FERGUS – Downtown Fergus will get a “light” touch this winter thanks to an $88,500 grant from My Main Street Community Activator, an initiative of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
But things will have to move quickly as the grant must be spent by Dec. 31.
The funding will be spent on the “Lighting up Fergus” initiative that includes:
– $6,000 to enhance the Twilight in Templin concert series;
– $8,600 to help with night markets, such as Witches Night Out and Sip & Shop;
– $73,900 for the facade lighting initiative.
The lighting initiative is a pilot project. The township and the Fergus BIA will select a few historic buildings on St. Andrew Street to be up-lit to enhance their architectural features.
Because of the “challenging” infrastructure on St. Andrew Street, one of the criteria for selection will be ease of installation. Another will be the owner’s willingness to pay for the extra hydro and contribute toward capital costs.
Township staff hope there can be a phase two to the project in 2025.
“By enhancing the streetscape with innovative uplighting designs, the initiative seeks to create a vibrant atmosphere that attracts residents and visitors to the downtown area during the evenings and weekends, ultimately supporting local businesses,” states a Nov. 27 press release.
A report on the matter was presented to council by Kristen Bettiol, manager of community development, on Nov. 12. She mentioned another $30,000 could come to the lighting project from a second source.
