Façade Improvement Program

 

The Façade and Signage Improvement Program provides funding grants to help commercial property owners and tenants make improvements to the exterior façades of their properties. The goal is to stimulate commercial building improvements, promote investment and enhance the economic vitality of Downtown Truro. This program is offered in partnership with the Town of Truro.

We recognize that the image of Downtown Truro is an important economic development tool. Our historic buildings, available amenity spaces, green spaces, and social interaction spaces are important assets that help define the image and atmosphere for people living, working, and shopping in our downtown core.

In partnership with the Town of Truro, we’re offering the 2023 Façade & Signage Improvement Program to provide funding grants that help commercial property owners and tenants make improvements to the exterior appearance of their properties. Our goal is to stimulate commercial building improvements, promote investment and enhance the economic vitality of Downtown Truro.

The program can provide a reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible cost, up to a maximum of $1,000 per approved property, towards approved renovations. The amount is based on the applicant matching the amount in pre-approved expenses for the proposed and approved renovations. It is the intent of the program to maximize the number of building façades eligible to ensure larger exposure to the program.

Façade and storefront improvements will be: 

  • Subject to the availability of existing funding;
  • Approved on a case-by-case basis to applications which best meet, in the opinion of the FSIP Committee, the criteria and objectives outlined in the FSIP design guidelines;
  • Subject to review and approval by the FSIP Committee;
  • Subject to an agreement between the applicant and the Downtown Truro Partnership;
  • Issued as a reimbursement payment upon project completion.

This program is intended to: 

  • Stimulate commercial building improvements, promote investment and enhance the physical appearance and economic viability of Downtown Truro;
  • Promote an incentive for owners of commercial properties to undertake a high-quality project restoring their storefronts;
  • Make positive, high-impact visual improvements to commercial building facades, providing an overall enhanced image for Downtown Truro, thereby attracting residents and visitors to shop, dine and conduct business downtown;
  • Encourage building façade restoration and maintenance.

Within the framework of the FSIP, there are a range of architectural components and various design elements which may be incorporated to add interest, complexity and diversity to building façade. Examples include:

Facade Improvement Inclusions

Successful projects will strive to improve the exterior appearance, design and function of a building by:

  • Exposing and restoring unique architectural details that have been hidden by previous construction.
  • Coordinating improvements with neighbouring buildings and the unique character of the neighbourhood business area.
  • Adding visual interest and variety at the sidewalk level, emphasizing active storefronts, orienting windows and doorways to the street.
  • Undertaking the cleaning of the building exterior, repainting faded/peeling paint, repairing damaged areas of the façade.
  • Improve lighting, signage and accessibility.
  • Providing commitment of ongoing maintenance and upkeep of completed projects.

All non-residential buildings within the Urban Regional Core (URC) of Downtown Truro are eligible for funding assistance through the FSIP. A portion of the property must be assessed as commercial for tax classification purposes. Rebates only apply to façades that face public streets. To determine if your building qualifies, please contact Saribel Deslauriers: saribel@downtowntruro.ca or (902) 895-9258.

URC Area

 
 
 

Key Facts

  • $50,000 was allocated to the program in 2019. The Downtown Truro Partnership contributed $35,000 and the Town of Truro contributed $15,000.
  • 27 Commercial Properties accessed the program in 2019. In 2019, the program reimbursed up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $2,000 per project. A total of $32,249.20 in grants was issued through the program in 2019.
  • $5,000 in additional funding was allocated to the program in 2020. The Downtown Truro Partnership contributed $2,500 and the Town of Truro contributed $2,500.
  • 9 Commercial Properties accessed the program in 2020. In 2020, the program reimbursed up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $1,000 per project. A total of $5,631.77 in grants was issued through the program in 2020.
  • 8 Commercial Properties accessed the program in 2021. In 2021, the program reimbursed up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $1,000 per project. A total of $6,386.99 in grants was issued through the program in 2021.
  • 3 Commercial Properties accessed the program in 2022. In 2022, the program reimbursed up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $1,000 per project. A total of $1,030.00 in grants was issued through the program in 2022.
  • 3 Commercial Properties accessed the program in 2023. In 2023, the program reimbursed up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $1,000 per project. A total of $1,975.50 in grants was issued through the program in 2023.
  • In 2024, the program will reimburse 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $1,000 per approved project.
 

Application Process

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Submit An Application

Includes: Before photos, scope of work, quotes, and application information.

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Application Review

The Façade Committee will review applications as they are received. Funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis for qualifying applications.

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Application Decision

If your application is not approved, the Façade Committee will identify which elements are missing and requirements for resubmission if funding is still available.

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Submit Façade Project Final Report

Includes: After photos, proof of payment, work verification.

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Final Report Review

The Façade Committee will review your final project report.

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Payment Issued

We will issue a cheque for scope of work for the pre-approved amount up to a maximum of $1,000 per civic address upon completion of the façade project.

Application Timeline

April 1, 2024
Start
Applications Open
Calendar

Acceptance of applications from all partners

February 2
Next
Applications Closed
Calendar

Application acceptance is closed until the following year

January 31
Next
Applications Completion
Calendar Close

Compilation of submitted applications and preparation for the final report

March 30
End
Deadline for Final Report
Open Calendar

Final report preparation and publication

Façade Improvement Application Form
Please note this is NOT a Development or Building Permit Application. Permits for signs, exterior or interior renovations, including building permits and development permits, remain the responsibility of the building/property owner.
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Name
Are you the owner of the commercial property for which you are submitting this façade improvement application?

Project Address

This civic address of the commercial property that will receive the proposed façade improvements.
Address

Planning Information

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
Please upload a detailed description of the façade improvements you are proposing.
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
Please upload photos of your building, along with any relevant building details.
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
Please upload a detailed line-item budget for the proposed project.
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
Please upload illustrations, drawings, or sketches of the proposed project including color scheme and key features to be preserved.
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
Please upload a schedule showing the start and end dates for the project.
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
Please upload at least two professional quotes for work to be completed under the grant.

Building Information

Heritage Buildings
Current Building Use
Please provide a list of current building tenants.

Acknowledgements

A description of the materials to be used on the exterior following the guidelines of the Façade & Signage Improvement Program is available on this website, under the program information section.

Application Acknowledgement

I understand that my submission of an application does not constitute a guarantee for funding under the FSIP. I certify that all information is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge, and if approved, work will be completed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Reimbursement Agreement I will enter into with the Downtown Truro Partnership.

Property Owner Acknowledgement

In the instance when the Property Owner is NOT the Applicant: In addition to the above, I acknowledge that I am acting with the permission of the Property Owner and that the required Letter of Permission is attached.

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
Sign Application

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