TRURO - Things have fallen into place nicely for Truro businessman Shane Richard.
He purchased a Prince Street building last August with plans for a market and pizza place. In September the federal government announced a façade improvement program through a partnership with the Downtown Truro Partnership.
"I was elated," Richard said when he heard of the program. "This is a wonderful opportunity and this is one of those blessings that come your way at times."
Richard is in the midst of completing the first of two phases of renovations that when complete later this year will see about $100,000 worth of work done to his building. The program offers up to 50 per cent of eligible cost.
"This program really enabled me to be able to do the work in a much more expedited manner," said Richard, estimating it would have taken him three times longer to do the work without the program.
The work has included redoing the entire façade of the building located next to the Marigold Cultural Centre, adding a brand new deck and a wheelchair accessible ramp. The work will also included new lighting and signage.
Richard's building renovations also got people talking about the new business, which has helped spur interest, he said.
Richard said it is a program that will hopefully continue in the future.
He believes it is going to make the town more attractive to investment and provide a more welcoming environment.
It has even enticed the entrepreneur to purchase an additional building with the idea of setting up another business in Truro.
"This program itself, and what's happened, has really encouraged me to see that business can thrive in the town," Richard said.
Richard said Downtown Truro Partnership executive director Debbie Elliott's support and advocacy skills were vital in securing the funds and her dedication was greatly appreciated as he went through the process.
Facts
The following are the projects being funded under the Downtown Truro Façade Improvement Program's phase two (Applicant, address, funding):
Chase's Color Centre, 897 Prince St. – $3,479.13
Colchester Community Workshop, 96/98 Young St. – $20,055.50
Estate Jewellery & Coin Shop, 31 Inglis Place – $8,086
G.O. Fulton Building, 23 Inglis Place – $22,500
Gateways Centre, 111 King St. – $9,982.25
Grinner's Food Systems Limited, 105 Walker St. – $6,030
Holiday Inn - Bistro on Prince, 437 Prince St. – $11,099
Jon Keddy, 672 Prince St. – $19,343.75
Kwik Kopy Design & Print Centre, 201 Queen St. – $2,547.50
MacQuarries, 179 The Esplanade – $67,575
Moments Boutique, 24 Inglis Place – $18,729.98
Nally's Sandwich Shop, Prince Street – $11,308.45
Nice Little Phonebook, 147 The Esplanade – $1,462.50
Prince of Pizza, 615 Prince St. – $4,314.31
Ryan Johnstone, 188 Queen St. – $4,400
SunSpun Natural Foods, 583 Prince St. – $2,635
Truro Chiropractic Clinic, 18 Duke St. – $6,100
Uptown Developments Limited, 72/76 Inglis Place – $7,710
Young Drivers, 914 A Prince St. – $3,635.53
By the numbers
Phase Number of businesses Approved funds Deadline
1 23 $314,700 July 15
2 19 $230,900 Nov. 30
