Regional District of Fraser-Fort George - Business Facade Improvement Program

• Completed application form
• Property owner letter of consent, if applicable
• Project designs or drawings
• Contractor’s cost estimate
• Proof of property taxes paid in full
• Photos of the building’s current condition
• Completed terms and conditions form

Who is eligible?

• Property owners
• Business owners
• Non-profit and enterprising non-profit tenants
• Commercial home-based businesses with a storefront in the specified area
• Home-based businesses without a storefront for wayfinding signage only

Who is not eligible

• Residential homes in commercial areas
• Apartment buildings
• Government-owned buildings
• Properties outside the specified area
• Empty buildings or businesses that are not operating, except for renovation before reopening

Eligible expenses

• Direct project labour, contractor fees, and design or architectural fees related to the façade
• Rental of tools and equipment, plus project materials and supplies
• Shipping or freight, and PST

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Routine maintenance, structural repairs, roofs, fencing, paving, landscaping, and interior work
• Improvements not visible from the public right of way
• Projects started before application approval
• Staff wages, utilities, duties, permit fees, GST, and construction tools or equipment

Eligible geographic areas

• Regional District of Fraser-Fort George
• Outside municipal boundaries

• Meeting the program eligibility requirements
• Compliance with applicable Official Community Plan and bylaw requirements
• Noticeable impact on Highway 16 or Highway 97, the local community, or the streetscape
• Use of a professional designer or architect
• Availability of program funds and first-come, first-serve allocation

• Step 1: Confirm eligibility and discuss the project
  • Contact the Regional District to confirm the building qualifies.
  • Obtain the program guide and application form.
• Step 2: Prepare the application
  • Complete the application form and gather all required supporting documents.
  • Include designs, cost estimates, photos, and consent if needed.
• Step 3: Submit the application
  • Email, mail, or drop off the completed application to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George.
  • Submit by the application deadline.
• Step 4: Complete the project and report completion
  • Carry out the approved improvements and obtain any required permits.
  • Submit the project completion report, proof of payment, photos, and other required documents.

• Applications are reviewed by staff and evaluated by the General Manager of Community and Development Services.
• Applicants are notified of approval or rejection by email or mailed letter.
• Successful applicants receive a Letter of Understanding that must be signed.
• After the work is completed, the applicant submits proof of completion and expenses for reimbursement.
• The Regional District verifies the work before issuing payment.

• Projects are reviewed on a first-come, first-eligible basis.
• Approved projects must be completed by December 31, 2026.
• The program is funded by Northern Development Initiative Trust.
• A Letter of Understanding must be signed for successful applications.