Project Categories
The program offers four initiative categories that are based on population. To undertake a Main Street project through the program, communities undertake an application process and, if successful, enter into a three-year partnership with the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation. This initial three-year agreement may be extended, and many projects continue for five years or more.
- Small Town Initiatives represent the bulk of program activity and are designed for communities of populations between 3,000 and 50,000. The program provides up to $21,000 annually to assist in the employment of a project coordinator; up to $60,000 annually toward building rehabilitation; and up to $35,000 in discretionary funds toward various studies, community visioning, development of design guidelines, economic development and other activities.
- Village and Hamlet Initiatives enable communities of fewer than 3,000 inhabitants to undertake a Main Street project. These initiatives receive up to $15,000 annually to assist in the employment of a project coordinator; up to $45,000 annually toward building rehabilitation; and up to $30,000 in discretionary funds.
- Urban District Initiatives apply the Main Street process to historic districts within larger municipalities. These allow up to $21,000 annually to assist in the employment of a project coordinator; up to $75,000 annually for building rehabilitation; and up to $35,000 in discretionary funds.
- Regional Initiatives are offered on a trial basis to partnerships of small towns, villages and hamlets wishing to implement the Main Street Process jointly in a county, improvement district or special area. This initiative provides up to $21,000 annually toward the employment of a project coordinator; up to $75,000 annually toward building rehabilitation; and up to $35,000 in discretionary funds.
Blakeman’s General Store, Black Diamond
“The impact of the program in a rural centre is such that it is one of the strongest economic change agents a municipality has.”