Storefront Improvement Program

Patios and pergolas play a key role in supporting business vibrancy by creating welcoming, comfortable spaces that encourage customers to linger, increase foot traffic, and contribute to a more attractive and engaging streetscape. 

Eligible expenses under the program may include building materials, construction or installation costs, professional design or contractor services, and any required permit or inspection fees associated with developing or enhancing a patio or pergola structure. 

Street-facing enhancements focus on smaller-scale improvements that complement the storefront and create a more welcoming, attractive frontage. These elements help draw attention to the business, improve curb appeal, and contribute to a more vibrant pedestrian environment.  

Eligible improvements may include: 

• street furniture such as benches or bike racks 
• planters, hanging baskets, flowers, and outdoor greenery; and decorative exterior elements designed to enhance the customer experience and overall streetscape quality.

Storefront signage improvements support business visibility, brand presence, and wayfinding within the downtown and commercial districts. Enhancing signage helps attract customers, increase walk-by recognition, and strengthen the overall character of the streetscape.

Eligible items may include: 

• Exterior storefront identification signage, such as small-scale A-frame signs or similar customer-facing elements that improve visibility from the street or sidewalk.  

Note: A maximum reimbursement of $500 is available for exterior storefront signage per application/project.

What Are Perpendicular (Blade) Signs?

Perpendicular or blade signs are mounted at a 90-degree angle to the building façade, allowing the sign to project outward over the sidewalk and be visible from both directions of travel.

Benefits of Perpendicular (Blade) Signs

Perpendicular signs significantly enhance business visibility. Research shows they are seen up to ten times more frequently than traditional façade-mounted signs. Because they face oncoming pedestrian and vehicle traffic, they can be easily read from a distance and noticed well before a person reaches the storefront. In contrast, face-mounted signage is typically only visible once someone is directly in front of the business—and may not be noticed at all by drivers.

Design Considerations

Blade signs should be decorative, thoughtfully designed, and complementary to the architecture of the building. They should also reflect the nature of the business and contribute positively to the overall character and ambience of the area.

Note: Perpendicular (blade) signage is eligible only within the Perron District and may receive up to $3,000 in matching funds.

Exterior decorative lighting enhances storefront visibility, improves nighttime ambience, and contributes to a safer, more welcoming pedestrian environment. Thoughtful lighting helps draw attention to the business exterior, highlights architectural features, and supports a vibrant, inviting streetscape during evening hours.  

Eligible improvements may include: 

• String lighting, accent lighting, façade illumination, or other small-scale decorative lighting elements designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal and customer experience at the storefront provided they are visible from the street. 

Winter storefront enhancements support year-round vibrancy by creating attractive, seasonally appropriate outdoor environments during colder months. These improvements help maintain customer activity, reinforce a sense of place, and contribute to a lively streetscape even in winter conditions.  

Eligible winter elements include: 

• Outdoor heat lamps* 
• Ice sculptures 
• Cold-weather tolerant plants 
• Additional outdoor lighting* 

*Items requiring permits or inspections must comply with all applicable safety, fire, and municipal regulations. 

The Storefront Improvement Grant supports local businesses in enhancing the appearance, quality and curb appeal of their storefronts. Enhancements help strengthen customer appeal, increase foot traffic and support a thriving commercial environment in St. Albert.

• Applicants can receive up to 50% reimbursement of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $3,000 toward approved program elements.
• Businesses may request optional pre-approval before making purchases. Further information under Preparing Your Application.

Studies have shown that improvements to storefronts can increase sales between 15% and 35%. Merchants should think of the sidewalks fronting their shops as extensions of their window displays, or as entry halls to their stores.

Beautiful settings attract people. Adding flowers, trees and outdoor furnishings to a shopping district makes it more inviting and encourages patrons to stay longer.

Applicants must:

• Operate a customer-facing commercial storefront within St. Albert and hold a valid and active St. Albert business license.
• Be the business owner or authorized representative of the eligible storefront location.

This program is designed to support local commercial businesses and is not intended for non-commercial entities (e.g. public schools, government buildings).

Home-based businesses do not qualify.

If your business has received the maximum allowable grant in any program element (up to $3,000), it may only apply for up to $500 per element in each additional calendar year.

A business may submit multiple applications; however, applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.

The program accepts applications and provides funding after the completion and installation of eligible beautification elements, unless pre-approval has been granted.

Applicants must submit unique, project-specific receipts and invoices for all eligible expenses. Receipts cannot be shared, split, or reused to support more than one application, whether by the same applicant or by multiple businesses or organizations.

Expenses claimed for one application cannot be claimed again by another business, organization, property owner, or association. Projects completed on multi-tenant or shared properties must ensure that each individual business submits its own distinct expenses. Duplicate, overlapping, or jointly funded receipts will not be accepted.

All storefront improvements must comply with all applicable City permits, design standards and safety requirements.  

Some improvements and obstructions require further authorization through the issuance of a development permit (i.e., permanent structure placement of patios/bike racks/furniture).  

Prior to applying for this grant, applicants are encouraged to contact economicdevelopment@stalbert.ca to discuss their project to determine what permits may be required for your storefront improvement.

• Once you know what is required, specific questions regarding permits, design standards and safety requirements should be directed to Planning & Development at 780-459-1642 
• Bike rack designs should be sent to development@stalbert.ca

All storefront improvements may be ordered from the supplier of your choice.

If you are enhancing your storefront with planters, you can create your own. All components of the planter (e.g. soil, pot, plants, etc.) are eligible as long as a receipt is provided.

Before you apply, please review the following:  

• The Storefront Improvement Program Grant has limited annual funds available.  
• Applications will be taken on a first come, first served basis.  
• Applicants can receive up to 50% reimbursement of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $3,000 toward approved program elements. 
• To receive reimbursement, applicants must submit:  
  • Copies of receipts for all eligible expenditures 
  • Photos showing the installed storefront improvement elements 
• The program accepts applications and provides funding after the completion and installation of eligible improvement elements, unless pre-approval has been granted.  
• Businesses may request optional pre-approval before making purchases. Pre-approval temporarily reserves funds for up to 30 days, ensuring that applicants can proceed with confidence and that funding remains available while they complete their improvements. 
  • To request pre-approval, email the Economic Development department (economicdevelopment@stalbert.ca) with a brief description of the proposed improvement and anticipated costs to confirm eligibility prior to proceeding. 

After you've submitted your application, you will receive an email request to fill out and submit the following agreement to civicgrants@stalbert.ca

• Storefront Improvement Grant Agreement