Grant Program Offers $5,000 Towards Exterior Improvements, Complements Other Downtown Development Incentives
PRINCE RUPERT, MARCH 7th, 2025 – The City’s Economic Development Office is now accepting applications from local businesses in the downtown core to update their exteriors through our Façade Improvement Program, supported by Northern Development Initiative Trust.
“This program is a great one for our small businesses looking to enhance the exterior of their building,” said Paul Vendittelli, Director of Economic Development and Transportation. “This type of incentive can sometimes be the push our business owners need to take on a project they’ve been considering.”
Funding of $20,000 for this program is generously provided by Northern Development Initiative Trust, with up to $5,000 available to individual businesses. NDIT provides this funding to support local governments in the North in encouraging private sector investment and revitalization.
“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. 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.” Ben Campbell, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust.
For full program details on the Business Façade Improvement grant, including the application form, eligible expenses, and more, head to our website.
In addition to Façade Improvement, the City has also implemented a number of other local incentive programs that support revitalization of our downtown. The Downtown Core Revitalization Tax Exemption Program incentivizes construction or redevelopment of buildings used for commercial, light industrial or multiple family residential purposes by exempting them from municipal property taxes for a set period. More information on that program is here.
Last year, Council also relaxed parking requirements in a set area in the downtown core. Understanding the physical and economic constraints of providing off-street parking in Prince Rupert's downtown city core, the Parking Specified Area waives off-street minimum parking stall requirements for new or upgraded commercial and mixed use developments. See below for a map of where the Parking Specified Area applies, and check out our Zoning Bylaw for detailed requirements.
Lastly, the City has also waived all Development Permit, Variance, OCP amendment, Rezoning and Building Permit fees in the downtown core. The above fee waivers also apply to any development in Prince Rupert that results in a new housing unit. These programs currently run until December 31st, 2029.
For additional information on current incentive programs, head to: https://www.princerupert.ca/business-resources
For additional information on the Business Façade Improvement program, contact:
Paul Vendittelli,
Director of Economic Development and Transportation
Office: (250) 627 5138
Email: paul.vendittelli@princerupert.ca
MEDIA CONTACT:
Veronika Stewart, Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development
Office: (250) 627 0976
Cell: (778) 884 6285
Email: veronika.stewart@princerupert.ca