May 8, 2015
New Program Provides Welcome Facelifts for Historic Storefronts
– – –An appealing business image attracts customers, supports job creation, strengthens Manitoba's growing economy
A total of 13 storefronts in Winnipeg’s downtown will be getting a makeover thanks to the new Exchange District Heritage Façade and Storefront Improvement Program.
The program, launched in 2015, is a joint initiative supported by the Manitoba government, the City of Winnipeg and CentreVenture (CV). It is expected the program will fuel an additional $469,000 in private investments in the Exchange District. Refreshed buildings in downtown Winnipeg will help attract visitors and stimulate more economic activity in the heart of the city. Successful businesses create employment opportunities and are the driving force in Manitoba’s growing economy.
“Appealing storefronts attract customers, encourage business expansion and fuel job creation which is revitalizing Winnipeg’s downtownand growing our economy,” said Municipal Government Minister Drew Caldwell. “The planned improvements will breathe new life into the historic buildings of our famous Exchange District, and increase the shopping and business opportunities this city has to offer.”
The Exchange District Heritage Façade and Storefront Improvement Program provides up to $5,000 to cover professional design consulting fees, and will match up to $15,000 for eligible storefront improvements. Businesses with more than one frontage on a public street may receive up to $30,000 for eligible storefront improvements. Grants will cover up to 50 per cent of the cost of the eligible works per storefront.
“Not only is the Exchange District known as the mecca of arts and culture in Winnipeg, people flock here to enjoy restaurants and retail in an atmosphere that speaks to the history and unique nature of this part of our city,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “We are pleased to be a part of the commitment to further preserve the look and feel of the buildings that make up this historic district.”
“This program was developed to enhance the historic features of the district, while providing the opportunity to support innovative strategies to increase pedestrian traffic that drives even more business and investment to the area,” said Angela Mathieson, president and CEO of Centre Venture. “We are delighted to see both building and business owners reinvest and preserve our beautiful collection of turn-of-the-century buildings in the Exchange District.”
The province is providing $131,000 towards the program. The city’s share totals $129,661 provided from the Gail Parvin Hammerquist (GPH) fund administered by CentreVenture Development Corporation. The GPH Fund was established by Winnipeg’s city council to encourage greater investment in the retention, improvement and use of designated heritage structures.
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The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the Manitoba government, the City of Winnipeg and CentreVenture.