The City-Wide Façade Improvement and Beautification Program (FIBP) is a City of Duncan initiative to encourage business revitalization and beautification by supporting business owners undertaking storefront improvements.
Through the FIBP the City may provide a grant for up to 50% of the cost of eligible improvements to a maximum of $5,000 per commercial property, per year, regardless of the number of businesses operating within the property. Program funds are limited, and applications will be assessed on a first come first served basis.
Eligible Applicants
- The applicant must be a business or property owner of a commercial property (Dowtown Core Commercial Zone, Neighbourhood Commercial Zone, Highway Corridor Commercial Zone) in the City of Duncan and must be outside of the Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area. A tenant will require the building owner’s consent on the application.
- All property tax, utilities, and business licence fees must be paid for the current year.
Eligible Façade and Beautification Improvements
The FIBP is primarily focused on the appearance of the properties in relationship to the street, the storefront, or thoroughfare, and eligible improvements must generally be adjacent to and visible from the street. Eligible improvements may renovate, restore, beautify or re-design business frontages including:
- Exterior architectural or decorative details such as moldings/trims/cornices
- Public art, including but not limited to:
- Murals
- Exterior wall art installations
- Sculptures
- Decorative features on security fences
- Utility box wraps
- Parking area improvements
- Landscaping elements
- Site furniture (i.e., play spaces, benches, bike racks, tables, weather protection)
- Windows and window openings, including awnings
- Exterior lighting to building and/or doorway openings
- Signage (excluding sandwich boards)
- Façade repairs and painting
- Patio spaces
Façade improvements may require a Development Permit, depending on the extent of the work being considered. Applicants may also need to obtain necessary Building and/or Sign Permits.
Questions? Please contact the Planning Department by email: developmentservices@duncan.ca or phone: 250-746-6126
