Downtown businesses in Victoria will be getting some upgrades as council approved spending $50,000 in new revenue on cleaning and beautification projects.
The city worked with the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) to craft the Business Facade Beautification Reimbursement Program.
The DVBA will match the city funding, so $100,000 will go toward providing resources for businesses to improve the look and cleanliness of their storefronts through the program.
The DVBA will deliver the facade services on behalf of the city. The improvements will include: surface treatments to siding, moulding, trim and paint; upgrading exterior lighting fixtures; cleaning or replacing awnings; adding landscaping and bird deterrents; and other scrub-ups to building facades.
The city funds come from increased parking revenue after the council decided earlier this to extend paid parking hours and rates. All the almost $1 million expected to be raised from that move will be re-invested in the downtown, with beautification being one of the program’s focus.
Staff said the facade beautification program will improve the visual appeal and help to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the downtown as a vibrant and vital commercial core of the city and region.
READ: Victoria unveils plan for $1M revitalization of downtown with public events, safety
