KENILWORTH – The Arthur Barber Shop, which held its grand opening on Jan. 25, will be receiving some upgrades to its façade.
Business owner Adam Tabal has $1,776 in improvements planned, and the Township of Wellington North will support with 50 per cent of the cost, providing a grant of $888.
The project will involve removing old graphics from current signs and installing new business signage on the façade of the building.
Tabal is a barber with more than 28 years experience, and the Arthur location is his sixth establishment.
Tabal opened a barber shop in Mount Forest this spring, and opened Timex Barbershop in Hillsburgh last year.
The Arthur location includes two chairs and two barbers, with plans to add a third chair soon, according to the report.
“Specializing in haircuts for men and boys, the barbershop also offers services such as beard trips, ear and nose waxes and facials,” the report continues.
The township’s 2025 budget includes $35,000 to support Community Improvement Program applications, of which $8,468 has been granted so far, including the Arthur Barber Shop application.
The program involves grants for individuals, businesses and organizations improving their buildings and property “all in an effort to support revitalization and redevelopment activities in our community,” states a township report about the grant.
Since the program launched in 2011, 173 applicants have been approved for funding under the program.
Township economic development officer Robyn Mulder said, “The township has given grants in the amount of $448,000 but the private business owners have put in approximately $4.23 million.
“So you can look at it as a return on investment.”
Mulder said the amount local businesses have spent shows they “have pride and are renovating and rejuvenating the town with their own dollars, with just a little bit of township incentive.”
“Since we started this program … I think we’ve seen a very visible increase in the quality of signage and the look of our downtown cores,” said Mayor Andy Lennox.
“It’s not just township dollars, it’s private dollars being spent, too, and our community is benefiting as a whole.”
Council has communicated a commitment to continue with the Community Improvement Program until at least 2028, at which time an analysis will be completed and recommendations made to council.
