What you can do with our economic development strategy
The City of Wrenford Economic Development Strategy is your guide to growing a business, finding grants, and understanding how the city supports local commerce. You can use this strategy to plan new projects, access financial incentives, and connect with city staff and community partners. Our goal is to keep independent retailers open, attract skilled workers, and make the downtown core a place where people want to shop and eat.
Focus areas and programs
- Downtown revitalization: Work with the Downtown Wrenford BIA to improve streetscapes and host seasonal events like Harvest on Mercer.
- Local business support: Access mentoring, simplified licences, and direct advice from the Economic Development team.
- Workforce and innovation: Partner with Tamsin College and local employers to bridge skills gaps and encourage apprenticeship placements.
- Strategic partnerships: Collaborate with the Wrenford Chamber of Commerce, Tamsin Valley Public Health, and the Wrenford Police Service to create a safe, clean, and competitive business environment.
How to apply for incentives
Wrenford offers several financial supports to help you start or grow a business. The Wrenford Business Growth Grant provides up to $15,000.00 for façade improvements, equipment upgrades, or hiring local staff. The Development Charge Rebate offers up to a 50 per cent rebate for infill development and secondary suites. Commercial properties may also qualify for the Home Energy Upgrade Grant to improve insulation or install heat pumps. All incentives are reviewed on a rolling basis through the Economic Development team. You can submit your application through the business licences page or by mail.
Fees, rules, and targets
Applying for a business licence under the Business Licensing By-law 2021-033 is a required first step before you can access most grants. The city measures success through clear annual targets. Our current goal is to increase commercial property occupancy in the downtown core to 92 per cent by 2030. We publish a yearly economic outlook report and track business retention, job creation, and grant uptake. These results are shared at Council meetings and posted in the Economic Development section of our website.
Who to contact
If you are planning a new commercial project, need help with a development application, or want to book a quarterly business roundtable, contact the Economic Development Manager, Isabel Moreno. Meetings are held at City Hall. For general questions about the strategy or grant eligibility, email [email protected].