The Investment in Affordable Housing Program (or IAH) is the primary program under which the Ontario Renovates Program component operates. Funding for the programs comes from both federal and provincial government sources. (The program serves both homeowners and rental property owners, but we’ll primarily refer to homes going forward, just for simplicity.)

In basic terms, Ontario Renovates provides financial help to qualifying people to repair their existing homes. Those who meet income thresholds and who own and occupy houses with substandard construction can use the funds to improve the home’s build quality, reaching a minimum level of safety.

The program has a limited amount of money available each year within each locality, so applicants aren’t guaranteed to receive any funds, even if they prove their need.

In most locations, the money is distributed to those who qualify on a first come, first served basis. This means it’s important to send in applications on time to have the best chance. You must apply in the area where you own the home.

At its core, Ontario Renovates looks to create better living conditions in households in need and to repair deficiencies in affordable housing rental properties.

As an example, this program can help seniors stay in their homes longer, because they can use the money to make their homes safer. It also helps those with disabilities live on their own in a home by using the funds to make the home more accessible.

For owners of affordable housing rental properties, this program creates greater accessibility in rentals for seniors or those with disabilities, while creating safer properties.

The program delivers environmentally friendly benefits as well by employing energy efficient technology in low income homes wherever possible.

Seniors, persons with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, residents of remote communities in northern Ontario, low-to-moderate income singles and families, and aboriginal people living off-reserve will be the primary recipients of these funds. However, eligibility is not limited to these groups of people. Anyone may apply.

Most of the funds for approved projects are made in the form of an interest-free, forgivable loan to the property owner, based on the cost of the approved work.

A forgivable loan is one where the loan payments will be forgiven or deferred, as long as certain conditions are met. Should the conditions not be met, the loan must be repaid immediately, usually with interest.

For home repairs, the period of forgiveness is 10 years. The amount forgiven each year is 1/10th of the total cost of the project. Should the property owner who received the project funding sell the property or no longer occupy it, the remaining amount of the loan must be repaid.

For rental unit repairs, the period of forgiveness is 15 years, and the amount forgiven each year is 1/15th of the project’s total cost. The entire loan amount remaining must be repaid if the unit is sold or if the rents charged at the unit ever exceed the allowed limit.

For calculation purposes, the loan forgiveness time clock begins on the date of completion of the project.

When performing accessibility repairs on a property under the Ontario Renovates program, you may receive a grant instead of a forgivable loan. (Some SMs may choose to include these extra funds for accessibility repairs in the forgivable loan, rather than issuing a grant.)

The availability and amount of these grants is different for each locality, but the maximum amount for one grant under the Ontario Renovates program is $5,000.

This grant does not require repayment, even if the property is sold down the road, as long as the funds are used for the stated purposed and approved by the SM during inspection.

In most localities, you will need to provide confirmation of the disability from a licensed physician to qualify for the grant.

After submission of the application, the SM will determine whether a particular project is eligible. The following items must be met with all properties. The SM does not have flexibility in these areas.

Here are a few tips that can help you have a better chance at a successful application process.

If your project receives approval, you may still have some requirements to fulfil, depending on how your local SM handles the process.

Brantford and Brant County have a combined Ontario Renovates program. The Brantford/Brant County web site contains information on financial limits for eligibility to receive funds, as well as a very helpful fact sheet about the program.

To apply, you can download a printable sheet from the web site. Applications should be returned by postal mail or by fax.

The web site has some up-to-date information on income limitations.

You can visit the housing office for a form as well. Return completed forms by postal mail or fax.

At the Chatham-Kent web site, you’ll find a printable application form about the Ontario Renovates program. You also can pick up an application at the housing services office. The application form has extensive information regarding the program.

With this program, it’s required that you include a professional contractor’s estimated cost of the desired repairs and renovations with your application.

The Cornwall web site contains basic information about the Ontario Renovates program, including local income verification levels.

At the time of this writing, Cornwall was not accepting new applications, and the web site does not have any printable forms. The web site says Cornwall will accept forms again in 2019, so visitors are encouraged to check back.

This site also encompasses residents of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

You’ll find some basic information about the Ontario Renovates program on the Duffering Coutry website, as well as a printable application package. You also can call the listed phone number or send an e-mail to receive an application form.

To apply for Ontario Renovates in Greater Sudbury, you can download a printable application from the Greater Sudbury web site, or you can visit a public library or the housing services center. You can return applications via postal mail or drop-off.

Applications for last year was closed. Visitors should check back with the web site for information on when 2019 applications will be accepted.

You can download and print an application form for the Grey County program at the web site. The application form has extensive information about the Ontario Renovates program and eligibility rules.

Contact information for questions or to submit your application is available at the Grey County web site.

The Haldimand and Norfolk Counties web site contains basic information about the Ontario Renovates program, as well as a printable application form. Completed applications may be returned by postal mail or drop-off.

The web site lists current local income limits for eligibility, and it has a form through which you can submit questions too.

The Hamilton web site contains eligibility information regarding Ontario Renovates, but it doesn’t have a downloadable application form. Use the contact information on the web page to obtain a form.

The Huron County web site has extensive information regarding the program, making it a great resource.

