PEMBROKE — The County of Renfrew, in partnership with the Province of Ontario, announces that Ontario Renovates will be accepting new applications for funding starting on May 16 to assist homeowners to access funding for upgrades to their homes to enhance their quality of life. Ontario Renovates is a program which is part of the Investment in Affordable Housing for Ontario (IAH) 2014 Extension Program and the 2016 Social Infrastructure Fund (SIF). This program provides financial assistance to homeowners by way of a forgivable loan to repair their home to acceptable standards while improving the energy efficiency and/or increasing accessibility of their unit.
Chair of the County of Renfrew Social Services Committee, Councillor Debbie Robinson explained, “The target groups for Ontario Renovates include low to moderate income homeowners residing in the County of Renfrew. This is a great opportunity for some of our residents to make the necessary upgrades to their home and also improve their quality of life. I really encourage our local residents to inquire about this program. The program is based on a first-come, first-serve basis.”
In order to qualify for the program, residents must meet certain criteria, including but not limited to:
- The property must be located in the County of Renfrew,
- Applicants must own the home that is their sole and principle residence with a market value below $227,097,
- Applicants must have a total household income that does not exceed $80,300 which includes all sources of income.
In order to qualify for the program, there is a formal application process that is administered through Renfrew County Housing Corporation. Funding is provided in the form of a 10-year, interest free forgivable loan to homeowners based on the cost of approved work items up to $10,000. In addition, funding for accessible repairs made to a home and /or unit up to a maximum of $3,500 do not require repayment provided they are used for the intended purpose. The application must provide verification of need from a healthcare professional.
For more information on this exciting new program, or to request an application package, please call 613-432-3679. Residents of the County of Renfrew can also pick up an application package at any of the Renfrew County Housing Corporation offices or download the application package by visiting www.countyofrenfrew.on.ca
Applications will not be accepted at any of the Renfrew County Housing Corporation offices prior to May 16. Application packages received prior to that date will be returned to sender.
