Following on the success of last year's enhancements, the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association is committing another $10,000 to its façade improvement grant program in its 2014 budget.
When the program was introduced in 2013, BIA directors chose two significant buildings to upgrade. The building at England and Fifth where longtime business McConochies Furniture is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the Codes Country Lanes building at Sixth and Duncan are both on visible corners.
Codes is the oldest continually operating bowling alley in B.C. The building itself started as a livery stable and blacksmith shop.
There's plenty of history to warrant the maintenance of such buildings, and their high visibility downtown.
Last year, both were recipients of $5,000 that went towards improvements.
With new businesses opening in the downtown core in the past few years, there have been other changes to building exteriors.
Red Living is one such business that enhanced the storefront when it moved in, along with Perch, Cappuccino Grande Café, 333, Cinnamon Salon and others bringing new looks to their buildings.
These companies add to the rich diversity of downtown that has nurtured the likes of Francis Jewellers for 80 years, Runges Imports and Delicatessen for 45 years, Laughing Oyster Bookshop for 40 years, and Rattan Plus Home & Patio for 30 years.
Moneys for the grant come from the BIA's annual tax levy to property owners, administered by the City of Courtenay. This year's grant deadline has been extended to April 30 to allow applicants to obtain complete quotes for work.
For more information visit www.downtowncourtenay.com/about/facade.
— Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association