Downtown Incentive Program Grants
Investing in the Downtown Core
The City of Grande Prairie is dedicated to the revitalization of the downtown core and its vision for a vibrant city centre where people live, work, and play. The Downtown Incentives Program is designed to contribute to this vision by encouraging building improvements and new residential development in the City’s core. On January 25th, 2016 City Council approved Policy 316, Downtown Incentives Program.
We are currently accepting applications for the Façade Improvement Grant, Urban Residential Development Grant, Patio Grant, and Demolition Grant.
The Downtown Incentives Program is comprised of:
- The Façade Improvement Grant offers up to $50,000 in funding to downtown building owners and tenants making improvements to the fronts of their buildings. As of November 2, 2020, Council approved reopening applications for the Façade Improvement Grant under the Downtown Incentives Policy and expanded eligibility to include back alley improvements for businesses directly impacted by Phase Four Downtown Rehabilitation and Streetscape Project construction.
- The Urban Residential Development Grant is designed to encourage property owners within the Program Boundary to invest in new development and/or redevelopment of their properties for Mixed-Use or multi-unit residential use.
- The Patio Grant provides a financial incentive for business owners to develop an outdoor patio space and encourage an increased public presence on the streets of downtown.
- The Demolition Grant offers a 50% matching grant up to a maximum of $50,000 for the removal of a building within the downtown incentives boundary.
How to Apply
- Meet with the Program Coordinator to discuss your project and the application process. (although we encourage all interested applicants to meet with the coordinator, this step is optional)
- Prepare a design that meets all legal requirements and considers the program’s Design Goals.
- Submit a completed application to the Program Coordinator.
What to Submit
- Completed Application Form
- Preconstruction Photos – Photos shall show the current site and its context including adjacent structures, roadways, sidewalks, and landscaping.
- Site Plan – The plan should indicate all structures and their context including adjacent structures, roadways, sidewalks, and landscaping. A site plan is not required for the Façade Improvement Grant.
- Project Description – A complete description of the project.
- For the Urban Residential Development Grant this must include the proposed uses and number of residential units.
- For the Patio Grant this will include the intended use of the space and intended user groups.
- Project Drawings – Drawings should show the proposed design. Construction drawings are acceptable.
- Project Quotes – At least two quotes from separate contractors that indicate the Hard Cost of the project. This is not required for the Urban Residential Development Grant
(NOTE: Reimbursement will be based on the project’s actual Hard Costs) - Proof of Means - Confirmation of project funding. May include a grant confirmation, bank statement or letter from lender or other funding source. Proof of means is only required for the Urban Residential Development Grant.
Projects are required to meet all legal requirements including those in the Land Use Bylaw, the Downtown Enhancement Plan, Building Codes and any other applicable regulations. Applicants are encouraged to meet with Inspection Services and Development Permitting to determine any permitting requirements.
The Urban Residential Development Grant does not have additional requirements, but applicants are encouraged to consider the Design Goals in their design.
For the Patio Grant, the design must allow for an unobstructed pedestrian space that is at least 2m wide. If there is not enough space to achieve this, it can be provided with decking. The applicant is required to arrange any necessary agreements with Engineering Services and the Transportation Department.
The Program Coordinator will bring completed applications to the Downtown Incentives Program Review Committee for review. The Committee will review each application and vote to approve, approve with conditions or deny the application. Approval with conditions will be given in cases where the proposed project only requires minor changes to meet the program requirements. The Program Coordinator will notify applicants of the Committee’s decision.
All decisions of the committee will be made according to Procedure 316.
Applicants are encouraged to meet with the Program Coordinator prior to submitting their application.
The Program Coordinator can be reached at downtownincentives@cityofgp.com or 780-513-5240.
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