Funding supports the city’s efforts to revitalize downtown and encourage development
Business owners in the heart of Prince Rupert can now give their storefronts a facelift by applying for grants of up to $5,000 each.
The city’s Economic Development Office is offering this opportunity on a first-come, first-served basis through its Façade Improvement Program, which is funded by the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT).
“Northern Development’s Business Facade Improvement program is a great tool for both local governments and small businesses. By providing funding to enhance storefronts, we help communities create vibrant, welcoming downtowns and drive economic growth,” said Ben Campbell, CEO of NDIT.
“For small businesses, these upgrades can improve visibility, increase customer traffic, and ultimately strengthen their bottom line. It’s an investment that benefits everyone—business owners, residents, and the local economy as a whole,” the CEO said.
This program has been available to residents for several years and will remain open until the current $20,000 in funding is exhausted. Commercial buildings in the Cow Bay Development Permit Areas are also eligible.
Outlets can enhance their appearance through improved exterior lighting, architectural features, decorative details, moldings, windows, façade painting, doorways, awnings, signage, patios, and more.
Many renowned spots in Rupert have previously been successful applicants, including Sullivan Mechanical, Cooks Jewellers, City Furniture, the Gitmaxmak’ay Nisga’a Hall, the Gitga’at-owned building at 632 3rd Avenue West, and Eagle Bluff Bed and Breakfast.
Exteriors play a crucial role in attracting visitors, and the funding can be used creatively and effectively, according to the city. For example, the Nisga’a Hall used their grant to install striking signage of its name, accentuated with a rainbow, perfectly fitting for the city of rainbows.
Further downtown improvements
In 2024, Stephan Nieweler, an instructor and doctoral researcher at Simon Fraser University, found that Prince Rupert’s downtown is the most diverse, resilient, and sustainable compared to nearby cities Terrace and Kitimat.
He highlighted the historical, cultural, social, and economic significance of downtown areas in building resilience, linking this to the proactive policies implemented by local governments.
In addition to the Façade Improvement Program, the City of Prince Rupert offers several other incentives to support downtown revitalization. The Downtown Core Revitalization Tax Exemption Program incentivizes construction or redevelopment by exempting new commercial, light industrial, or multi-family buildings from municipal property taxes for a set period.
Last year, the city also relaxed parking requirements in a designated area, waiving off-street parking rules for new or upgraded commercial and mixed-use developments.
Additionally, all Development Permit, Variance, OCP amendment, Rezoning, and Building Permit fees were waived for projects in the downtown core, including those adding new housing units. These programs are available until Dec. 31, 2029.
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