The maximum grant has increased from $4,000 to $5,000.
“We recognize that following the city’s heritage guidelines is not always the cheapest way to maintain a property,’’ says Coun. Rob Lantz, chairman of planning and heritage.
“For that reason, we have a grant program to help offset these higher costs.’’
The city also increased the heritage budget from $45,000 to $48,500.
The Charlottetown Heritage Incentive Program includes monetary and non-monetary incentives for development of individually designated properties and/or properties located in the heritage preservation area, generally south of Euston Street.
The program is designed to provide financial assistance and recognition for the appropriate development of heritage resources within the city.
A grant and awards program, as well as the elimination of the building permit fee, have been adopted by council to foster positive restoration and maintenance of heritage resources.
“There’s sometimes confusion out there about the city’s guidelines for heritage preservation but the basic expectation is that alterations or additions to heritage buildings should maintain or recreate the original architectural details and use the same traditional materials,’’ Lantz said.
The city’s heritage department was finding some applications could use a professional eye to detail.
So, the city is helping out there, too.
“That’s not something people are always willing to pay for so we’ve made architectural services eligible up to a maximum of $2,000. The city also has a heritage officer who can answer questions and act as an adviser as property owners plan their projects.’’
Lantz considers it a pretty generous program. Property owners can apply for a grant every other year and people are taking advantage of it.
“We all know we have a historic and beautiful old city and appropriate preservation is well worth the effort in many ways. The city is committed to doing its part.’’
The Guardian
