Local businesses are reminded that the City’s Economic Recovery Program offers a Beautification & Patio Grant to support businesses as they adapt to provincial COVID-19 regulations announced on April 6.

In addition, the City has waived fees for patio permit applications to encourage local businesses to establish outdoor patios while indoor dining is not permitted by the province. Restaurants with patios are still required to follow all regulations outlined by the province. Those interested may contact the City at dev_permitting@cityofgp.com.

With provincial restrictions reverting to step 1 of the relaunch plan on April 6, local restaurants have an opportunity to adjust or create new outdoor dining experiences.

“When developing the Economic Recovery Grants, the City’s Economic Advisory Committee emphasized the importance of providing tools for local businesses to respond to the pandemic in creative ways that fit their business models,” said Rebecca Leigh, Economic Development Manager at the City of Grande Prairie.

“For example, early on we learned that outdoor, open air seating, such as patios, fall inline with previous provincial COVID-19 regulations. This understanding led to the creation of a Beautification & Patio grant that supports businesses to adapt their existing locations and develop outdoor dining areas that in the short-term, fall within COVID-19 regulations and in the long-term, support ongoing operations.”

The beautification and patio grant supports outdoor dining by offering a grant matching up to 50% of project costs to a maximum of $15,000 for any façade improvement, landscaping or patio project that improves aesthetic appeal, pedestrian access and safety.

Grant applications are available at cityofgp.com/economicrecoveryprogram.

Businesses interested in learning more about the grant may contact the program coordinator at economicrecovery@cityofgp.com.

Information provided by the City of Grande Prairie.