At the City of Powell River committee of the whole meeting on April 4, councillors received an update on the 2022 business façade improvement program.
Manager of planning services Daniella Fergusson stated in a report that the goal of the program is to make significant improvements to the physical appearance of neighbourhood business areas. In 2022, the program offered eligible applicants a one-time 50 per cent matching grant up to $3,000 per street-facing building façade. The program also provided an architect to design the upgrades for a value of up to $1,500 per applicant.
The report stated that since 2019, 13 building façades in the community have been upgraded. In 2022, there were four façades from three applicants, but none completed program requirements and are being urged to apply again in 2023.
