Yellowknife (July 23/03) - The $30,000 council set aside to fund downtown building enhancement in Yellowknife hasn't been touched.

Two months ago, city council decided they would fund 50 per cent of the improvement costs, up to $10,000, for renovations to the outward appearance of a downtown commercial building.

Council budgeted a total of $30,000, meaning the grant could aid at least three different projects.

"As it stands right now, we've only issued information, but haven't received any applications," said Dave Jones, a city planner who is also a member of the downtown enhancement committee.

The information sheets issued outline the conditions applicants must follow to receive the grant. Once an application is received, council makes the final decision to award the money.

One of the conditions says the grant, "shall conform to any council approved design guidelines that may apply to the property."

The grant only applies to commercial buildings along downtown Franklin Avenue and properties fronting streets or avenues between and including 48 Street, 52 Street, 49 Avenue and 51 Avenue.

Jones said he suspects the lack of applications for the grant is because the enhancement program has just recently been advertised.

Stephen Gwilliam, manager of Sutherland's Drugs said he just heard about the grant, and plans to apply.

Gwilliam said he wasn't concerned with the approval needed from council for his enhancement ideas.

"If they're footing half the money, it makes sense for them to have a say in what the building looks like," he said.

Jones said part of the inspiration for this enhancement project comes from the stonework along the wall of the building where Western Arctic Lock and Safe and several other businesses are located.

"That was quite an improvement," he said.