Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – The Ailsa Craig Arts Centre is set to undergo an exciting transformation thanks to a $2,500 grant from the Municipality of North Middlesex. This funding was approved as part of the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and is aimed at enhancing the visual appeal of the arts center’s storefront, making it a more vibrant and welcoming space for the community.
The decision was made during the September 18 council meeting, following a motion recommended by Felicia Krista, Economic Development & Communications Coordinator. The grant will cover a portion of the costs associated with the beautification project, which is designed to improve the building’s visibility and aesthetics.
The CIP, first approved by council in May 2021, is a critical tool in fostering economic development and improving local communities. Through this program, property owners and businesses can access financial incentives to revitalize and enhance their properties, contributing to the broader goals of the municipality. Each year, the CIP targets specific areas of improvement, with the 2024 funding focusing on four key areas: Beautification, Rural Economic Development, Accessibility, and the Brownfield Study Program.
In line with the CIP’s mission to create a dynamic, inclusive, and vibrant community, the grant to the Ailsa Craig Arts Centre falls under the Beautification Program. The program is designed to support projects that enhance the visual appeal of storefronts and public spaces, thus encouraging local investment and economic growth.
The beautification project at the Ailsa Craig Arts Centre involves a series of upgrades to the building’s exterior. The most visible change will be the addition of new building signage. To further increase the arts center’s visibility to passing traffic, a feather flag will be placed on the corner of Ailsa Craig Main Street, drawing attention to the venue’s location.
Other improvements include repairs to the building’s canopy, which will be removed and restored to its former condition. The windows, door, and flower box will be painted, giving the storefront a fresh and inviting look. These upgrades are expected to make the arts center more appealing, not only to the local community but also to visitors and passersby, fostering greater engagement with the arts.
The total cost of the project exceeds the $5,000 threshold set by the CIP for matching contributions. The municipality’s grant will cover half of the total project cost, up to $2,500, with the remaining expenses to be covered by the Ailsa Craig Arts Centre.
