Wellington North’s economic development committee façade improvement grant program has garnered seven applications totaling almost $52,500.
The community improvement program panel, aimed at providing funding for businesses to fix up the outside of their stores, approved the seven applications, township business economic manager Dale Small stated in a report to council.
Of the total, Small said, 33 per cent or about $17,700 will come from the program with 67% or slightly more than $35,000 coming from the business owners.
“These improvements, once all have been completed, will have a noticeable positive impact on the main streets in Arthur and Mount Forest,” Small said.
The department has also received an application under its public arts grant program to place a mural on the north wall of the Crawford Funeral Home in Arthur.
“The proposed mural will consist of a 10 foot by 12 foot Canadian flag and some text and ties into the theme of Canada’s Most Patriotic Village,” Small said in his report. “The design and art work for the mural will be completed by local artist, Cliff Smith.”
Smith previously has completed two historic murals in the village.
Mayor Ray Tout said he was impressed by the number of applications which will mean improvements in the core business areas of both communities.
