Arran-Elderslie is working on revitalizing its downtowns and it’s encouraging local businesses to make use of available grant money.
The municipality which includes Chesley, Paisley, Tara, and Allenford says $20,000 is available through a collaboration with the Spruce The Bruce program from Bruce County.
Last year, Arran-Elderslie created two working groups which include business and community members to focus on revitalizing Tara’s downtown and Chesley’s downtown.
Their goal is to boost business in the downtowns, refresh a bit of the streetscape with things like window wraps in empty storefronts, trees, benches and trash cans.
Other revitalization activities might include programming or events in the communities.
The Spruce The Brucegrant has been around for a few years, and to make use ofthe grant, communities are encouraged to establish a vision, colour scheme and other plans for sprucing up streetscapes.
Arran-Elderslie refreshed its branding over the past couple of years, and created Spruce the Bruce profiles for its communities, which can help applicants envision what kind of improvements would look good in their downtowns.
The Spruce the Bruce grant focuses on facade improvements, awning grants, fascia signage and perpendicular signs. It’s believed perpendicular signs can increase foot traffic and business because they enable people to look down a street and see signs for the businesses that lie ahead, rather than only seeing what’s there as they pass by it.
The grant can help with things like lighting, shutters, planters, brick work and other elements on the front of a building.
The Spruce the Bruce section of Bruce County’s website includes community profiles and guidelines that suggest colour schemes and includes examples of what a facade improvement might look like. Different communities in the county are going for different looks, for example Sauble Beach has been cultivating a retro look. Tobermory has a maritime, harbour town look.
Chesley and Tara are both going for a traditional, heritage downtown feel, but each with its unique identity.
Paisley is going for a heritage look, but also for an artistic, free-spirited, colourful feel where murals and art installations are part of the downtown look.
The Spruce the Bruce guidelines include colour palettes and materials for inspiration.
Arran-Elderslie Mayor Steve Hammell says in a statement, “By designating our downtowns as priority areas for investment in 2025, we’re taking steps to not only support our local businesses but also to enhance the vitality of our communities,” adding, “I’m excited to see the positive impact these improvements will have on the future growth and appeal of our downtowns.”
Applications open February 1st.
The grants will cover one-third of eligible project costs, with additional support coming from the county’s program to match the contribution.
Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out the Arran-Elderslie Economic Development and Communications Coordinator, Jennifer Isber-Legge or Bruce County Business Development Coordinator, Lindsey McLean at info@sprucethebruce.com in advance of the grants February 1 st opening date. Grants are approved by the county on a first-come first-serve basis.
Interested businesses, property owners, and community partners are encouraged to apply. For more information on eligibility, application details, and a full list of available grant opportunities, please visit Bruce County’s official website: www.brucecounty.on.ca/business/grants.