class="tag"Posts Tagged ‘sustainability’
1 Comment Grants and Funding for Municipal Signs and Business Facade Upgrades
Your Sign Wish Might Be Granted
Over the years we have created many signs that were covered by Facade Upgrade programs, Community Improvement Plans, Tourism Grants and Sustainability Funds. These programs are often run through funding of a province, city, town or municipality. Occasionally the private sector offers grants as well if your project falls within their specifications. Below are explanations of these terms and examples of sign projects that we have been a part of because of the funding available at that time.
Facade Upgrade Programs
We have created several signs for clients through the City of Kitchener Facade Grant Program, but the most dramatic transformation of them all was the changes to the exterior of The Sports Link.
This beautification grant was created to revitalize the look of the Downtown Kitchener business core.
Community Improvement Plans
Community Improvement Plans, otherwise known as a CIP, often includes funding for signage. This year the Township of Mapleton is running a CIP and we are excited to see what it brings to the area.
Last year the City of Waterloo offered a CIP for members of the UpTown Waterloo BIA. For those not familiar with the term BIA, it refers to Business Improvement Area.
This year the City of Waterloo CIP includes the following projects
- intended to improve the appearance of the streetscape and buildings, while conserving heritage properties
- additional grant of up to $5,000 is available per building if the property is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act
In fact, Rachel March the City of Waterloo’s Economic Development Coordinator had this to say
The City has a CIP study area that is slightly larger than the Uptown BIA area (see general program requirements link on the CIP page near the top). The CIP study area is the catchment area for the grants, rather than the uptown BIA area. However, for 2019 the Uptown BIA is offering to double the available grants to applicants who are BIA members for their Façade Improvement works. For example, normally the maximum FIG available is $10,000 (or $15,000 if you are a corner property). In order to receive this, you would have to spend at least $20,000 (or $30,000). The BIA bump up will double the grant to $20,000 and $30,000, however the applicant will have to spend $40,000 and $60,000 in façade improvements to receive this.
Info for this year’s City of Waterloo CIP can be found at https://www.waterloo.ca/en/government/uptown-community-improvement-plan.aspx#Facade-improvement-grant
To further our knowledge about the Facade Improvement Grant in Waterloo Ontario we attended an information session. Below is a summary of what you can apply for during their SPRING application intake.
For the specifics regarding signs for this program, please email us sales@sign-depot.on.ca
PLEASE NOTE the deadline for applying for the Spring intake is in May 2019
We have also learned that the Downtown Cambridge BIA has launched a Signage and Decorative Lighting Improvement Grant.
In order to qualify for a Signage & Decorative Lighting Improvement Grant:
• Applicants must be a recognized BIA Member (Associate Members and other businesses do not qualify).
• Applicants may be eligible for one signage grant per storefront.
• Qualifying applicants may be eligible for a one-time grant of up to a maximum of $1,500 for a maximum of half (50%) of the value of an eligible signage and/or decorative lighting improvement.
• Projects must not have commenced prior to the awarding of the requested grant.
• Projects must be completed within six (6) months of the date of the signed grant application
• Eligible project costs must be actual cash outlay to third parties acting at arm’s length and which can be documented through original invoices or proofs of payment.
• Projects must demonstrate a contribution to the overall quality of the streetscape of the community.
• Signage projects must be permanently attached to the building facade.
For all the info about this grant visit https://www.downtowncambridgebia.ca/applications and scroll to the bottom of the page to find the download links
Tourism Grants
Last year we assisted the Municipality of East Ferris with their roadside signs. They received funding for this sign project through a Tourism Northern Ontario grant, and this year through Destination Northern Ontario partnership, they are adding additional signage.
Sustainability Funds
The City of Waterloo Park Services received funding for upgrades at Waterloo Park through the #TDCommonGround Sustainability Fund which included a new Pedestrian Entrance.
Steps to #StepUpYourSignage
As mentioned in post for 2019 projects, here at The Sign Depot we want you to #StepUpYourSignage and the financial assistance of a grant or fund could make it even easier. Here are 3 things to look for when deciding to advertise your business with custom signs.
- Is there sign grant or financial assistance fund available?
- Does your sign project fall within the parameters of the funding program?
- Does it also include coverage for the required sign permits?
Once you have the above questions answered, then we suggest you file your sign grant application right away. Often these opportunities will only accept a certain amount of applicants and they must be granted within an allotted time frame. After you have applied and been approved for your funding ,our sign experts are here to help make your sign wishes come true.
Signs That The Olympics Are Near and What They Share With Artistic Signs
London 2012 Olympic Games
Friday July 27, 2012 is the official start to the London England Olympic Games. In an earlier post it was mentioned that the London Olympic Games Design Font would be a trend for 2012. Now that we have reached the beginning of this year’s games there are a few more items that should be noted when speaking about the upcoming Olympics. Many of the ideas behind this year’s event are along the same lines as best practices for custom signs.
Design
The London Olympic build was custom designed with sustainability in mind. Permanent venues were sites that were refurbished to accommodate the games. Temporary venues were custom designed so that once removed there would be very little disruption to the area where they were constructed. Knowing what you want your design to accomplish is something the designers at The Sign Depot always have in mind
Be Memorable
Structure is one thing, but you need to be memorable as well. Art In The Park area near the Olympic Park will be noticeable to everyone attending the games. This area will surely find it’s way into many pictures/tweets/status updates in what is deemed as the most “social” Olympics yet. Creating a buzz and being noticed will be things to watch for during the 2012 Olympic events. Those will be the memories that will live on after the torch has been put out.
Make A Bold Statement
Being a Canadian company we definitely endorse this video! Finding ways to stand out from your competition is always the way to rise to the top. Choosing unique and artistic ways to convey messages through signs is something we defintely have in common with the London 2012 Olympic Games. Finding ways to be bold with sophisticated style is not and easy task but taking risks and stepping up to challenges are traits that we find commendable.
We even wonder if our post on Findabilty inspired the Canadian Olympic Team
