FERGUS — A new pilot project is using grant funds to brighten up downtown Fergus.
At a council meeting Tuesday afternoon, the township of Centre Wellington approved allocating $85,000 in My Main Street grant funding to support three projects including a new pilot facade lighting initiative, enhancing existing night markets like Witches Night Out and Sip and Shop and hosting additional Twilight in Templin concerts.
Mainly focusing on the $73,900 allocated for the facade lighting pilot during the meeting, staff said the project is intended to "uplight" buildings with architectural interest within the grant's catchment area on St. Andrew Street between St. David Street and Tower Street.
Buildings will be selected for the project based on their location within the approved catchment area, architectural interest, connection feasibility and the owner’s willingness to pay the monthly electricity bill and partial contributions to capital costs.
While there is strong interest from additional building owners to participate, staff said project deadlines and available funding have limited what can included in the project’s pilot.
"Challenging infrastructure" along St. Andrew Street has also posed issues for the project said staff.
Outside of grant funding, staff said a second funder is interested in supporting up to $30,000 in the labour or design work for the lighting project.
When asked whether this funding can be used to expand lighting to properties outside the current catchment area, staff said they will be exploring those areas for the second phase of the project, which will be considered post-pilot.
Staff said they're currently working with different suppliers to work through agreements with building owners and get the project ready for the deadline.
As per the grant funding rules, the project will need to be complete by Dec. 31.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
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