2009 Facade Improvement Project

A joint initiative between the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association (DMRBIA) and the District of Maple Ridge will soon be bringing more positive changes to the Town Centre in the form of business front improvements.

The 2009 Downtown Maple Ridge Façade Improvement Program was initiated by the DMRBIA and is managed with the support of the District of Maple Ridge. The Program awards grants to local property and business owners interested in upgrading their store frontages such as painting, installing window, door and other decorative trim, lighting, landscaping, or upgrading signage to improve the streetscape. Funding, this year totaling $27,000 provided by both the DMRBIA and the District of Maple Ridge, will allow ten businesses to undertake a variety of improvements and cover some of the related professional expenses. Applicants had to be prepared to pay at least 50% of the total cost of their project. If their application was successful, the Façade Improvement Program would provide up to 50% of the costs, to a maximum of $10,000 ($20,000 if a corner building).

Bruce Fuller, owner of Fuller Watson at the corner of 224th Street and Lougheed Hwy is a $10,000 recipient.  Fuller Watson has been a fixture in Maple Ridge for over 80 years and will combine their own resources with their grant of $10,000 to install a complete new façade and paint their building. 

Ineke Boekhorst, Executive Director of the DMRBIA, states that this type of investment is complementary to the District’s “Our Spirit…Our Town” improvement project. “This is an important step to support our downtown businesses and one that we hope will encourage all property and business owners to think about updating their own premises.”

Other businesses receiving grants are:

• Dr. Susan Marandi / The Bookcase, 22363-22367 119th Ave ($1,700)
• Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living, 11641-224th Street ($1,500)
• Broco Autoglass, #1-22826 Dewdney Trunk Road ($1,000)
• Gingerly, 11869-227th Street ($1,880)
• Black Bear Wine & Brew, #2 22826 Dewdney Trunk Road ($1,280)
• MR/PM Community Services, 11907 228th Street ($1,250)
• Former “Arcus” (next to the News), 22320 119th Ave ($3,425)
• Dads & Lads / Former “Let the Games Begin”, 11994 224th Street ($2,000)
• Family Education, 22554 Lougheed Hwy ($1,250)

author:
Gary Manson, BBA, MBA
Manager Corporate Communications
District of Maple Ridge

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