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:
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.
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
Submit An Application
Includes: Before photos, scope of work, quotes, and application information.
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.
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.
Submit Façade Project Final Report
Includes: After photos, proof of payment, work verification.
Final Report Review
The Façade Committee will review your final project report.
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
Applications Open
September 30, 2024
Applications Close
December 31, 2024
Project Completion
January 30, 2025
Deadline for Final Report
2024 Façade Improvement Program
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.
Information collected in this application form is confidential and collected for the purpose of administering the Façade Improvement Program and maintaining communications as considered necessary. Please note: the name and location of the buildings and facade improvement designs may be released to various organizations, the media, and the public, insofar that the building received a grant under the Downtown Truro Partnership’s Façade Improvement Program.
Application including written cost estimates must be submitted prior to the commencement of any work. Applicants are responsible for receiving all required municipal or government-related permits. An FSIP reimbursement agreement is NOT a development or building permit. All work must be completed in accordance with the agreement before a grant cheque is issued. If a tenant is applying, the property owner / landlord must approve and sign the application. Payment of claims is contingent upon work completion, submission of detailed form and copies of all invoices to the FSIP Committee, in accordance with the agreement.