Funding available to support affordable ownership in Prince Edward-Lennox & Addington counties

Property owners in both Prince Edward and Lennox and Addington Counties will be able to apply for financial assistance to support various affordable housing initiatives through the launch of the Prince Edward-Lennox & Addington Social Services (PELASS) Ontario Renovates program.

The Ontario Renovates Program is offered as part of the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) Program funded by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), and provides financial assistance to households in need to repair deficiencies in affordable ownership properties. According to a release from Lennox and Addington County, funding is provided in the form of a 10-year, interest-free forgivable loan based on the cost of approved home repairs up to $25,000, and subject to the availability of program funds.

To support independent living for seniors and persons with disabilities, funding for accessibility repairs approved to a maximum of $5,000 is in the form of a grant, and does not require repayment, the County noted.

The Ontario Renovates – Secondary Suites sub-component of OPHI is intended to increase the supply of affordable rental housing for low-income households in Prince Edward County and the County of Lennox and Addington. According to the release, funding for this component is provided in the form of a 15-year, interest-free forgivable loan to homeowners to create an affordable secondary suite on the property of their sole and principal residence. The maximum eligible funding is based on the cost of approved work items and HST, payable up to $25,000.

Funding for these programs is on a first come first serve basis. To learn more about these programs email [email protected] or call 613-354-0957.