You can download a printable application form on the site, or you can visit the housing and property services office for a form.

At the Kawartha Lakes web site, click on Homeowner Assistance followed by Kawartha Haliburton Renovates to see information regarding the Ontario Renovates program. You will need to contact the government to obtain a form.

The deadline for last year applications passed April 30, so visitors will need to check back for 2019 application details.

You can apply to the Kingston-Frontenac Renovates program through a downloadable form available on the Kingston web site. After completing the application, you can return it by mail or in person. The web site has local income and home value qualification limits as well.

Understand that the application period is limited to only a few weeks each year, so make sure you understand all deadlines to give you the best chance of success.

Although the funds for the Lambton Renovates Program are not available at the time of this writing, you still may check back with the Lambton web site in the future for updated information. Additionally, the web site has a downloadable application form and an information sheet.

The Lanark County web site has information about the Renovate Lanark Program, but the last year program funds have all been allocated. Visitors should continue checking back to learn when more funds are available.

You’ll find local income verification limits and other important information for qualifying for the Ontario Renovates program at the Leeds and Greenville web site.

The web site contains a printable application form that you can mail to the governing body.

To apply for Ontario Renovates, you can call the posted phone number on the Lennox and Addington County web site, or you can send an e-mail.

Most of the information on the London web site about Ontario Renovates is available directly through the London application form, which you can download and print. You also can obtain a form from the housing center.

Visit the Muskoka web site to learn more about its Ontario Renovates Program. The web site has a printable form that you can use to apply for the program.

The web site has a lot of great information on the program, including local eligibility requirements.

Visit the Niagara web site to learn more about the Niagara Renovates Program. You’ll find an overview of the program at that site, as well as income and home value limits.

You can download a printable form in either English or French from another section of the Niagara web site, or you can contact the housing authority to receive a form. Return the form by mail or fax.

Visit the Infinity Property Services web site for information on how to apply for funds from the Ontario Renovates program for those regions encompassed by the Northern Remote Communities Program, including the following.

The site contains a printable web form you can download and mail to Infinity Property Services, which manages the program for these areas.

You can visit the Northumberland County web site to learn more about the Renovate Northumberland Program and to submit an Expression of Interest form. This form will put you on the wait list, and you’ll be contacted if you’ve been selected to apply for funding.

You also can call the listed phone number or send an e-mail at the web site to gain more information.

The Ottawa web site for the Ontario Renovates program has an extensive list of eligibility rules, as well as a printable application form. The web site says Ottawa will accept new applications until the programs funds are exhausted.

At the time of this writing, the renovations program last year has been closed, and Peel Region is not accepting new applications.

However, you can visit the Peel Region web site for more information on the program and updates on the status of new funding in the future.

Information regarding the Peterborough Renovates Program is available at the Peterborough web site. 

However, at the time of this writing, the program is not accepting new applications, so no downloadable forms are available. Visitors may check back for more information in the future.

Visit the Prescott and Russell County web site to learn more about its local Ontario Renovates Program, which fits under the Investment Affordable Housing umbrella. 

Scroll down the web page and click on the IAH block to find the application form, which has a large amount of information about eligibility.

Residents of Renfrew County can download an application form from the Renfrew web site or can pick one up at housing corporation offices. The application contains detailed information about the Ontario Renovates program.

Completed forms may be mailed or returned in person.

You can download and print a package of information, including an application form, from the Sault Ste. Marie web site. 

Application forms are available at the housing services office too. This package also serves Prince Township and Sault North Unorganized Townships.

Simcoe County considers applications to Ontario Renovates in the order in which they are received. Although applications are accepted year around, some applicants may end up on a wait list.

The Simcoe County web site includes updated information on local limits for gross household income and house values. It also has an application form you can print, or you can contact the social housing department for Simcoe County for a form. Applications are accepted by e-mail, personal drop-off, or postal mail.

We mentioned the Thunder Bay District earlier as part of the Northern Remote Communities Program, but the Thunder Bay web site also has some information you can access regarding Ontario Renovates, including a downloadable application form.

If you live in a community of less than 2,500 in the Thunder Bay District, you should use the Northern Remote Communities Program. If you live in a larger community, use the Thunder Bay web site.

Completed applications may be returned by mail or fax.

Toronto’s program is called the Toronto Renovates program, and a form is available through the city’s web site.

Completed application forms can be sent by e-mail, postal mail, or fax.

You’ll find a detailed fact sheet, including a list of local income levels that will be eligible for the Ontario Renovates program at the Region of Waterloo web site. The Waterloo program requests applications before Dec. 1 for the following year’s program.

The web site has a printable application form that you can return via e-mail, fax, postal mail, or drop-off.

The Windsor web site for funding for the Ontario Renovates Program remains under development at the time of this writing, but visitors are encouraged to check back. You can contact the city of Windsor for more information.

This web site handles information for Essex County and the town of Tecumseh too.

The program at the York Region web site serves several communities, including Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and Whitchurch-Stouffville. The York Region program is called the Home Repair Program.

You can find both an extensive guide explaining the program and an application form available for download at the web site. Or you can contact the York Region program manager to receive an application by mail. Completed forms may be submitted by postal mail, e-mail, or fax.