PRESS RELEASE

Financial Incentives Available for Business Façade Improvements

KITIMAT, BC – The District of Kitimat is presently seeking businesses interested in applying to the 2018 Kitimat Business Façade Improvement Program. This program provides annual grant funding for local businesses and commercial landowners who make improvements to the exteriors of their businesses.  The program is made possible through an annual contribution of $20,000 from Northern Development Initiative Trust, supporting local economic and community development by encouraging private sector investment towards improving the aesthetics of our community.  Approved applications are eligible for a 50% reimbursement, up to a maximum of $5,000, towards offsetting the cost of making improvements to the exterior of their buildings. Applications are processed on a first come, first serve basis.

In 2017, the program was nearly fully subscribed as over $16,000 in grant money was distributed to four local businesses that invested in façade improvements and subsequently helped to enhance the appeal of our community.

For more information on the 2018 Business Façade Improvement Program visit www.kitimat.ca or contact the District of Kitimat Business and Communications Manager, Josh Marsh at jmarsh@kitimat.ca or 250-632-8900.

Quotes

“The Business Façade Improvement Program through the District of Kitimat helped make our transition from Peoples Pharmacy to Rainforest Wellness Pharmacy much easier. The grant helped cut down on our cost for changing our sign and exterior window graphics, which is a big expense to a small business. It was easy to apply for the grant and we had great support from the staff at the District office to make the process run as smoothly as possible. “- Paul Sherman, Rainforest Wellness Pharmacy

“The District of Kitimat responded quickly to our application.  They approved the color we wanted.  As soon as we had paid the painting company, the District was able reimburse us half the total amount.  It was a big help to us to improve the building.  It looks fresh and gives a sense of life to our corner of the downtown area. “- Andrea DeSousa, Vitality

“We are grateful for the funds available to the businesses in the community because it makes those extra jobs more affordable to accomplish. Thanks to the Business Façade Improvement Program grant we were able to give our store front the perfect face lift it needed.”- Pina VandenAdel, Leavitt Machinery

“We are pleased to continue to work with Northern Development Initiative Trust to deliver this fantastic opportunity to the business community in Kitimat again in 2018. The Business Façade Improvement Program provides businesses and community organizations a much needed financial break when they make improvements to the exterior of their businesses. At the same time the program encourages private investment in exterior building improvements, which improves the curb appeal and aesthetics of our entire community. With LNG potentially being on our doorsteps, I would encourage any local business thinking about making façade improvements to go for it and take advantage of this incentive program before it fully subscribes.” – Josh Marsh, District of Kitimat Business and Communications Manager

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Josh Marsh
Business and Communications Manager
District of Kitimat
250-632-8900
jmarsh@kitimat.ca

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