'Spruce the Bruce' grants for 2016 are up for grabs in just a few weeks.
Bruce County council has set aside $125,000 towards the grants, and applications will be accepted starting Tuesday, March 1.
Spruce the Bruce is a downtown improvement program created to support renovations that make communities more attractive, pedestrian-friendly, and distinctive.
Since starting in 2010, 257 downtown community improvement projects have been completed with the help of Spruce the Bruce grants. The total value of combined public and private investment is more than $2.6-million.
All grants are matching funds of up to 50 per cent of eligible project expenses.
The first deadline to submit applications is March 31st, and applications will continue to be accepted by the last day of each month, until all 2016 funds have been disbursed.
Grant types and maximum matching funding provided by Spruce the Bruce include: - Streetscape Beautification Grant $10,000 - Façade Improvement & Sidewalk Patio Grant $3,000 with an additional $1,000 for projects totaling over $10,000 - Perpendicular Signage & Awning Grant $1,000 - Gateways & Public Signage Grant $5,000 - Destination Infrastructure Grant $2,500 - Downtown Collaborative Marketing Grant $2,500
Grant categories have eligibility criteria in which participating municipalities, downtown stakeholders and business owners must meet in order to be awarded the grant.
Projects must be completed by October 31, 2016.
To submit a grant application and for additional information about Spruce the Bruce, visit www.sprucethebruce.com or call 1-800-268-3838.