The downtown core of St. Stephen could benefit from a new program that enhances business facades.
Jeff Renaud, the chief administrative officer for the Municipal District of St. Stephen (MDSS), said he’s been working on this project in collaboration with the Southwest New Brunswick Regional Service Commission (SNBSC), adding it is very much a “working draft.”
“The discussion around the downtown facade program has been around for a long time,” he said. “It used to live on the fringes of the Business Improvement Association (BIA), but quite frankly that wasn’t the right place for it to try and live.”
Renaud said it also isn’t part of their mandate.
Any draft policy discussed at the Committee of the Whole does not take effect as a standing policy until it is formally brought before the council for debate and a vote.
“What we’ve discovered and what we’re proposing is that it be run from the municipal district itself,” he said.
They set a maximum rate of about $7,500 per project, he explained to the council. The municipality has also identified partnerships with the Canadian Business Development Corporation if needed.
A business could apply to the program to give much-needed upgrades to the facade, or front-facing area, of a business in the downtown. An example in the presentation includes a variety of things that could be done to improve the look and feel of the downtown.
Each project would be brought before the council for a vote and approval.
Properties within the Downtown Business Zone are eligible, but those that fall under the New Brunswick Register of Historic Places are not.
Renaud said the proposal plan would be presented to the BIA membership to get feedback.
Mayor Allan MacEachern asked whether there could be control over facade colours, allowing for depth in the range of storefront colours.
Meanwhile, Coun. Wade Greenlaw questioned what area would encompass the program.
Renaud explained it would be the area under the BIA, but also the historic district of Milltown.
“To try and rejuvenate that area as well,” Renaud said.
Renaud said waterfront properties, the side facing Calais, ME, could also be eligible under the program.
“We’re doing some stuff that is outside the box for facade improvements but I think with the nature of our community, they are attempts to do interesting things,” he said.
Coun. Emily Rodas asked about buildings that are rented.
“Would the landlord be able to apply for the $7,500 for each unit, or would the tenant be applying for the funds with the landlord’s permission?” she asked.
Renaud said multi-unit buildings may need further consideration within the policy, but a tenant could apply with the landlord’s permission.
He said he would take it back to the working group for consideration on how it might handle large multi-unit businesses, like the ones nearest the border on Milltown Blvd.
Coun. Joyce Wright said it could consider allowing one facade improvement per address, to avoid impediments to future owners of multi-unit businesses.
Council has sent the proposal off to the BIA for consideration. The Courier reached out to the BIA, but did not receive a response by publication time.
