Business Façade Improvement Program

The application deadline is March 31, 2025. 

After the application deadline, should any funding remain, applications will be accepted and reviewed on a "first-come, first served" basis until the annual program budget has been allocated.

Program Guidelines       Application Form

The Business Façade Improvement Program provides grant funding to property and business owners located in Electoral Areas A and B of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) to renovate, restore, or redesign commercial building facades and storefronts. The goal of the program is to assist communities within SLRD Areas A and B in creating diversified, resilient, and sustainable local economies. Funding for the program is provided through Northern Development Initiative Trust.

Program Overview:

  • The SLRD will provide a rebate of up to 50% of the cost of eligible improvements, up to a maximum of $5,000 per building/project.
  • Projects must have a minimum total cost of $1,000. 
  • Applicants must match the grant contribution.
  • In order to be eligible, the applicant must submit designs and costing for the project prior to the application deadline.  
  • Approved Projects must be completed by December 31, 2025. No exceptions.
  • Funding cannot carry-over from one calendar year to the next.

Quick Checklist: Are You Eligible?

All commercial properties found within SLRD Electoral Areas A and B are eligible for the program. 

Eligible Applicants

  • Applicant must be either the property owner or business owner (if the applicant is the business owner, the property owner must approve the application in writing and confirm that all improvements are to be paid for by the applicant)
  • Non-profit and enterprising non-profit organizations (tenants)
  • Home-based businesses which are zoned commercial, have a storefront and are within the specified area
  • Home based businesses without a commercial storefront (eligible for wayfinding signage only)

Please note:

  • Property taxes pertaining to the property are fully paid and current
  • Current, valid business licenses for the property (unless otherwise exempt)
  • No outstanding building permits, stop work orders, or development permit condition requirements outstanding
  • The subject property has not received a previous grant under this program for the proposed improvements

Ineligible applicants:

The grant program does not apply to:

  • Residential homes located in the commercial area
  • Apartment buildings
  • Government owned buildings (municipal, provincial, or federal, even if they have business tenants)
  • Properties outside the specified area (as defined in Eligible Properties)
  • Empty buildings or businesses that are not operating (exception if the business is renovating or doing improvements to the building in anticipation of re-opening)

Is Your Project Covered by the Grant? 

Eligible façade improvements include:

  • Exterior lighting (new but not replacement)
  • Exterior architectural features
  • Exterior surfaces and details (decorative details, moldings, trims etc.)
  • Windows (only if part of larger enhancements, no stand-alone window replacement)
  • New siding
  • Façade painting
  • Entrances and doorways (only if part of larger enhancements, no stand-alone entrance/doorway replacement)
  • Awnings
  • Signage (permanent; affixed to the building)
  • Wayfinding signage (sign located on the business property i.e. at the bottom of a driveway).
  • Signs are eligible for 50% to a maximum of $500 and must adhere to any signage bylaws and regulations
  • Accessibility improvements (ramps, wider doors etc.) to the outside of the building only
  • Patios (fixed or semi-permanent structures) located on the commercial property

Ineligible Façade Improvements:

The following improvements are not funded by the Business Façade Improvement Program: 

  • Routine maintenance
  • Structural repairs
  • Roofs
  • Non-permanent fixtures (benches, planters, patios, patio heaters etc.)
  • Landscaping
  • Paving
  • Fencing
  • Interior/internal improvements
  • Any improvements not visible from the public right of way
  • Construction of additions, accessory buildings, or new buildings
  • Any improvements that have been started prior to application approval
  • Any improvements deemed inconsistent with redevelopment purposes and design guidelines

Eligible Costs / Expenses:

Direct project labour costs
• Design, architectural or engineering fees (related to façade only)
• Contractor fees

Rental of tools and equipment
• Project related materials and supplies
• Shipping and/or freight
• PST

The following costs will NOT be covered by the grant: 

Staff wages and/or benefits
• Purchase of construction tools or equipment
• Operational costs including utilities (hydro, gas etc.)
• Duties
• Permit fees
• Expenses related to improvement to the building façade not visible from the public right of way
• Façade improvement expenses started prior to application approval
• GST

About the Business Façade Improvement Program

An initiative of Northern Development Initiative Trust, the Business Façade Improvement program provides annual funding to municipalities and regional districts to enhance economic development by encouraging private sector investment in business façade improvements.

Improving the attractiveness of the community through freshening the appearance of commercial building facades increases community pride, economic resilience, and tourism opportunities and injects value into the local economy. 

Applications, which must include completed designs of the facade improvement plan, can be submitted by email, mail or in-person to:

Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
Business Façade Improvement Program
ATTN: Jeannette Nadon, Community and Indigenous Relations Advisor
By Email: jnadon@slrd.bc.ca
By Mail: PO Box 219, Pemberton, BC  V0N 2L0
In person: 1350 Aster Street, Pemberton, BC

Overview of the Process

  1. If unsure, contact the SLRD to see if the building qualifies for the Façade Improvement program, discuss your project and obtain the Program Guide and Application.
  2. Submit a complete application with designs by March 31, 2025.
  3. SLRD staff will review the application to ensure it meets the Design Guidelines and the Façade Improvement Guidelines.
  4. Eligible applications will be forwarded to the SLRD Project Review Committee for its review, and a decision to accept or reject the application is made.
  5. Applicants will be advised of the decision by email and mailed letter.
  6. For successful applications, a Letter of Understanding and Partnering Agreement is sent to the applicant, which must be signed by the owner/tenant and a representative of the SLRD.
  7. Applicant must apply for permits and complete renovations (Note: all related permit fees are the responsibility of the owner/tenant and not eligible for reimbursement).
  8. Applicant provides verification of expenses and proof of payment.
  9. The applicant provides a Certificate of Completion, before and after photos, by December 31, 2025.
  10. Applicant secures final inspection, if needed.
  11. SLRD staff authorize reimbursement if the agreement is fulfilled.
  12. The applicant is issued a cheque.