Downtown Storefront Enhancement Program

The purpose of this program is to encourage and provide businesses located within the Downtown Area Redevelopment Area with an opportunity to improve the appearance of their businesses, utilizing grant dollars, up to a maximum of $2,000.00.

The program provides an incentive for downtown business owners to invest in facade renovations and some interior upgrades. The improvements are intended to complement initiatives recommended within the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (DARP).

Program Goals

The Program works with other revitalization initiatives to:

Promote the viability of retail and commercial businesses Help building owners to attract and retain tenants.
Contribute to the quality of life of residents, workers, and visitors to the City Make the city shopping streets more inviting and interesting places to work and shop; and,
Build local community and civic pride among the business community and citizens of Lacombe

Criteria

Any business within the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan Area may apply.
The applicant must be either the property owner or a designated person who has the written authority from the owner to submit the application and/or so administer this project
The buildings must be used primarily for retail and commercial purposes. The selection committee has some discretion to include projects that are institutional, non- profit and/or accommodate non-commercial uses that contribute to the activity on the commercial main street.
The project must conform to the Program Design Standards

Design Standards

Successful projects will strive to make visible improvements to the appearance, design and function of a business by following the DARP Architectural Guidelines:

Exposing unique architectural details that have been hidden by previous attempts to modernize the facade
Striving for direct connection to pedestrians through the use of clear glass, and storefront designs that make use of window display areas
Coordinating facade improvements with neighbouring buildings and the unique character of the Old Town Main Street District
Undertaking general cleaning of the building exterior and repainting faded and peeling paint
Providing buildings that are accessible to pedestrians
Creating sidewalks or alleyways that are lively places filled with people Contributing to the safety on the street
Addressing winter conditions
Exemplifying innovative and artistic design

Eligible Improvements

Lighting
Exterior walls
Windows
Doors
Storefronts
Entryways
Awnings/Canopies
Exterior architectural and/or artistic features
Landscaping
Facade cleaning and painting
Signage (provided it is compliance with the Land Use Bylaw)
Limited permanent interior improvements (reconfiguration of interior walls, display spaces and interior window finishes to enhance the function and display of the storefronts)

The above list is not all-encompassing. Other improvements could be eligible if they meet the objectives of the program, comply with City development regulations. The Planning & Development department will be consulted to ensure proper compliance with the City of Lacombe's Land Use Bylaw and Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan.

To Apply

Fill out and submit the Downtown Storefront Enhancement Program Application. The deadline for submissions is April 5, 2024.
Include the land title certificate. If the applicant is not the owner, please ensure the property owner authorization portion of the application form is completed.
Submit "Before" photos of the property.
Provide a project description and cost estimates.
The project description will then be referred to the Downtown Storefront Enhancement Committee (DSEC) for evaluation and final approval. If there is still grant funding available after the review process is completed, subsequent applications will be accepted and evaluated on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information please contact:

Guy Lapointe
Director of Community Services
City of Lacombe
(403) 782-1295
guy@echolacombe.ca