Cornwall Ontario – A new application round is underway for Ontario Renovates, a popular home improvement program in Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
This new application round aims to assist priority groups. As such, it will target low and modest income youth (18-25) and seniors (55+) or individuals requiring accessibility modifications.
Through Ontario Renovates, eligible homeowners can receive funding for urgent home repairs as well as modifications to make their homes more accessible. Since the program launched in 2012, approximately 350 homeowners in Cornwall and SDG have received assistance.
“We are very pleased with the Provincial and Federal government announcement with respect to housing investments under the 2016 Social Infrastructure Fund (SIF). Part of that announcement includes additional funds for the very successful Ontario Renovates Program,” said Mellissa Morgan, Community Housing Supervisor. “With this funding, there are also identified priority groups that we must target which include seniors, youth and individuals requiring accessibility modifications. As in the past, the ultimate goal is to help residents stay in their homes longer.”
The Ontario Renovates program has two different components:
– An Urgent Home Repair component where eligible homeowners can receive a maximum forgivable loan of $25,000 which is earned over a 10-year period. Projects which may qualify under this component include upgrades to heating systems, minor foundation repairs, roofs and electrical systems.
– An Accessibility Modification component where eligible homeowners can receive a maximum grant of $5,000. Projects which may qualify under this component include ramps and handrails.
In order to be eligible, participating homeowners must be within the income limits per household ($40,000 to $60,000 depending on the household size) and the house assessment value must be below $206,000. 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 Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Funding is not available for work that is already started.
Application forms for the program will be available as of Monday, September 19th, 2016.
Application forms can be downloaded from the City website as of Monday, September 19th, 2016 (look for Ontario Renovates under the ‘Popular Topics’ section on the main page of the City website). 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. Please note there is a dedicated amount of funding available so interested homeowners are encouraged to apply early.