How to Apply
The program office periodically issues written invitations to all Alberta urban municipalities when resources are available to support new local main street initiatives. Applications consist of an application form accompanied by detailed information on the prospective historic main street area and the community. The application is available in an editable MS Word file and as a printable PDF document. E-mailed submissions are welcomed.
Applicants are often municipal governments or local business organizations such as Chambers of Commerce or Business Revitalization Zones (BRZs). The Alberta Historical Resources Foundation selects new project communities from among the applicants on the basis of recommendations by the program office.
If you are interested in applying to the program, please contact us to discuss your interest in the main street approach and your community’s eligibility for the program. Currently active or past project communities may also be able to offer insights into both the application process and the implementation of a main street initiative.
A formal application to the program includes the following information:
- Completed application form
- Community map
- Downtown building footprint map
- Photographs of historic main street buildings
- Five-year summary of downtown building permits
- Inventory of downtown properties that are historic (fifty years or older)
- Inventory of downtown businesses and property owners
- Five-year summary of public and private-sector downtown programs
- Council resolution and capital vote
- Endorsements from businesses, organizations, residents and key players
- Letters from at least ten building owners indicating their intention to undertake building rehabilitation projects
- A copy of the current Municipal Development Plan, Land Use Bylaw, and other documents pertaining to downtown development
“The downtown community has benefitted immensely from the program. People are starting to realize the value in rehabilitating their façades.”