

I, , of have read the complete (Applicant) (Business/Building)

application and concur with and give my consent to the work proposed in the application.

I assume all responsibility for obtaining appropriate architectural drawings, building permits and inspections, and hiring of contractors as necessary.

I agree not to involve the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) in any legal action between myself and any contractors, estimators, employees, workers or agents arising from or out of the Business Façade Improvement Program.

I give consent to the NRRM to make all inspections necessary to confirm that the approved plans are implemented in accordance with expected standards.

Payment of approved grants will be made upon the applicant providing proof of final completion of the proposed improvements along with verifications of expenditures and proof of final inspection (when required).

APPLICANT CHECKLIST ATTACH TO APPLICATION

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Property Taxes Paid Photos of Existing Conditions (jpeg format) Utility Taxes Paid Detailed Specifications and Associated Costs License Fees Paid Cost Estimates from Contractors Required Permits Approved Drawings, Materials, and Colour Samples

Property Owners Authorization

Signature:

Printed Name: Date:

Representative/Contact:

Of: Tel. No.

Email:

Please check where applicable

To represent me in an application for:

Buildin

(please specify)

Civic files Specific Property Information as per a PIR Other (please specify)

Owner’s Information

Property Information (as indicated on BC Land Title Certificate)

I am the owner of the above referenced property and hereby authorize:

g Permit Application Demolition Permit Application Sign Permit Application Land Use Application Business Façade Improvement Program Other

Date:

Letter of Authorization