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Marine Avenue façade project interest increases

Port Alberni business partnership a model for storefront improvement
marine facade
STREETSCAPES: Marine Avenue business advocates say they are hopeful a recent storefront redevelopment for a Vancouver Island community could also help City of Powell River make some improvements. Chris Bolster photo

Improving the character of local commercial streetscapes is an idea that sits well for Marine Avenue redevelopment advocates who hope a pilot project this summer on Vancouver Island provides local inspiration.

It is not a new concept, but since City of Port Alberni and Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot launched a business façade improvement program this summer, the idea has found increased interest in Powell River.

Marine Area Business Association president Cathy MacDonald said it is something the organization has been advocating to create for several years.

“We’ve been trying to do this for quite some time. It was talked about several years ago, too, but that never really went anywhere,” said MacDonald. “As far as improving Marine Avenue, I’m all for that.”

According to program information from Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot, the façade improvement project will help make the city’s streetscapes more appealing and give a greater sense of place. Building frontages play a large role in establishing a community’s character.

The Port Alberni project helped more than 20 businesses and property owners with grant funding and design services this summer, providing incentive to improve the character and appearance of their buildings. Businesses received up $8,500, depending on their location.

Powell River Community Futures executive director Pam Krompocker said a potential project for Powell River has not yet been developed or seriously discussed, but it is something the organization is potentially interested in.

She said Powell River has different factors than Port Alberni and much work would need to be done to design something that works locally.

Community Futures, an economic development and diversification program that operates in BC communities, is supported by the federal government’s Western Economic Diversification Fund. The organization provides would-be entrepreneurs with assistance is establishing their small businesses.