Echo Lacombe Association has a project to encourage and provide downtown businesses a chance to improve the appearance of their buildings.

If approved the business can utilize grant dollars, up to a maximum of $2,000.00

The program provides an incentive for downtown business owners to invest in facade renovations and some interior upgrades. The improvements are intended to complement initiatives recommended within the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (DARP).

One of the main goals of the program is to promote the viability of retail and commercial businesses Help building owners to attract and retain tenants.

Who can apply?

  • Any business within the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan Area may apply.
  • The applicant must be either the property owner or a designated person who has the written authority from the owner to submit the application and/or so administer this project
  • The buildings must be used primarily for retail and commercial purposes. The selection committee has some discretion to include projects that are institutional, non- profit and/or accommodate non-commercial uses that contribute to the activity on the commercial main street.
  • The project must conform to the Program Design Standards

What kind of projects fall under this program?

  • Lighting
  • Exterior walls
  • Windows
  • Doors
  • Storefronts
  • Entryways
  • Awnings/Canopies
  • Exterior architectural and/or artistic features
  • Landscaping
  • Facade cleaning and painting
  • Signage (provided it is compliance with the Land Use Bylaw)
  • Limited permanent interior improvements (reconfiguration of interior walls, display spaces and interior window finishes to enhance the function and display of the storefronts)

How to apply?

1. Fill out and submit the application form. The deadline for submissions is April 8, 2022.
2. Include the land title certificate. If the applicant is not the owner, please ensure the property owner authorization portion of the application form is completed.
3. Submit ‘Before’ photos of the property.
4. Provide a project description and cost estimates.
5. The project description will then be referred to the Downtown Storefront Enhancement Committee (DSEC) for evaluation and final approval. If there is still grant funding available after the review process is completed, subsequent applications will be accepted and evaluated on a first-come, first-serve basis.

**with information provided by Echo Lacombe Association