Searching for Home Improvement / Renovation / Accessibility

COVID-19: Office is closed to the public until further notice. Accepting applications for the program by email only.

A program for low and modest income households in Niagara that funds:

• affordable housing repairs
• housing modifications for persons with disabilities
• the creation of a secondary suite in single family homes

The total loan is provided as a fully forgivable loan, which is written off at an equal rate over a 10 or 15 year period. Maximum loan amount includes a grant portion for accessibility repairs, if required, of up to $5000 that does not need to be repaid.

Examples of eligible repairs include:

• structural (including building exterior such as roofs, foundations or walls)
• plumbing
• fire safety
• electrical and/or heating

Examples of eligible work include:

• ramps
• handrails and chair/bath lifts
• height adjustment to counter tops
• cues for doorbells/fire alarms

Some projects that are not eligible include: landscaping, routine maintainance, cosmetic renovations and repairs.

CSSN staff member provides an individualized home assessment and summary of recommendations to promote independence and mobility. Referrals to other services can be made when required.

The ReStore is a new and used home improvement warehouse for builder's, homeowner's and do-it-yourselfers. A charitable donation receipt is provided for donations made to the ReStore. To see if your donation qualifies for a free pick call 905-560-6707 x104 or email resotrepickups@habitathamilton.ca.

The Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy program offers financial support for residents who make home improvements that can help reduce the risk of basement flooding during severe wet weather

There are four subsidy programs available:

• Downspout Disconnection: 100% subsidy, up to a maximum of $500
  
• Sump Pump Installation, combined with weeping tile disconnection: 100% subsidy, up to a maximum of $5,000
  
• Backwater Valve Installation: 50% subsidy, up to a maximum of $675
  
• Sewer Lateral (pipe) lining or repair: 50% subsidy, up to a maximum of $2,000

Visit the Halton Region website for more information on the subsidy program

Water Conservation

• Home and Property Owners
• Frozen Water Pipes
• Indoor Water Efficiency
• Outdoor Water Conservation
• Outdoor Water Use Restrictions
• Toilet Rebates
• Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program

Water Quality and Protection/Wastewater

• Groundwater
• Halton's Drinking Water Quality Management System
• Halton's Drinking Water
• Source Water Protection
• Tap Water
• Water Treatment Plants and Tours
• Water Quality Reports
• Well Water
• Small Drinking Water Systems
• Boil Water Advisories

Rates and Billing

• Property Owners and Tenants
• Water Meters
• Understanding My Water Bill
• Water Service Rates and Fees
• High Water Bills and Leaks
• Modernization of Water Meter Infrastructure

Recreational Water

• Monitoring the Water at Haliton's Beaches
• Safe Water Program

Homeowner Ontario Renovates offers financial assistance to low-income households who own and occupy substandard housing to enable them to repair their dwellings to a minimum level of health and safety.

Person with Disabilities Ontario Renovates offers financial assistance to low income households occupied by persons with disabilities who require special modifications to improve accessibility to their residence.

A store which accepts and sells donated items to raise money in support of the home building efforts of Habitat for Humanity
* experienced crew of volunteers is responsible for merchandising and receiving donations

Items accepted:
* overstocked, used and/or discontinued and salvageable building materials donated from manufacturers, other stores, local contractors and the public
* furniture, appliances, electrical supplies, home decor items, plumbing supplies, flooring, lighting, new windows, doors, clothing, kitchen cabinetry, lawn equipment, and toys - see website for more detail

Donation Methods:
Drop off at ReStore location or schedule a residential donation pick-up

Volunteer opportunities are available for plumbers, electricians, cashiers, drivers, merchandising/warehouse support, and the Salvage Team

Information and referral for City of Toronto services and programs


COVID-19 -- check website for information on how the current public health situation may affect City facilities, programs and services

• March 22, 2022 -- Toronto City Hall, and Civic Centres for North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke and York are now fully open to the public and face mask requirement has been lifted

Click here for changes to City services during the COVID-19 pandemic

• City of Toronto's response to COVID 19, including information on current health situation, lockdown status, vaccination booking, link(s) to city's immunization clinics
• COVID 19 MEDIA ROOM, including bylaws and special orders, information on enforcement

