Bruce County’s Spruce the Bruce program has $125,000 in grant funding available to support local downtown businesses and communities through the “Community Stream” grants. Applications are now open for eligible business and property owners, municipalities, and community partners to apply for funding supports the program’s variety of grants.

These grants include: Façade Building Improvement, Fascia Signage, Perpendicular Signage, Awning, Patio Installation, Community Marketing, Streetscape Beautification, Community Signage, and Destination Infrastructure and Active Transportation.

Bruce County Planning and Development Committee (PDC) endorsed the enhanced Spruce the Bruce program at the March PDC meeting. The program has expanded its offerings and funding to include a variety of new or altered community stream grants, including a grant specifically for installing outdoor patios.

“Supporting Community Development continues to be a pillar of our economic development strategy. In order to support Our local businesses and communities who continue to feel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important they have access to funding to make necessary modifications to services and offerings so they can remain resilient,” says Bruce County Warden Janice Jackson. “The Spruce the Bruce grants support our businesses and strengthens our downtown economies by investing back into our communities.”

Funding will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and Bruce County will fund 50% of the total project cost (before taxes) up to a set maximum amount per grant. Projects must be completed by November 30, 2022.

In addition to new grants, Committee also endorsed the addition of “Industry Stream” grants, which will focus on supporting industries such as tourism and agriculture, and regional issues like housing. These specific grants are not yet open but will be made available to eligible applicants in the near future.

In the meantime, the Community Stream grants are open for applications and include Spruce the Bruce supports local community efforts to facilitate long-term downtown revitalization plans. The program provides communities with the resources to develop strategies and implementation methods necessary to maintain and grow healthy commercial areas in association with the County and various partners.

Learn more:

Eligibility criteria, how to apply, and about the Spruce the Bruce program
See how Spruce the Bruce has boosted the vitality of our communities and downtowns

If you have questions about the program, email [email protected] or phone 1-800-268-3838.

source: media release, Bruce County