How much funding can be received?

The grant provides a maximum funding of $1,051,050 aimed at deploying a new brand image for La Tuque's downtown to boost commerce and community pride. Eligible activities include municipal infrastructure improvements and a financial assistance program for business facade renovations, enhancing the downtown's visual appeal.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant outlines specific financing modalities intended to support the revitalization of La Tuque's downtown area, focusing on the deployment of a new brand image and renovations of building facades. Flexible conditions are provided to ensure a smooth implementation of the project objectives.

The total project budget is $1,301,050, including a maximum grant contribution of $1,051,050.
Financing includes a reserved fund of $250,000 specifically for facade renovation projects.
Non-repayable financial contributions can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a cap of $25,000 per entity, potentially increased to $50,000 for projects involving two street-facing facades.
A minimum project cost requirement of $2,000 is established to qualify for funding.
Initial 50% of granted funds is disbursed upon signing the financing contract, with final amounts reimbursed after project completion and submission of relevant invoices.
Unspent funds from one fiscal year can be carried over to the next within the agreement's timeframe.
The project encompasses administrative and financial reports due annually and upon project completion.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports the deployment of a new brand image in the city center of La Tuque, aiming to revitalize and enhance the area's attractiveness through innovative initiatives. Eligible projects include efforts to visually improve urban spaces and financially assist businesses willing to renovate their facades to align with the new brand identity.

Deployment of a new brand image at the La Tuque city center through infrastructure enhancements.
Financial assistance program for significant facade renovations by businesses in the city center.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's business and location.

The applicant must be a registered business in the Quebec enterprise register whose commercial building is located within the specified downtown area of La Tuque.
Businesses and cooperatives in the financial sector, rooming houses, and places of worship are excluded unless the building is being repurposed for a non-religious use.
For rented premises, the applicant must have prior written authorization from the property owner to renovate the façade.
The business must not be involved in any legal disputes, judicial proceedings, or be listed in the Register of businesses not eligible for public contracts.
The business must comply with current laws and regulations and should not have outstanding payments owed to municipalities within the agglomeration.
The business must have a minimum cash contribution of 10% based on eligible expenses.
The project must be supported by submission of all required documentation and collaboration with the city’s Economic and Forestry Development Service.
Construction projects must be conducted by a contractor holding a valid RBQ license.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant aims to support projects related to the renovation of business facades in the center of La Tuque, promoting aesthetic improvements aligned with the locality's brand image. Eligible projects will be evaluated and selected based on various criteria focusing on the project's impact, financial structure, entrepreneurial profile, and the project's feasibility.

Impact of the project on the building's appearance (Maximum 40 points): Projects responding positively to criteria may receive up to 40 points.
Financial structure and feasibility of the project (Maximum 20 points): Includes complementary funding to existing funds, realistic cost projections, a 10% cash contribution from the promoter, and involvement of other partners.
Entrepreneurial profile and management knowledge (Maximum 20 points): Points based on business tenure and management experience.
Feasibility and coherence of the project (Maximum 20 points): Assessment of project viability and coherence, and the business's financial capacity to fulfil its financial commitments.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The grant has specific exclusions for certain companies and activities that are not eligible to apply. These restrictions ensure alignment with the broader objectives of revitalizing and strategically investing in the downtown area.

Companies and cooperatives within the financial sector.
Rooming houses.
Places of worship, unless converted for non-religious purposes.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant include construction and design-related costs that enhance the building's appearance.

The costs for construction work that significantly improves the building's appearance.
Professional fees for architects and/or engineers to create plans and specifications.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies located in specified areas within the centre-ville of La Tuque. The targeted locations ensure that the funding efforts are concentrated to enhance the regional commercial infrastructure.

North Limit: rue Saint-Joseph, both sides, including the south side of rue Saint-Georges.
South Limit: rue Saint-François, both sides.
East Limit: rue St-Louis, both sides.
West Limit: rue Commerciale and rue Tessier.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure that projects effectively enhance the appearance, economic activity, and alignment with the objectives for La Tuque's downtown revitalization.

Impact of the project: Maximum 40 points, assessed based on the significant enhancement to the building's appearance, alignment with La Tuque's new brand image, and the business's alignment with the strategic investment sectors of the La Tuque agglomeration.
Financial structure and feasibility of the project: Total of 20 points, covering aspects such as the complementarity of the funding request with existing funds (5 points), the realistic projection of anticipated costs (5 points), a financial contribution of at least 10% from the project's promoter (5 points), and demonstrated contributions from other partners like financial institutions or development funds (5 points).
Entrepreneur profile and business management experience: Up to 20 points, ranging from no experience to over five years of business operation and management expertise.
Project feasibility: Total of 20 points, reviewing the financial stability and capacity of the business to meet its obligations (10 points) and coherence and clarity in the project's presentation (10 points).

