Downtown Fredericton Physical Improvement Program Kickstarts

Fredericton, NB (April 22, 2005) Downtown Fredericton provided members an impressive presentation of before and after shots of twenty-one physical improvement projects undertaken in 2004 at the organization’s Annual General Meeting held earlier this week.

The Physical Improvement Program (PIP) launched in 2004 by DFI, is designed to provide private property owners/tenants, the incentive to invest in the continued revitalization of the downtown by providing financial assistance for façade and security improvements to their properties or business.

Bruce McCormack, General Manager for the organization stated, “Twenty-one business members completed improvement projects in 2004; sixteen for façade improvements and five for security improvements. These projects had a total value of $127,000 with Downtown Fredericton contributing $14,000 in financial assistance.”

Eligible façade improvements generally include projects that contribute to enhancing the aesthetic and structural appeal to a property such as painting, window replacements, reconstruction, signage & awning installation. The security program helps property owners and tenants identify, design and implement measures to reduce incidences of vandalism, trespassing and other security concerns.

Downtown Fredericton Inc. also took the opportunity to present awards in each category in recognition of contributions made and quality of work undertaken.

The 2004 Security Improvement Award was presented to Ross Ventures for security lighting fixtures installed in the historic alley way located at 520 King Street. The 2004 Façade Improvement Award Winner was Surost Ltd for improvements made to the property located at 95-99 York Street.

Downtown Fredericton offers this program on an annual basis. Applications for 2005 are due April 29th. Interested applicants may call Downtown Fredericton at 458-8922 for more information.

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Contact: Bruce McCormack, General Manager- Downtown Fredericton Inc. at
458-8923.