Five local businesses have been approved for grant funding in order to give the exterior of their shops a makeover.
The Drumheller Storefront Improvement Grant, provided by the Economic Development Advisory Board, awarded five businesses with a 50 per cent matching grant up to $5,000 to assist in refurbishing their storefronts, in an initiative the EDA hopes will enhance the exterior appearance of publicly visible spaces in Drumheller.
The businesses awarded so far include Spoolz, Sunrise Auto, Century 21, Bryant’s Autobody, and the Anderson building.
“We thought it was a great way to provide financial support to businesses who are looking to improve the appearance and safety of their stores,” said Summer Manca, Chair of the EDAC. She added that while these improvements help business owners complete projects, the grant also helps encourage renovations that improve the general appearance of the town for the benefit of all passersby.
The program was launched on December 1 of this year and will be open to applications until December 31, 2016. The budget available for the year is $30,000. Manca said aspects of consideration in reviewing grant applications include the business’ location, such as being in a high-traffic area, improving general aesthetics, and improvements that enhance safety and accessibility.
“The more detailed the plan and information, including quotes, provided in the application the better,” Manca said. Applications may be picked up at the Town of Drumheller offices.
Bev Schinnour of Sunrise Auto, who plans to improve signage and Sunrise’s frontdoor with the grant money, said she will contract renovations locally, providing another indirect benefit to the town economy.
Greg Morrow, owner of the Anderson Building, plans on giving the exterior a facelift with paint and masonry work, in the hopes of attracting a tenant to the building.
“I think this is an incredible initiative by the town,” said Morrow. “In these times now, money like this is getting harder to come by, so when I heard of the program I quickly went on top of it and was thrilled to be selected.”
The future of the iconic Anderson Drug mural which faces the alleyway is uncertain now, but Morrow expressed interest in possibly offering the mural to another party for posterity’s sake if it will be removed.
