The society managing the program presented an update to the Town of Yarmouth’s committee of the whole meeting on Nov. 26.
The majority of the façade improvements involved painting with bright colours. Some buildings received much more work, including full refurbishment of stonework, millwork and new windows, as well as awnings and signage.
The economic impact provided to the business community in supplies and labour totalled almost $300,000.
To launch the program, the Town of Yarmouth set aside $150,000 in funding as encouragement for businesses to apply for up to $5,000 in matching funding for the improvements they themselves carried out.
The target was 28 businesses for 2015, which leaves about $50,000 in the pot.
The society is now recommending phase two of the improvement program.
Chair Gil Dares says there was unsolicited interest from business owners (both in and outside of the program’s designated area) that were unable to participate this year but saw the positive impact on other businesses. So far there are 22 buildings interested in phase two.
Dares presented three options for 2016:
• The first option is based on the town providing $200,000 (this includes the $50,000 remaining from 2015) to extend boundaries to side streets.
• Option B would require $150,000 (including $50,000 from 2015) and would allow for a smaller extension of boundaries.
• Option C would depend on funds left over from 2015, and would focus on original boundaries: King Street to Forest Street.
“We have some nice testimonials from people participating in the program,” Dares said. “It’s been received well by the business community and by the public.”
A decision on funding will be made early in the new year.
The society managing the program presented an update to the Town of Yarmouth’s committee of the whole meeting on Nov. 26.
The majority of the façade improvements involved painting with bright colours. Some buildings received much more work, including full refurbishment of stonework, millwork and new windows, as well as awnings and signage.
The economic impact provided to the business community in supplies and labour totalled almost $300,000.
To launch the program, the Town of Yarmouth set aside $150,000 in funding as encouragement for businesses to apply for up to $5,000 in matching funding for the improvements they themselves carried out.
The target was 28 businesses for 2015, which leaves about $50,000 in the pot.
The society is now recommending phase two of the improvement program.
Chair Gil Dares says there was unsolicited interest from business owners (both in and outside of the program’s designated area) that were unable to participate this year but saw the positive impact on other businesses. So far there are 22 buildings interested in phase two.
Dares presented three options for 2016:
• The first option is based on the town providing $200,000 (this includes the $50,000 remaining from 2015) to extend boundaries to side streets.
• Option B would require $150,000 (including $50,000 from 2015) and would allow for a smaller extension of boundaries.
• Option C would depend on funds left over from 2015, and would focus on original boundaries: King Street to Forest Street.
“We have some nice testimonials from people participating in the program,” Dares said. “It’s been received well by the business community and by the public.”
A decision on funding will be made early in the new year.
