DAWSON CREEK --  Dawson Creek is looking to improve the visual appeal of its high-traffic areas and support community development with small and medium-sized business grants.

The city has partnered with the Northern Development Initiative Trust to accept applications for the Business Façade Improvement Grant.

The grant will provide a one-time 50 per cent reimbursement for a maximum limit of $5,000 per commerical building to perform aesthetic changes.

It can include improvements to signage, façades, siding, lighting, windows and architectural features, in addition to outdoor accessibility improvements, permanent or semi-permanent patios.

The program aims to empower and create a sense of belonging for the community, while promoting tourism. 

To be eligible, the business must be within the boundaries of Dawson Creek, have its property taxes paid in full, a current business licence, no outstanding permit requirements, and cannot have received funding under the program before.

Businesses must submit designs and costing for the façade upgrades they wish complete by the application deadline of April 30th, 2024.

The funding will be distributed pending a review by the Project Review Committee.

Grant monies must be used by the end of the calendar year and cannot be carried forward.

Information on guidelines and how to apply is available on the City of Dawson Creek website.