Kitchener extends façade grant program for downtown businesses

By Divya Gill

Downtown businesses in Kitchener can now apply for the Façade Grant as city officials are bringing back the program to help businesses in that area with their post-pandemic recovery.

The program first took hold in 2009 and has helped over 90 storefronts. Between 2009 and 2017, the grant program put $700,000 into upgrades which included signage and exterior upgrades, or accessibility improvements. 

In a presentation presented to council earlier this week, city officials said they would offer matching grants of $10,000 per municipal street address to a maximum of $30,000. 

The policy had expired in 2020. Since its expiration, staff audited over 150 DTK storefronts, and found that 40 storefronts could benefit from improvements. Currently, 12 businesses have expressed their interest in the program and have been put on a waitlist.

“Businesses have communicated that the motivation for the granting program and their incentive to participate in around COVID-19 hardships. Updating their facade and improving the aesthetics of their business is a part of their post-pandemic recovery strategy,” said Darren Becks, Kitchener's manager of downtown development and innovation.

Becks noted that the grant does fit the operating budget with $45,000 this year and $55,000 next year.

Council was in favor of the grant extension. Still, some councillors expressed their thoughts about expanding the grant program to businesses outside the core.

However, Councillor John Gazzola and Councillor Paul Singh wanted the program to be more equitable.

“I am a little reluctant to enhance this program because the need is broad. We want to make sure that we are trying to be as equitable for businesses across the city that have felt the pain of going through COVID-19,” said Singh.

Councillor Sarah Marsh continued to say she would like to see what more can be done to expand the program to other businesses.

“I think it is imperative we look at this from an equity lens throughout the community, but more importantly, I'm glad this program is here. It has been a successful program in the past,” said Councillor Bil Ioannidis.

The grant program would be reinstated until Dec. 31, 2027.

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