Business Facade Improvement Program

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) offers grants to help enhance the exterior appearance of buildings outside of municipal boundaries within the region. By investing in storefronts, we create attractive commercial corridors, foster community pride and build a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors.

This program is administered by the PRRD with generous funding support from the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT).

An overview of the program is available on this page or you can review the Business Facade Improvement Program Guidelines.

Grant Funding Details

The program provides a reimbursement grant to help offset the costs of your exterior improvements.

Benefit Detail
Reimbursement Rate Up to 50 percent of eligible project costs
Maximum Grant $5,000 per project/building
Minimum Project Value Total project costs must be at least $10,000
Frequency Buildings are eligible for a grant every year for new or incremental improvements
Application Deadline Applications are open until March 31, 2026
Reporting Deadline Funding recipients must submit reporting documents by December 31, 2026

Eligible Improvements

Eligible improvements may consist of but are not limited to:

  • Exterior lighting (new but not replacement)
  • Exterior architectural features
  • Exterior surfaces and details (decorative details, moldings, trims etc.)
  • Windows (only if part of larger enhancements, no stand-alone window replacement)
  • New siding
  • Facade painting
  • Entrances and doorways (only if part of larger enhancements, no stand-alone entrance/doorway replacement)
  • Awnings
  • Signage (permanent on applicant property)
  • Wayfinding signage (sign located on the business property i.e. at the bottom of a driveway).
  • Signs are eligible for 50 percent to a maximum of $500 and must adhere to any bylaw regulations
  • Accessibility improvements (ramps, wider doors etc.) to the outside of the building only
  • Patios (permanent or semi-permanent patios that will have a legacy of more than one season and give a lasting impact)

Eligible Project Costs

  • Direct project labour costs
  • Design, architectural or engineering fees (related to facade only)
  • Contractor fees
  • Rental of tools and equipment
  • Project related materials and supplies
  • Shipping and/or freight
  • PST

Who Can Apply

This program is available for those operating in the Mandatory Building Permit Area (rural areas) of the Peace River Regional District and in appropriately zoned areas. All projects must be located within the PRRD but outside of city, town or village limits. Improvements should focus on the "facade" (the face of the building) to ensure the biggest visual impact for the community.

Funding is available to:

  • Property Owners: Owners of commercial or industrial buildings.

  • Business Owners: Tenants with property owner consent.

  • Non-Profit Organizations: Registered societies with a physical storefront or facility.

  • Home-Based Businesses: Businesses operating from a residential property that have a visible "frontage" or signage accessible to the public.

All applicant property taxes must be fully paid and current, with no outstanding building permits, stop work orders or outstanding development permit condition requirements. You must be a new applicant to the Business Facade Program/have not received previous grants for proposed improvements.

If you have any questions about program eligibility you can contact the Development Services Department at planning@prrd.bc.ca or 250-784-3200.  

How to Apply

You can apply to the program until March 31, 2026:

The Peace River Regional District will notify successful applicants via email or mailed letter with next steps. To learn more about the application review process, please read the Business Facade Improvement Program Guidelines.

How Applications are Evaluated

The Project Review Committee (PRC) evaluates applications based on the following:

  • Does the project meet the eligibility criteria of the program?
  • Does the project meet the applicable Official Community Plan and Bylaw requirements? 
  • Will the completed renovation have a noticeable impact within the community?
  • Will the completed project have a noticeable impact on the streetscape?
  • Will the renovation offer a noticeable improvement in the streetscape?
  • Was a professional designer or architect used?

Funding will be allocated based on project eligibility and availability of program funds and committed on a first-come, first-served basis. Peace River Regional District staff will contact successful applicants with next steps.

Reporting Process 

Recipients of funding through the program must submit the following to by December 31, 2026: 

  • Does the project meet the eligibility criteria of the program?
  • Does the project meet the applicable Official Community Plan and Bylaw requirements? 
  • Will the completed renovation have a noticeable impact within the community?
  • Will the completed project have a noticeable impact on the streetscape?
  • Will the renovation offer a noticeable improvement in the streetscape?
  • Was a professional designer or architect used?

Funding will be allocated based on project eligibility and availability of program funds and committed on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Submit reporting documents to the Development Services Department at planning@prrd.bc.ca or in person at our offices in Dawson Creek (1981 Alaska Avenue) or Fort St. John (9505 100 Street).

Acknowledging Your Funding

We encourage recipients of the Business Facade Improvement Program to acknowledge the support by any of the following channels:

Have a unique idea to showcase the program? We’d love to hear it! Please reach out to our Communications Department to discuss opportunities.

Contact Us

Development Services
1981 Alaska Avenue,
Dawson Creek, BC
V1G 4H8

250-784-3200 
planning@prrd.bc.ca

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