CLARKWATCH: Follow news and updates regarding sanctions on Mayor Clark.

Grants still available for downtown businesses

Apr 24, 2017 | 5:51 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Time is running out on the City of Medicine Hat’s Downtown Development Incentive Program.

Created in 2011, the program helps businesses in the downtown core access funding for commercial and multi-family properties, residential developments, and for completing structural or visual renovations.

Local business owner Peggy Gizen said the funding has helped make her studio a more inviting space.

“We’ve been able to replace all of the windows, which has helped us with the heating, as well as painting them and getting them up to look really good,” said Gizen. “When we first moved here many years ago, people were scared to come in the building.”

Council granted the program a budget of $284,000, with just over $140,000 still remaining in the pool.

Commercial and multi-family developments can receive grants of $25,000, $20,000 for environmental site assessments or risk management projects, and $5,000 each for residential developments and renovations.

Business Support Officer Sandra Blyth said downtown entrepreneurs are quickly taking advantage of the program.

“Just last week I met with a local business owner who has done a number of developments through the program,” said Blyth. “And, he told me specifically, he said had it not been for this grant, he would not have been able to do the development project that he’s done. And, that’s not the first time I’ve heard that.”

Each civic address can qualify for $50,000 in total grants, and will be dolled out on a first come, first serve basis.

Once the fund’s reservoirs are depleted, the program will be shut down until next spring.

Gizen added she’s seen an increase in the number of business owners taking an interest in revitalizing the downtown core.

“Once one starts, the next one does. I know that downtown our neighbours have also gotten the grant, so we’re looking forward to that. It just really makes the block nice, it’s a nice place to walk and people want to go downtown now.”

Interested downtown property owners can visit the city’s website or drop by City Hall to pick up a package on the program.