The Ontario Renovates program of the IAH Program 2014 Extension provides financial assistance to low-to-moderate income families to:
- Repair their home to bring it to acceptable standards while improving energy efficiency.
- Increase accessibility of their home through modifications and adaptation.
Funding is provided as a forgivable loan on the cost of approved work items. The actual amount of assistance is based on the cost of repairs and the funds available, to a maximum of $15,000. The period of forgiveness for home repair projects is 10 years. Funding for accessibility repairs, up to a maximum of $5,000, is in the form of a grant (not a loan) and does not require repayment.
To qualify, applicants must own a home in Norfolk or Haldimand Counties that is their sole and principal residence with an assessed value of $626,931 or less (maximum house price is updated quarterly) and needs repairs or modifications in one of the following areas: structural, heating, electrical, fire safety, plumbing or accessibility. Applicants’ combined gross household income must be $101,000 or less (maximum income level is updated annually). Applicants must also meet an asset limit policy that does not exceed $ 50, 000 (exemptions are not limited to but include your principal residence and owned vehicles per member of each household).
Applicants who have previously received federal and/or provincial funding to either purchase the home (AHP or IAH Homeownership component) or for repairs (Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP), IAH Ontario Renovates) are not eligible for Ontario Renovates funding.
Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been exhausted. Therefore, financial assistance may not be available to all eligible applicants in the year they apply. Applications may be placed on a waiting list. Download the Ontario Renovates Application and return the completed application form and the requested supporting documentation to Housing Services. Only applications that are complete will be accessed for eligibility.
For more information on this program, contact a Housing Resource Coordinator at 519.426.6170 or 905.318.6623 Ext. 3234 or 3235 or by email [email protected]