Nelson businesses dealing with vandalism and cleanup costs may see a provincial re-imbursement through the new securing small business rebate program.
The province announced the program on Sunday, one day after the City of Nelson announced that the community has been facing a significant tagging issue.
In a social media post, the city stated that widespread spray paint tagging on signs, buildings and public spaces has become a significant issue and requires a great deal of time and resources to clean up.
The posts asked anyone who’s also been victim of tagging incidents to review any home or business security footage and report any leads to the police.
The city’s call to the public could be effective in finding the culprits, as some community members say they’ve been forced to install security cameras because of increasing crime over the last year.
Mike Stolte, co-founder of Nelsons Neighborhood Network, told city council last week that he and many of his neighbors have been forced to invest in expensive security systems to prevent crime on their properties.
The Neighborhood Network has been calling on the province to provide financial assistance to help cover some associated with acts of crime.
“I’ve gone from zero security to now having nine security cameras in and around my house,” said Stolte
“These are the measures we are having to take as residents, and I know businesses have spent substantial amounts of money to combat some of the activity that’s occurring.”
Although the province’s new rebate program won’t cover personal security system costs, the fund may provide local businesses with some relief.
Through the program small business owners can apply for as much as $2,000 per business to cover the costs of repairs resulting from vandalism, and up to $1,000 for prevention measures.
Additionally, the province has made applications retroactive to Jan. 1, 2023 to help businesses recover costs incurred this year.
Business owners who apply through the BC chamber of commerce website will be reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis.
The eligibility criteria require applicants to be in good standing with the province and prove that they have not been the recipient of a similar local rebate or grant covering the same expenses.
If approved, applicants would see their payments within 35 business days.
The fund has a total of $10.5 million available and will be open from Nov. 22, 2023 to Jan. 31, 2025.
