A home improvement program that assists low and modest income homeowners in Cornwall and SDG has been launched for the second year.

Through Ontario Renovates, eligible homeowners can receive funding for urgent home repairs as well as modifications to increase accessibility.

“The goal of the program is to help residents stay in their homes longer,” said Mayor Bob Kilger. “Ontario Renovates was very successful in its first year, with over 60 homeowners in Cornwall and SDG receiving assistance through the program.”

The Ontario Renovates program has two different components:

– An Urgent Home Repair component where eligible homeowners can receive a maximum forgivable loan of $16,000 which is earned over a 10-year period. Projects which may qualify under this component include upgrades to heating systems, foundations, roofs and electrical systems.

– An Accessibility Modification component where eligible homeowners can receive a maximum grant of $3,500. Projects which may qualify under this component include ramps and handrails.

In order to be eligible, participating homeowners must have a gross household income of $40,000 or less and the house value must be below $135,000. In addition, the property must be owned and be the sole and principal residence of the applicant, and property taxes, home insurance and mortgage payments must all be up-to-date. The property must be located within the City of Cornwall or the United Counties of SDG. Funding is not available for work that is already started.

Application forms for the program will be accepted as of Monday, April 15th, 2013, and completed applications must be received by 4:30 pm on Friday, May 17th, 2013. Eligible applications will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We anticipate that there will be a lot of interest in this program, so interested residents should fill out their applications as soon as possible,” said Mayor Kilger.

Application forms can be downloaded from the City website (www.Cornwall.ca) as of Monday, April 15th. Copies can also be obtained from the City of Cornwall Social Housing Division Office at 340 Pitt Street (3rd Floor) or by calling (613) 930-2787 ext. 2344. 

Additional information about the Ontario Renovates program can also be found on the City website (look for the link on the right side of the homepage).

Ontario Renovates is a 3-year program funded by the Provincial and Federal Governments and is administered by the City of Cornwall’s Social Housing Division. The Social Housing Division acts as Service Manager for Housing programs in both Cornwall and the United Counties of SDG.