Applications now open for business facade improvement grants in Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Applications are now open for the 2026 Business Facade Improvement Program in Fort St. John, offering local businesses up to $10,000 to upgrade their storefronts.

In a February 20th Facebook post, the City of Fort St. John invited business owners located within designated development permit areas to apply for the grant, which provides a one-time 50 per cent reimbursement of eligible project costs.

Eligible businesses can receive up to $5,000 per building or project. Corner properties may qualify for up to $5,000 per side facing the street, for a maximum of $10,000.

Improvements eligible for funding include facade upgrades, siding replacement, lighting enhancements, awnings, architectural features and signage. 

New this year, facade painting, including mural projects, is also eligible.

According to the city’s website, the program aims to help revitalize commercial areas and improve the attractiveness of properties across the city.

The program is funded through the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) with support from the mayor’s standing committee on community economic development.

Projects must have a minimum total cost of $1,000 before taxes. 

To qualify, applicants must be either the property owner or business owner, have current business licences, be up to date on property taxes and have no outstanding building permits or stop-work orders. 

According to the city, properties that have previously received funding under the program are not eligible.

The application deadline is March 20th. To apply and for more information, visit the City of Fort St. John’s website.

Similar programs in Taylor and the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) are also open for applications.