Purpose

The physical environment in which we live and work has a great effect on us. A community that is more appealing to the eye gives its citizens a greater sense of place and welcomes visitors, and for a city’s commercial areas, one of the strongest determinants of the character and quality is its building frontages.

The City of Port Alberni in partnership with Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot are pleased to provide this program to give monetary assistance and design services as an incentive to building/business owners, to improve the character and physical appearance of their buildings. The program guidelines are intended to set a quality standard for the types of improvements, and act as a guide for application review by the Project Review Committee (PRC).

NOTE: Intake for the next round will be announced in spring 2020. 

Project Review Committee

The PRC consists of 3 to 5 representatives from the City of Port Alberni and Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot.

The objective of this program is to make significant improvements to the appearance of our streetscapes, even if it is just one building at a time. Should the PRC deem that the proposed project does not have a positive impact on the streetscape the application may be denied.

Program

Each retail and commercial building within the City of Port Alberni is eligible to apply for the one time grant and each project must have a minimum total renovation cost of $5,000 in order to apply.

The Business Façade Improvement Program (BFIP) will provide grant funding and design services to BFIP approved applicants.

Grant Funding will provide 50% reimbursement grant up to a maximum of:

 $5,000 per building / project for single face improvement

 $7,500 per building / project - corner lot, two face improvement

 Additional $1,000 to buildings facing upper 3rd Ave., lower Argyle St. and lower Johnston Rd. (still within 50% maximum)

Approved BFIP businesses are required to complete façade improvement by a predetermined date. 

BFIP Design Services will provide an architect to create a design in consideration of the applicant’s budget. This service is provided at no charge to the applicant and is a requirement of the BFIP.

A BFIP Loan Program with competitive terms will be made available though Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot for approved proponents requiring a loan to participate. Some conditions may apply.

General Guidelines

The BFIP is primarily focused on the physical appearance of the buildings and their relationship to the street. Facades and storefronts of retail and commercial buildings are to be considered.

As limited funds are available, projects will be considered on anticipated results to the Program and community.

Buildings that have previously received the façade improvement grant shall not be eligible to receive a subsequent BFIP grant. This is a one-time grant only.