This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot b61763b9b29d · verified 2026-06-05 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER
BRIDGEWATER FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT
POLICY NO: 96
PURPOSE
1.
It shall be the policy of the Town of Bridgewater to provide grants to
improve and beautify public facades of buildings in the Downtown
Business District and to have clear terms and conditions for the
administration and distribution of funding for all program grants.
POLICY DETAILS
2.
This policy provides the opportunity to assist business and/or property
owners to beautify and improve their exterior premises and associated
signage within the Downtown Business District, as identified in
Appendix "A".
3.
Each year, the Town shall advertise any availability of funding for
Façade Improvements, under the provisions of this policy.
4.
Application deadlines and maximum eligibility amount shall be
clearly stated on all advertising and program materials.
ELIGIBILITY
5.
All commercial premises or businesses located within the Downtown
Business District are eligible for grant assistance for external for
external façade upgrades under the following streams:
a.
Façade Improvement Stream
Funding is available up to $5,000 with the following cost
share(s):
i)
25% - Signage (maximum $500)
ii)
50% - Façade Improvements
Bridgewater Façade Improvement Policy
Policy 96
Page 2
b.
New Business Stream
Funding is available for new businesses, up to $500 with no
cost share required.
i)
"New Business"- a business which has, within the last
twelve (12) months, entered a commercial lease or has
taken
legal
possession
of
a
new
property.
6.
Each year, the Town may review its current Façade Improvement
Policy to determine if the eligible maximum amount needs to be
revised.
7.
All rates and taxes from previous years, on any eligible property, must
be paid in full before an application for assistance can be considered.
8.
Eligible upgrades may include window and door replacement,
cladding and trim, lighting, painting, accessibility improvements, and
may include associated signage for the business located on any
eligible property.
9.
The Façade Improvement Program provides guidance and rationale
for program administration. This guide and design manual may be
reviewed annually by Council or its Heritage Advisory Committee.
10.
Applications for the Façade Improvement Program are limited to one
per property (PID) per fiscal year, excepting:
a.
Corner lots which for which there are two (2) public street
facing façades; or
b.
Lots with a side-facing façade, which abut a:
i)
Town-owned property within the Downtown Business
District;
ii)
Town-maintained parking lots; or
iii)
Established
alleyways,
lanes,
and
pedestrian
connections.
Bridgewater Façade Improvement Policy
Policy 96
Page 3
c.
In no case shall a property be eligible for more than two (2)
applications per fiscal year, regardless of the number of
publicly visible façades.
10.1
Applications for the New Business Stream are limited to one per
property (PID) per fiscal year.
APPLICATIONS
11.
In order to be considered, applications must contain the required
information including full budget and requested funding amount.
12.
Applications will be reviewed by staff. Funding decisions are made by
Town Council.
PROGRAM BUDGET
13.
The budget allowance for this program will be reviewed annually
during the Town's budget process and will be subject to the
limitations of the overall operating budget.
14.
If the total value of applications received exceeds the available
funding amount for this program, preference will be given to those
projects demonstrating the most positive impact on the Community,
as determined by Council.
15.
Once approved, the Town may work with the property owner(s), or
designate, to ensure the timely execution of all eligible work. Work
must be completed by the end of the fiscal year in which it was
approved, unless otherwise authorized.
---------------------------------------------
APPROVED:
12 February 2024
Resolution#: 24-034
Amended:
13 April 2026
Resolution#: 26-061