Countless businesses in downtown Nanaimo, including Red Shelf Decor, have seen incidents of vandalism drastically rise. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

vandalism relief

Province to launch vandalism relief rebates for small businesses

Jul 26, 2023 | 4:19 PM

NANAIMO — A $10.5 million fund is aimed at helping small business operators absorb costs associated with vandalism, as well as help pay for preventative measures like security cameras.

The program will begin this fall and is open to small business operators on the receiving end of vandalism damage retroactive to Jan. 1 this year, economic development minister Brenda Bailey announced.

If approved for the rebate, businesses can receive up to $2,000 for cost of repairs and up to $1,000 for prevention measures, such as cameras and gates.

While the criteria for pending eligible businesses hasn’t been released, the government says the costs of broken glass and cleaning graffiti will be covered by the program.

Costs associated with vandalism have been an increasing concern, particularly in urban areas around B.C.

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The City of Nanaimo unveiled a Vandalism Relief Grant for downtown businesses last year.

Administered through the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, a total of $50,000 was set aside for the fund last year, while $30,000 is available this year and for at least the next two years.

The Nanaimo grant program covers a maximum of $1,000 per incident, with properties able to apply twice in a calendar year.

— with files from The Canadian Press

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