Uptown Leamington BIA Community Enhancement Grant

Program Overview:

The Uptown Leamington Business Improvement Area (BIA) is committed to enhancing the safety and aesthetics of the community through its Community Enhancement Grant Program. This combined grant initiative encompasses two distinct funding opportunities aimed at supporting BIA member businesses in improving security measures and enhancing building beautification within the BIA boundaries.

What improvements are eligible?

  • Restoration of brickwork, wood, masonry, and metal cladding
  • Replacement of entablature, eaves, parapets, and other architectural details
  • Window and door replacement
  • Signage
  • Painting of the exterior
  • Exterior lighting
  • Replacement or addition of awning, marquees or canopies
  • Replacement of elements originally in place during initial construction of the building
  • Entranceway modifications
  • Redesigned shop fronts
  • Exterior improvements – repainting, cleaning brick, graffiti prevention
  • Modifications to improve accessibility
  • Improvements to the building exterior as approved by the Leamington BIA Board of Directors
  • The purchase and installation of a new security camera system or enhancements to existing systems
  • Alleyways
  • Updating Signage
  • Holiday Décor items for store fronts
  • Outdoor garbage receptacles or cigarette receptacles

What improvements are NOT eligible?

  • Painting over old signage
  • Broken or boarded windows
  • Interior repairs and maintenance
  • Building insulation
  • Does not include monthly subscriptions

Grant Details:

  • Members are eligible for a grant(s) covering 50% of the project cost, up to a maximum of $1500.
  • The grant aims to increase surveillance in uptown by installing security cameras to deter unwanted activities or to improve aesthetics and attractiveness of commercial buildings within the BIA boundaries.
  • Projects must be completed within 90 days of approval to ensure reimbursement. If extra time is required, an extension can be requested. Each extension request will be considered individually, with approval determined by the BIA Board of Directors.

Eligibility:

  • Applicants must be current members of the Leamington BIA
  • Applicants must have a current business licence
  • Applicants must be committed into a minimum 1 year lease agreement
  • Properties must meet specific criteria
  • Limit of one grant per address, per grant program per year

Requirements:

  • Submission of necessary documentation and approvals as per the application process
  • Before and after photos of project
  • Compliance with quality standards and commitment to maintaining the improvements for a specified duration
  • Written approval from both the property owner and the tenant must be supplied where applicable
  • Proof of a minimum 1 year lease

*For Security Camera Installation/upgrades:

  • At least one camera must be placed outdoors on a ground floor facing the street/sidewalk or the back/side alleyway, whichever is deemed more vital for the security of the business. Cameras may also be placed inside.
  • The security system must meet a basic quality standard as established by the BIA requirements.
  • The applicant will agree to maintain the security system for a minimum of 2 years or for the remainder of their time operating at that address, whichever comes first.
  • The applicant will provide Leamington OPP access to video footage from the indoor/outdoor cameras for the next 5 years.

Application Process:

  1. Applicants must obtain quotes for security camera installations or facade improvements.
  2. Complete the combined grant application form, specifying the scope of proposed project and providing all required details.
  3. Submit the application along with supporting documentation, including quotes and proposals.
  4. Applications will undergo review by the BIA Board of Directors for approval.
  5. Upon approval, applicants must proceed with the installation or improvement project within the designated time frame.

Additional Information:

  • Priority may be given to projects based on their alignment with the overall goals of the grant programs and the enhancement of community safety and aesthetics.
  • Grant recipients are responsible for coordinating payments with vendors and ensuring compliance with all program guidelines.
  • The personal privacy of uptown residents and businesses is of the utmost importance and all security cameras will be installed in such a way that they thoroughly cover the public areas of the street and sidewalk without invading people’s private residences, enhancing community security and appearance.
  • If more applications are submitted than there is funding allotted for, the BIA will be choose the locations for approval based on projects that meet the requirements of grant program.
  • Applicants will be expected to work out payment of the entire project. A cheque for the agreed upon grant allocation will be given directly to the applicant after the project is completed, proof of payment in full has been submitted and pending a final inspection (including a follow up report and photos).
  • The addresses of the cameras will be recorded on a list and a map, which will be provided to the police.

For inquiries, contact the Uptown Leamington BIA at coordinator@leamingtonbia.com.

The Uptown Leamington BIA aims to promote both safety and visual appeal in the BIA area, supporting the interest of its members and the community as a whole.

If you are interested in applying, click here UPLift Grant Info . Please send it to coordinator@leamingtonbia.com, mail it to Box 666 Leamington, Ont. N8H 1X1 or drop it off at the Uptown Leamington BIA Office, 55 Erie St. N., Leamington ON N8H 2Z4