By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh
Two more Mount Pearl businesses have been approved for funding to modernize their buildings.
The money is coming courtesy of City grants to support local businesses.
Sleipnir Logistics will get $4,350 under the Energy Efficiency Program and NL Holdings will receive $8,600 under the Façade Improvement Program.
Sleipnir Logistics was established in 2005 and is located on 43 Sagona Avenue. The company - a provider of crane and rigging services and training programs for both offshore and land-based industries – will use the money as part of a $10,000 project to replace electric baseboard heaters with an energy-efficient heat pump.
“Heat pumps can typically reduce heating costs by 40 per cent to 50 per cent compared to conventional electric heating, helping to lower operating expenses while reducing energy consumption,” said councillor Bill Antle in presenting the item to council last week.
Sleipnir had applied for $5,000 and was recommended for $4,350 based on a project criteria score of 87.
The program is designed to provide support for commercial building and business owners to invest in projects and initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
NL Holdings, owner of the commercial property located at 1037 Topsail Road, applied for funding to upgrade the 24-year-old building that is currently vacant and being marketed for lease.
“To improve the property's appearance and attract future tenants, the applicant proposes installing new steel siding and aluminum composite panels on the building's façade. The proposed improvements will modernize the building's appearance, enhance its visibility along the Topsail Road commercial corridor, and contribute to the overall aesthetic quality of the area,” said Antle.
The total project cost is $72,300 and the recommended amount of $8,600 came after the project received a project criteria score of 86.
The facade improvement program provides grants equal to 50 per cent of total project costs up to a maximum of $10,000. Businesses must be registered in Mount Pearl with no debts to the City, must not have received a facade improvement grant in the last 10 years and the property must be adjacent to the street or sidewalk with orientation towards the street, among other criteria.