New façade for Nawican Friendship Centre
In 2020, Nawican Friendship Centre spruced up the outside of their Dawson Creek building. To assist with the costs of adding exterior wood detailing, planters and fresh paint, they received a $2,500 rebate through Northern Development’s Business Façade Improvement program. Projects completed through the program enhance the economic viability and vibrancy of communities in the Trust’s service region through visual improvements to commercial buildings.
Photo: Nawican Friendship Centre
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the opportunity to give our Centre a facelift,” said Jannah Kohlman, executive director, Nawican Friendship Centre. “We have had overwhelming support and positive feedback from our clients and members, as well as many community members that have noticed the wonderful improvement!”
The Business Façade Improvement Program also increases community pride by improving the community’s appearance, supporting business and resident recruitment. It also directly benefits the business as people may be drawn to drop into the business after seeing the exterior upgrades.
“Our statistics have increased since the renovation was completed,” continued Kohlman. “We have had more donations, as well as new clients, new volunteers and new faces stopping in to see what the Nawican Friendship Centre has to offer.”
In 2020, Northern Development approved funding through the Business Façade Improvement program for 26 local governments throughout Northern B.C. Each local government receives up to $20,000 to grant to successful projects. Commercial building owners then apply to their local government for a grant of up to $5,000 per façade improvement.
