Deadline: September 15, 2025
The City of Dawson Creek, in partnership with Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT), has opened the second intake period for the 2025 Business Façade Improvement Program, available until September 15, 2025.
The focus of the program is to encourage downtown business owners to update their storefronts, keep the downtown core looking fresh, and support exterior enhancements through funding assistance.
Business owners can receive a grant of up to $5,000 towards exterior upgrades, but all applicants must submit designs and costing for their proposed projects before beginning any work. Tenants must receive landlord approval prior to making changes. Eligible applicants include property owners, business owners with written approval from property owners, non-profit and enterprising non-profits, and certain home-based businesses with commercial zoning or a storefront within the designated program area.
Ineligible applicants include residential homes, apartment buildings, government-owned properties, businesses outside the specified program area, vacant properties without ongoing improvements, and new construction projects. Applicants must also be current on property taxes, business licenses, and permits, with no outstanding compliance issues.
Eligible improvements under the program include exterior lighting, architectural features, new siding, façade painting, entrances and doorways as part of larger enhancements, windows, awnings, signage, accessibility upgrades, patios, and wayfinding signage. Ineligible works include routine maintenance, roofing, landscaping, fencing, paving, interior improvements, structural repairs, and additions or new constructions. Only enhancements visible from the public right of way are allowed.
Eligible costs cover direct labour, project-related designs or engineering fees, contractor fees, equipment rental, materials, supply costs, shipping, freight, and PST. Costs that do not qualify include wages, benefits, utilities, equipment purchases, duties, permit fees, GST, and costs for improvements not visible from public areas or started before application approval.
Applications must be submitted to the City’s Administration Department and must meet all stated guidelines and eligibility conditions.
For more information, visit City of Dawson Creek.
