Lytton is one of 12 central and northern B.C. communities to be approved for up to $20,000 in funding from the Northern Development Initiative Trust.
The NDIT’s new Business Façade Improvement Program allows communities to partner with local businesses to improve the look and feel of their commercial business areas.
The program supports visual improvements such as façades, signage, murals, architectural features, siding, lighting, and awnings. These improvements are designed to enhance economic viability and vibrancy in the communities. The program will also result in increased assessed values and tax bases as a result of improved properties.
“Lytton is already a destination for tourists travelling up the Fraser Canyon every year, and this funding support will help the village partner with local businesses to enhance our community,” said Village of Lytton Mayor Jessoa Lightfoot.
Before the Village of Lytton applied to the program, it was required to develop and submit a business façade improvement plan/guidelines to Northern Development. Those guidelines, available from the Village Office, provide direction to local business owners about the eligibility criteria to obtain the grant.
Once approved by the Village, a business can receive a grant of up to 50% of the cost of eligible improvements, up to a maximum of $5,000 per building.
Businesses interested in partnering with the Village of Lytton on façade improvements must contact the Village Administrator to discuss the proposed project, which should fit with Lytton’s Gold Rush Centre theme.
All commercially zoned buildings in downtown Lytton are eligible for grant funding. Commercial properties along the Trans-Canada Highway within municipal limits may also be considered. The grant is only available this year, although the Village will be able to re-apply for the grant in 2014.
Barbara Roden