Two property owners in the township will each receive $2,500 grants for façade improvements to their buildings in the business cores in Arthur and Mount Forest.
Council approved the grants available under the façade improvement grant program which provides an interest-free loan to be paid back over five years. It’s part of the township’s economic development committee plan to improve building appearances in the business core.
The Arthur property is at 207 George Street and houses the New To You store. The $2,500 grant comes under the public arts grant program and has been spearheaded by the Arthur and Area Historical Society. It will involve the creation of a mural on the north side of the building featuring a snapshot of the village’s history. The Aboriginal Community Council has already contributed $4,000 towards the mural that will be created by artist Cliff Smith who created the war history mural on the north side of the Sussman’s building.
The mural depicts a land survey done in 1792 on the banks of the Conestoga River by Augustus Jones with 13 survey members and seven native Indians.
An unveiling is expected on May 11 in conjunction with the Arthur Lions Club duck race.
In Mount Forest the grant will go toward upgrading the façade of the building owned by Ken and Alicia Frey of Frey Communications at 142 Main Street North. It will include repair and removal of brick and moldings where needed.
The economic development committee has been promoting its facade program in a bid to assist building owners with exterior renovations and improvements.
