FERGUS – Staff in Centre Wellington got approval from council to endorse a new stream of grant funding to light up downtown Fergus.
The program continues an initiative previously managed by the Community Development Division, initially funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency.
A report explains the grant will provide businesses with up to $2,500 from the CIP Plan towards equipment. Additionally, businesses will be eligible for $4,000 in labor costs.
Phase 2 will include light displays for culturally relevant days like Pride Month, and National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Manager of Community Development Kristen Bettiol told council Phases 2 and 3 could see different buildings lit up.
Much of the discussion from council members surrounded the ability to expand the program. Bettiol explained the RTO, funding the program, would like to see the lighting stay relatively central to downtown.
Lights will be centrally controlled by the Centre Wellington IT department to have what a report calls a “cohesive look.” Eligibility was originally penned for St. Andrew Street between St. David Street and Tower Street.
Council made suggestions to expand that eligibility to get more local businesses involved. Bettiol says in phase one, there were criteria as to which buildings could be selected.
Bettiol went on to say there is the opportunity to move away from solely “historic” buildings as the program moves forward. Several councillors were in support of the program and encouraged more involvement of local businesses as it continues.
