The Red Deer Downtown Business Association continues to dangle a carrot in front of building owners who might be contemplating exterior improvements to their downtown premises.
The association’s board has decided to extend its Facade and Shopfront Improvement Program to 2012.
Under the program, which was launched a year ago, the DBA provides matching funds of up to $5,000 for projects that enhance the appearance of building facades‚ such as new signage.
“It has been successful,” said DBA executive director Graham Barclay.
“A lot of people took advantage of it.”
Barclay added that about 90 per cent of the $30,000 allocated to the program last year was claimed.
Although it’s too early to comment on the amount of money that will be earmarked for the Facade and Shopfront Improvement Program for 2012, Barclay said he’s expecting a high participation rate. He pointed to the Gaetz Avenue revitalization project and improvements already completed in the area as motivating factors.
“If everybody else in the downtown is doing it, you’d better do it as well,” he said. “There’s a little bit of peer pressure, I would think too.”
The Facade and Shopfront Improvement Program was implemented after the Red Deer Main Street Project wrapped up. The Main Street Project provided provincial-municipal matching grants for revitalization work on historic buildings, and was admininstered by the DBA.
Additional information about the Facade and Shopfront Improvement Program can be obtained online at ` or by contacting the DBA at 403-340-8696.