New application round set to launch for Ontario Renovate

New application round set to launch for Ontario Renovate

CORNWALL, Ontario -A program to help low-income homeowners renovate their property will be accepting another round of applications soon.

The Ontario Renovates home improvement program has proven to be very popular among residents of Cornwall and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, and officials expect the heightened interest in the program.

To date, approximately 250 homeowners in Cornwall and SDG have received assistance through Ontario Renovates, a home improvement program that aims to assist low and modest income homeowners.

“The goal of the program is to help residents remain in their homes longer,” said Debora Daigle, Cornwall manager of social and housing services. “We expect there will be plenty of interest when the next application round for Ontario Renovates opens on Monday, Oct. 6.”

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

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 $5,000. 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 $45,000 or less and the house value must be below $160,000. In addition, the property must be owned and be the sole and principal residence of the applicant(s), and proof is required that property taxes, home insurance and mortgage payments are paid 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 or for rental properties.

New Application Round

Application forms for the program will be available as of Monday, Oct. 6 and completed applications must be received by 4 pm on Friday, Oct. 17.

Application forms can be downloaded from the City website as of Oct. 6 (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 Office (as of Oct. 6) at 340 Pitt Street (third floor) or by calling (613) 930-2787 ext. 2344 or 2309. Eligible applications will be reviewed and allocations approved on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds for the program are depleted.

About Ontario Renovates

Ontario Renovates is a component of the Investment in Affordable Housing Program. It is funded by the Provincial and Federal Governments and is administered by the City of Cornwall’s Social Housing Division which acts as Service Manager for Housing programs in both Cornwall and the United Counties of SDG.

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