Town of Minto approves business facade grants

Town council approved facade improvement grants for two local businesses at the May 5 meeting.

Greenley’s Restraurant in Clifford will receive a $3,000 grant, the maximum under the program, for repairs and re-pointing of a block wall, as well as a new door and frame.

Council also approved a grant of $2,026 for the property at 8 and 10 Elora St. South in Harriston. The property is owned by Martin Wynja and will soon be the home to Wilfred Mcintee Real Estate, which is relocating from its current facility at the corner of Elora and Arthur Streets.

The project involves replacing a cracked window and new red board and batten vinyl siding and trim on the building facade.

“It’s great to see people making improvements in their downtown property,” stated economic and business manager Belinda Wick-Graham.

Minto initiated the facade and signage grant program for the downtown areas in 2009. In previous years $15,000 was available for commercial properties located in the Community Improvement Areas (CIP) to improve their facades and signage.

“Due to the success of this program and the continued battle we face with some properties in the CIP, the budget for this program has been increased to $58,000,” stated Wick-Grahm in a written report to council.

“We are currently working on updating the CIP areas, as well as expanding the incentives that we offer.”