DOWNTOWN FACELIFT
BCB receives 26 expressions of interest for façade program in Glace Bay
Business Cape Breton working on Glace Bay façade program.
Business Cape Breton has received 26 expressions of interest for a proposed façade program in Glace Bay.
Eileen Lannon-Oldford, CEO, said of that number, 22 buildings are private sector and four are not-forprofit.
“The project would involve a projected investment of approximately $530,000 by the private sector,” she said.
“I think it’s an opportunity to grow value in our downtown core and surrounding areas.”
Lannon-Oldford said they want to see if the government is interested in looking at the feasibility of the project.
“We are hoping within the next month or so that we’ll know, coming into the new fiscal year.”
Business Cape Breton is proposing the first priority would be Commercial Street, Main Street, Duncan Street, Hector Street, Brody Avenue, Union Street and McKeen Street.
Lannon-Oldford said they haven’t had a large outtake outside the Glace Bay area.
“We have some inquiry for a not-forprofit in Reserve (Mines) and one completely outside the area. I don’t know if they would eligible. It would depend what the guidelines were in the proposal if the government is interested in partnering with the private sector on the project.”
A call from Business Cape Breton for expressions of interest ran from Dec. 7 through to March 26. Interest in the program was expressed as a result of a revitalization study Business Cape Breton performed in Glace Bay.
Funding granted is usually split 50-50 between the government and private sector.
Business Cape Breton said at the time that although it is a big expense, it does add market value to properties.
The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is also considering a tax relief program for business owners of downtown areas in the municipality as an incentive to renovate, rebuild and expand.
Dist. 9 Coun. George MacDonald said he is excited about this facade program.
“Along with the efforts of Bayitforward, there is a lot happening to see the revitalization of the downtown,” he said.
“We’re excited businesses are willing to commit themselves as long as they can get some provincial funding.”
MacDonald said down town Glace Bay has a number of projects underway, including a bandshell project underway by Bayitforward for Commercial Street, a new police station, and exterior work to be done to the Savoy Theatre.
“It’s exciting what is happening downtown Glace Bay.”