The City of Lethbridge is committed to the long-term process of revitalizing the Downtown. Through the Heart of Our City committee and the Urban Revitalization Department, numerous programs and incentives are available to provide financial assistance that will stimulate growth and development in the Downtown.
For more information on any of the incentive programs please contact; Urban Revitalization Manager – at 403-320-3926.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
NOTE: On October 25, 2022 (City Council Highlights (lethbridge.ca) City Council provided an additional $40,000 to the CPTED Grant Program.
The purpose of the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Grant is to provide City of Lethbridge funds to support commercial property owners and/or their tenant(s)/business owners with permanent property improvements that enhance security and crime prevention measures. This program is a 50 percent matching grant of eligible, pre-approved, pre-tax expenses up to a maximum grant of $5,000
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CPTED Program Application
Re-Imagine Downtown Activation Grant
The Re-Imagine Downtown Activation Grant Program aims to support businesses, entrepreneurs, organizations, and community-minded individuals in implementing initiatives, events, and/or programs that seek to activate vacant, underutilized, and under-programmed private and public spaces and places.
Applications will be accepted in one (1) intake in 2023 and will be reviewed and approved by the Heart of Our City Committee. Dates are subject to change. Late applications will not be accepted.
Final Reporting Process:
For initiatives successfully funded in Intake 3, please utilize the FINAL REPORT to fulfill your final reporting commitment which will release the final 30% payment.
Canadian Heritage - Local Festivals GrantBuilding Communities Through Arts and Heritage – Local Festivals component provides funding to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists, artisans or heritage performers. This includes the celebration of LGBTQ2+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations. Successful applicants may receive up to 100 percent of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $200,000 for festivals.
Application Deadlines: January 31, April 30, and October 15 (must align with when the festival will occur, see website for details)
> More Information - Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
Patios and Parklets
Animated streets help create an exciting, vibrant, and safe experience in the downtown. The Patio and Parklet Support Program has been established as an extension of the Main Street Program to provide support to businesses that are interested in converting sidewalks and roads into expanded outdoor seating.
> Patio and Parklet Support Program Details
> More Information - Public Spaces
Urban Core Property Improvement Grant Program
Please note: this grant program is currently on pause and not accepting new applications until the fund is replenished.
A timeline is currently not known nor any certainty on additional funding will be provided.
A 50 percent matching incentive up to a maximum of $175,000 per property for improvements in the urban core, including: quality façade improvements, permanent interior and exterior space improvements, rehabilitation of key aspects that support the functionality and re-use of buildings, and barrier free/accessibility improvements.
Please reach out to Grant Administration Support to discuss the scope of your project prior to submitting your application.
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Policy
> Application Form
Urban Core Housing Incentive Program
Please note: this grant program is currently on pause and not accepting new applications until the fund is replenished.
A timeline is currently not known nor any certainty on additional funding will be provided.
- A grant for development of attractive, self-contained market-rate dwelling units within the urban core.
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Policy
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Application Form
Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Program
A tax based incentive for targeted redevelopment (minimum $500,000) that reduces the effect of an increase in municipal taxes attributable to the differential between pre-construction and post-construction assessment in the urban core.
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Policy
>Application Form
Business Improvement Loan
Provides interest-free loans up to $15,000 for downtown businesses to improve the appearance and/or function of their business, with interest paid for by Heart of Our City.
> Brochure
> Application Form
Industrial Municipal Tax Incentive Program
An incentive to attract new industry and promote substantial redevelopment and expansion of existing industry by cancelling a portion of the increase in municipal taxes attributable to the differential between the pre-construction assessment and the post-construction assessment.
> Policy
> Application Form
