The Downtown Incentives Program is now accepting new grant applications as part of the City of Grande Prairie’s ongoing efforts to support vibrancy in the city centre.

The program includes the Urban Residential Development Grant, the Patio Grant, and the Demolition Grant for a total of $500,000 in funding available to downtown businesses.

The Urban Residential Development Grant encourages residential and mixed-use development in the downtown. Infill development and redevelopment within the program boundaries are eligible for $10,000 per dwelling unit for apartment buildings and $15,000 per dwelling unit for mixed-use apartment buildings. Additionally, residential projects may qualify for a three-year tax deferral on the incremental assessed value and a matching grant to a maximum of $50,000 for upsizing water and wastewater connections.

The Patio Grant encourages downtown businesses to develop outdoor patio spaces through a matching grant of 50% of the patio’s cost, up to $5,000.

Finally, the Demolition Grant offers a 50% matching grant up to a maximum of $50,000 for the removal of a building within the Downtown Incentives boundary.

Applications are being accepted for the remainder of the year or until funding runs out. Applications are reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.

To date, the Downtown Incentives Program has awarded $1.6 million to 41 businesses.

Applications and additional details are available at cityofgp.com/downtownincentives.