I run a little warm on the best of days, so I won't mind if the newsroom turns down the heat during this upcoming challenge by Fortis and the Downtown Maple Ridge BIA.

And besides, the challenge encourages energy conservation and donations of warm sweaters for charity.

Fortis and the BIA are teaming up for the first time for "Turn Down The Heat Week" which will run Feb. 2 to 9.

Participating businesses will turn down the heat at work and at home and wear sweaters to help promote energy conservation.

Ineke Beokhorst, executive director for Downtown Maple Ridge, said that many businesses already have boxes in their shops to collect warm donations.

"It doesn't have to be a sweater. It could be a toque, gloves, socks, scarves, or even hot chocolate. Anything that keeps people warm," Beokhorst explained.

The BIA will also collect donations.

Each business will be taking a slightly different approach to the challenge.

For example, T's on 224th Street will reduce the cost of hot chocolate. And Monkey Business will have a sale on winter clothes.

You might be asking yourself, how can my business get involved? Contact the BIA and they will provide promotional materials such as a poster for your window, bag stuffers to hand out leading up to and during the event, a donation box label, and downloadable poster to use on Facebook.

During the week of the event, turn down the heat and wear a sweater to show support!

Visit www.downtownmapleridge.ca to see a list of the businesses that are already involved.

Grants available

Are you interested to do some improvements to the facade of your downtown Maple Ridge commercial property?

Are you wanting to spruce up your building and business facade with the addition of some decorative details, new paint, signage, awnings, or lighting. If you are, you may be eligible for a facade improvement grant.

The purpose of this program is to continue the revitalization of the downtown core by improving the physical appearance of the buildings, and therefore making downtown a more inviting and interesting place to shop, walk, live, and play.

Every Downtown Maple Ridge property owner will receive a facade improvement grant package through Canada Post with-in the next two weeks, and it will be available on the BIA website soon.

Deadline for the application is March 28.

Send any local tidbits on business to: smclaren@mrtimes.com