Commercial Revitalization Grants Program

The Commercial Revitalization Grants Program offers two funding streams, the Storefront Improvement Grant and the Commercial Improvement Grant, to support the revitalization of the City’s mature neighbourhoods through targeted investments that enhance the pedestrian experience, improve neighbourhood vibrance, and promote active commercial use. Through financial assistance, the program helps businesses and non-residential property owners improve the functionality, accessibility, energy efficiency, and aesthetics of existing commercial buildings.

Commercial Revitalization Grants Program Policy and Procedure

Commercial Revitalization Grants
Grant	Max Funding	% of Eligible Expenses
Storefront Improvement Grant The Storefront Improvement Grant encourages investment in exterior and frontage improvements that enhance the appearance, accessibility, and functionality of buildings and the adjoining streetscape in mature neighbourhoods.	$15,000	50%
Commercial Improvement Grant The purpose of the Commercial Improvement Grant is to support investment in the interior renovation of commercial units in older buildings within mature neighbourhoods. Improvements, whether for occupied, vacant, or under-utilized spaces, are expected to enhance the accessibility, visual appeal, energy efficiency, and functionality of publicly accessible or shared interior areas. The intent is to help retain existing tenants, reduce commercial vacancy, and attract new investment to mature areas.	$10,000	50%

Guiding Principles

Strengthen the economic viability and commercial activity of mature neighbourhoods;
Enhance the appearance, functionality, and accessibility of commercial buildings, going beyond basic maintenance or cosmetic changes;
Activate vacant or underutilized commercial spaces;
Attract and retain commercial tenants in mature neighbourhoods;
Support the long-term growth and resilience of local businesses; and
Contribute to the vibrancy and overall enhancement of mature neighbourhoods.

Funding

Grant funding will be allocated on a case-by-case basis subject to the approval of the Review Committee, until the annual budget has been spent, or the program year has ended. Submitting an application does not guarantee funding, or a specific funding amount. All project proposals are subject to a comprehensive review of the application and required information and must reflect the purpose and objectives of each grant.

Eligibility

Both grants are available to Resident Businesses and non-profit organizations with a valid Business Licence and/or property owners of commercial property located in Fort Saskatchewan and built before January 1, 2000.

Map of Eligible Properties*

*The map above displays properties eligible for the Commercial Revitalization Grants Program; however, it may not include all eligible properties in Fort Saskatchewan. To confirm eligibility, documentation verifying that the building was constructed before January 1, 2000 will be required.

FAQs

Am I required to use local contractors when applying for any type of Commercial Revitalization Grant?
No. While we encourage businesses to shop local by using local business, we want to ensure that applicants have the ability to seek out the most competitive quotations for their projects.

I plan to perform some of the work myself. Can I submit my labour as an eligible expense?
No. While you are permitted to perform work yourself, any labour done yourself or provided in-kind is an ineligible expense.

Are signs eligible for the Storefront Improvement Grant?
Signs may be included as part of an overall storefront improvement; however applications that are exclusively for storefront signs will not be considered.

I would like to add a mural to the building. Is this an eligible expense?
Yes. A mural is an eligible expense under the Storefront Improvement Grant. Applications submitted under the Program for a mural must include a concept drawing or rendering of the proposed mural, and a brief description of the theme and inspiration. The mural cannot contain any form of advertising that is 15% or more of the total mural area, and the theme must be aligned with the City’s values, vision, or strategic goals as specified within the City’s Strategic Plan.

I am the owner of a home-based business. Am I eligible for the Commercial Revitalization Grants Program?
No. Only commercial property is eligible for the Commercial Revitalization Grants Program.

I lease space for my business. Am I eligible for the Commercial Revitalization Grants Program?
Yes, as long as you have approval from the property owner, and have at least three years remaining on the lease.

I have a project that would apply under both Grants. Can I apply for both?
Yes, applicants are eligible to receive both the Storefront Improvement Grant and Commercial Improvement Grant in the same year.

I am already a recipient of one, or both Commercial Revitalization Grants. Can I apply again?
Each individual business or unit is eligible to receive funding from each grant stream (Storefront and Commercial) only once within a five-year period.

I own a multi-unit property with multiple businesses operating within the building. Can I apply for the Commercial Revitalization Grants for multiple units?
Yes. Individual Units within a multi-unit building may apply independently; however, the total combined funding for all units within the same building shall not exceed $45,000 over a five-year period for the Storefront Improvement Grant, or $30,000 for the Commercial Improvement Grants, regardless of the number of applicants.

When will I know if I have been approved?
Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis. Applicants will be notified within three (3) business days of the scheduled Review Committee meeting if their application has been approved.

When does my project have to be completed?
Projects must be physically completed by December 31 of the year of approval. This includes submitting the documentation required as part of the Final Report. Projects that are not completed by December 31, or that fail to submit required final reporting and documentation by December 31, will be considered ineligible for reimbursement.

When will I receive the approved funds?
If the project is approved, funds will be dispersed within 30 days of final approval of the Review Committee. The approved funds being released is contingent upon receiving the Final Report; including the Final Expense Tracking Sheet, Project Reflection, as well as before/after photos and final expense receipts.