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Obtain Necessary Permits
Apply for the necessary construction permits at the city hall.
Step 2: Submit Application for Financial Aid
Submit your application for the facade renovation aid program to the Service of Economic and Forestry Development.
Step 3: Gather Documentation
Collect and prepare all required documents: permit, architectural plans, financial statements, and work quotations.
Work with the adviser from the Service of Economic and Forestry Development to ensure all documentation is complete.
Step 4: Evaluation of Application
Have your application reviewed by the adviser from the Service of Economic and Forestry Development.
Proceed to final evaluation by the specific steering committee.
Step 5: Contractual Agreement
If approved, sign a contract with the City of La Tuque regarding the financial aid.
Step 6: Financial Disbursement
Receive the first disbursement of 50% of the granted aid upon signing the contract.
Submit project-related invoices to receive the remaining 50% after project completion.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The aggregate investment for the project is $1,301,050, which includes the contribution from the Fonds régions et ruralité's Volet 3 and other sources.
Unused funds for a given financial year can be forwarded to the subsequent year within the agreement's duration, ensuring flexibility in project execution.
The agglomeration of La Tuque has an obligation to financially contribute a minimum of 20% to the project, which can include prior planning phase expenses dating back to April 20, 2022.
A directorate committee must oversee the management and financial follow-up of the project, ensuring compliance with set protocols.
Financial tasks may be contingent upon confirming the project's advancement at regular intervals as specified in the framework management document.

Apply to this program

Enhancing La Tuque's Downtown with a New Identity

The "Deployment of a New Image in Downtown La Tuque" project seeks to invigorate the heart of the city through strategic branding and development initiatives. With financial support from the Quebec Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAMH), this project aims to boost local commerce, attract tourism, and foster community pride.

In-depth Look at the Downtown Revitalization Grant

This ambitious project, spearheaded by the agglomeration of La Tuque and supported by the Signature Innovation framework, focuses on revitalizing the city's downtown area through two primary initiatives. First, the implementation of a new branding strategy seeks to reshape the city’s image to appeal more effectively to residents, tourists, and potential investors. The branding, designed in collaboration with communications firms Absolu and Rues principales, aims to encapsulate the unique identity and aspirations of La Tuque, bolstering its attractiveness and economic viability.

Second, the project incorporates a dedicated financial aid scheme targeting the renovation of commercial facades, encouraging local businesses to participate actively in the facelift of their immediate environment. With a total investment surpassing $1.3 million, including specific allocations for façade improvements, local enterprises can receive substantial non-repayable contributions, covering a significant portion of renovation costs. This initiative supports local economic growth by creating a more vibrant commercial hub that is visually appealing and functionally effective.

Through structured financial and administrative frameworks, the agglomeration manages the distribution and oversight of these funds, ensuring projects align with pre-set architectural and community standards. A comprehensive governance model, including a steering committee and various subcommittees, governs the allocation and utilization of resources, maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the project's lifecycle. The committee, composed of local government representatives, ensures decisions reflect the broader strategic goals of enhancing La Tuque’s urban core.

The initiative's emphasis is not only on the physical transformation of the downtown area but also on leveraging these improvements to foster community engagement and pride. By participatory engagements and consultations with local stakeholders, businesses, and residents, the project integrates community feedback to refine strategic priorities, ensuring that the resultant urban landscape serves both practical and aspirational purposes. This dual approach ensures that improvements go beyond aesthetic enhancements, fostering social interaction and economic engagement.

Moreover, the project is structured to ensure sustainable and continued progress over several years, with deadlines set for project milestones extending into 2029. This long-term planning facilitates steady advancement towards the comprehensive development goals outlined in the initial strategic framework, permitting incremental implementation of improvements and iterative feedback integration. The financial backing includes significant contributions from both governmental funds and local resources, showcasing a shared commitment between public bodies and local stakeholders.

The project, demonstrating a model of public-private partnership and innovative urban planning, aims to set a precedent in suburban revitalizations in the region. By encouraging investments in local infrastructure and promoting a refreshed image, the initiative is expected not only to attract visitors and new businesses but also to enhance the quality of life for La Tuque's residents. The revitalization is intended to act as a catalyst for further economic activity, thereby reinforcing the district's position as a key commercial and social venue in the area.

Ultimately, by investing in the heart of La Tuque, this project reflects a strategic commitment to harnessing local resources and external funding mechanisms to create a thriving, lively downtown. Its success is anticipated to encourage similar endeavors in neighboring regions, thus supporting the broader goal of regional development in Quebec’s rural areas.

Ville de La Tuque — RRF stream 3 - Innovation Signature

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