The City of Kamloops has allocated up to $50,000 for a Vandalism Cleanup Support Grant Program to support businesses that directly affected by vandalism and graffiti within city limits.

“We recognize the impact that vandalism and graffiti are having on the business community and customers,” Mayor Ken Christian said, in a statement. “We want to help reduce the financial burden of businesses that are required to repair and clean up their properties while we continue to work together with the community to find long-term solutions.”

The program is being run in partnership with the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, though it is open to non-Chamber members as well.

Eligible businesses that have experienced vandalism and/or graffiti on their properties will be able to apply for up to two incidents with up to $500 per incident. It will be to help cover the cost of cleanup and repair, including insurance deductibles.

A caveat though, the City says the damage and vandalism must have occurred after the initiation of this program, expected to be the end of this month.

The City and the Chamber are working to finalize the program details, including the application process and criteria for administering the money. Applications will be available through the Chamber once the details have been finalized.

“We need to see not only long term solutions but immediate short-term action now, which is what this funding reflects,” Acacia Pangilinan, the Executive Director of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, said, in a statement. “We recognize the need to reduce the current and pressing negative impacts in our community that are putting unnecessary pressure on our economic recovery and we seek to continue this discussion and work with the City of Kamloops and all other respective partners.:

Sarah Candido, the City’s External Relations Liaison, said the City and Chamber hope the funding that will be available will help reduce the impact of crime and vandalism on local businesses.

“We acknowledge that this is not the short-, medium-, or long-term solution business owners are looking for, but we hope that while more comprehensive solutions and strategies are sought and implemented, this support program will offer a small measure of relief,” she said.

“We’d like to offer reassurance that the impacts to businesses and property owners will continue to be discussed at the City level and within the community to identify and work towards a strategy together.”