Economic Development Grants and Incentives

Economic Development Grants and Incentives

The City of Grande Prairie has three streams of grants and incentives. Please review the current programs below:

 

 

 

Development Incentives and Grants Program

The City of Grande Prairie is committed to supporting business development and investments that create jobs, stimulate the local economy and expand a diversified tax base.

The Development Incentives and Grants (“DIG”) Program was created to provide financial assistance through grants designed to stimulate business development, building activity and continued local employment in the construction industry by encouraging reinvestment in buildings and property throughout the City and new residential infill development in the City’s core.

The DIG Program is comprised of five components and is currently accepting applications for all incentives and grants.

Category: Development Incentives and Grants
A four-year annual rebate equal to 100% of the general municipal tax portion of the Incremental Assessed Value of the property in the first year, decreasing by 25% annually for three additional years.
Category: Development Incentives and Grants
APPLICATIONS CLOSED.
A grant matching 50% of construction costs up to a maximum grant amount of $25,000. An eligible Business Revitalization Grant amount shall not be less $5,000 or more than $25,000.
Category: Development Incentives and Grants
APPLICATIONS CLOSED.
A grant equal to 100 % of the City imposed portions of all Inspection Services Permit Fees, Engineering Services Fees and Planning & Development Fees to a maximum of $10,000. Land Use Bylaw Amendment Fees may be rebated 100% for an approved application and 50% for applications not approved. 
Category: Development Incentives and Grants
10-year annual rebate equal to 100% of the general municipal tax portion of the Incremental Assessed Value of the property in the first year, decreasing by 10% annually for nine additional years.
Category: Development Incentives and Grants
APPLICATIONS CLOSED.
A $15,000 grant per infill lot for new construction or reconstruction projects.

Downtown Incentives Program

The Downtown Incentives Program is designed to strengthen our core and increase vibrancy in the city centre. The program encourages businesses and property owners within the Downtown Incentives Program Boundary to invest in higher density residential development, building, patio and façade improvements.

Category:
Downtown Incentives Program
APPLICATIONS CLOSED.
The Demolition Grant is a matching grant that provides business owners with 50% of the Hard Costs of demolition, up to a maximum of $50,000.
Category:
Downtown Incentives Program
APPLICATIONS CLOSED.
The Façade Improvement Grant is a matching grant that will provide 50% of the project cost up to the lesser of $750 per Front Foot or a total of $50,000 for Façade Improvement Projects in the Downtown Incentives Program Boundary. 
Category:
Downtown Incentives Program
APPLICATIONS CLOSED.
The Patio Grant is a 50% matching grant, up to $5,000 to encourage business owners in the downtown area to invest in the addition of an outdoor patio.
Category:
Downtown Incentives Program
APPLICATIONS CLOSED.
To encourage the addition of residential units in the downtown area, eligible projects may receive grants up to $10,000 per Dwelling Unit for apartment buildings and $15,000 per Dwelling Unit for Mixed-Use Apartment Buildings located within the Downtown Incentives Program Boundary.

Economic Recovery Program

The Economic Recovery Program has been developed to support businesses in the creation of employment and recovery activities in the wake of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic. Phase One of the program was launched in Summer 2020 and includes the Beautification and Patio Grant and the Local Marketing Grant.

In 2021, Grande Prairie City Council approved three new initiatives to support businesses. These include the Barrier-Free Grant to improve accessibility to buildings and properties around the city, the Training Grant to support local organizations’ participation in education and training initiatives and a fee waiver for drinking establishments to apply to allow all-ages during the day.

Change of Use Fee Waiver

A fee waiver for drinking establishments seeking to allow minors during the day is available. The fee waiver reduces costs for businesses diversifying their operations. The waiver may be applied retroactively as a reimbursement of fees for applications received after October 5, 2020. Download the Change of Use Fee Waiver Application Form

Category:
Economic Recovery Program
The Barrier-Free Grant is designed to promote a business environment that is accessible to all residents, visitors and employees, through financial incentives for commercial property and business owners to invest in Accessibility Improvement Projects. The Barrier-Free Grant is a matching grant that will provide 50% of project costs up to a maximum of $10,000 for eligible Accessibility Improvement Projects.
Category:
Economic Recovery Program
A 50% matching grant for up to a maximum $15,000 for any façade improvement, landscaping or patio project that improves aesthetic appeal, pedestrian access and safety of a commercial, retail or mixed use building.
Category:
Economic Recovery Program
APPLICATION CLOSED

The Local Marketing Grant will pay up to 50% to a maximum of $2,500 for the creation of a marketing plan or marketing content that aims to drive cash flow to the business and supports economic recovery.

Collaborative projects involving three or more businesses will be eligible for 75% of funding up to $7,500. The intent is to drive tourism efforts, enhance the visitor experience, encourage place making and create natural partnerships and itineraries.
Category:
Economic Recovery Program
APPLICATIONS CLOSED

A grant equal to 25% of Registration Costs for owner and/or employee Training and Education Initiatives over $300 per person to a maximum grant amount of $2,500 per business; OR a grant equal to 50% of Registration Costs for owner and/or employee Training and Education Initiatives $300 or less per person to a maximum grant amount of $1,250 per business.