Eligible homeowners in Kingston and County of Frontenac may be eligible for forgivable loans up to $10,000 to assist them in making repairs necessary to allow them to stay in their homes under the Kingston-Frontenac Renovates Program.
“This program assists homeowners in making necessary upgrades to their home to keep them accessible, safe, and healthy,” says Lee Campbell, Acting Director of Housing with the City of Kingston.
This is the City’s third year of delivering this successful program under the Canada/Ontario Investment in Affordable Housing program to provide grants for accessibility projects and/or interest free forgivable loans, to a maximum of $10,000, to assist Homeowner(s) to complete emergency repairs to their homes.
Those interested in applying should contact the Housing Department at 362 Montreal St. (613-546-2695, ext. 4949 or at housing@cityofkingston.ca) – or may view eligibility requirements and download an application online at CityofKingston.ca/Housing.
The funds, offered through the Consolidated Municipal Service Manager, serving the City of Kingston and the County of Frontenac, are being made available to homeowners who:
1. Require accessibility upgrades, such as a ramps or lifts. These applicants may be eligible for a grant of up to $3,500.
2. Have homes that are at least 10 years-old and require emergency repairs that fall into one of the four categories listed below. These applicants may be eligible for interest free forgivable loans up to $10,000:
– Health & Safety renovations to ensure fire safety, mold remediation, improve water quality, etc.
– Accessibility renovations to install a lift or ramp, or make a structural change (these projects may also be eligible for the grant, above).
– Structural repairs to ensure the integrity of a home’s roof, foundation or other supports.
– Energy efficiency installations to ensure the cost-effective comfort of a home. This would include furnace, insulation or window replacement.
Eligible applicants include seniors, singles, couples and family households with incomes ranging from $40,000 or less (for a one-person household) to $65,000 for households with five or more people.
Funding will be allocated on a priority basis to ensure that households with the greatest need of assistance are served first. Some households of more than five people with incomes of $65,500 to $73,500 may be considered if sufficient funding is available.
Release source: City of Kingston | Photo (volunteer constructing handicap ramp): Wikimedia Commons