For Animals and Pets, including Animal Enforcement and Assistance CLICK HERE


BusinessTO Support Centre -- provides advice and resources to help businesses respond to the economic impact of COVID-19

• one-on-one virtual support to help businesses complete applications for Government of Canada COVID-19 funding programs
• to access the BusinessTO Support Centre CLICK HERE

For Bylaw Enforcement CLICK HERE


For Bylaws, Directives and Orders related to COVID-19 CLICK HERE


For Cool Spaces Near You CLICK HERE


Emergency Energy Fund -- financial assistance for low income residents with energy disconnections due to late payment of bills

• call Neighbourhood Information Post at 647-727-8988 or for more information CLICK HERE

For information on Emergency Preparedness and Public Safety Alerts CLICK HERE


For Financial and Employment Support CLICK HERE


For Garbage and Recycling CLICK HERE


For Graffiti and Postering bylaw information CLICK HERE


For information on Grants, Incentives and Rebates CLICK HERE


Hardship Fund -- for low income residents who are not receiving social assistance

• help with health-related expenses such as eyeglasses, emergency dental work, medication, walkers
• call 416-338-8888 or CLICK HERE

For Low or No Heat or other vital services (hydro, gas, water) in rental units CLICK HERE


Home Energy Loan Program -- low-interest loans to homeowners for energy retrofits

• loan is repaid through installments on the property tax bill
• call 416-392-1826 or CLICK HERE

For information on Marriage licenses CLICK HERE


Newcomer Service Kiosks -- information and referral to interpretation and translation services, employment training, community services, schools, health care

• locations throughout Toronto
• call 416-338-0688
• during Covid19, services provided virtually or by phone

For Noise Bylaw CLICK HERE


For Property Standards bylaw CLICK HERE


For Property Taxes and Utilities CLICK HERE


Property tax and water bill relief programs -- for low-income seniors and low-income people with disabilities

• call 311 Tax Utility Inquiry Line

For Roads and Road Maintenance CLICK HERE


Safe City Program - first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation/defibrillation) training available from Toronto Paramedic Services CLICK HERE



Service and Benefit Finder Tool
target=_blank>CLICK HERE


Sidewalk snow removal -- service for wherever the City does not clear the sidewalks

• for seniors and persons with disabilities in Toronto, East York, Etobicoke and North York wishing more information form CLICK HERE

For Streets, Parking and Transportation CLICK HERE


For Trees issues CLICK HERE


For Water issues CLICK HERE


For Winter Services CLICK HERE


For the City's Winter plan for those experiencing homelessness CLICK HERE



For information on Community Councils, Mayor and City Councillors see separate entries

Authorized delivery agent for the Enbridge Gas Home Winterproofing Program and the Save On Energy's Energy Affordability Program in all postal codes starting with L or N.
Provides income eligible individuals (home owners and renters) no-cost energy-saving upgrades such as:

• insulation
• draft proofing
• smart thermostat
• Water efficient showerheads and faucet aerators
• LED light bulbs
• Energy Star refrigerator, freezer, Window AC and dehumidifier replacement

Because these are utility paid conservation programs, there is absolutely no cost to the income eligible household for any of the upgrades and services they may receive.

Authorized delivery agent for the Enbridge Gas Home Winterproofing Program and the Save On Energy's Energy Affordability Program in all postal codes starting with L or N.
Provides income eligible individuals (home owners and renters) no-cost energy-saving upgrades such as:

• insulation
• draft proofing
• smart thermostat
• Water efficient showerheads and faucet aerators
• LED light bulbs
• Energy Star refrigerator, freezer, Window AC and dehumidifier replacement

Because these are utility paid conservation programs, there is absolutely no cost to the income eligible household for any of the upgrades and services they may receive.

Specialized in home modifications for people with disabilities and seniors * in-home mobility construction and renovations * installation of roll-in and walk-in showers, bathroom and kitchen modifications, ramps and decks, grab bars and railings, wheelchair lifts and elevators, and the widening of doorways and hallways * lighting (light switches and electrical outlets placed in accessible locations), motion-activated lighting (throughout the home and exterior entrances)

COVID19 -- LIFE sessions and After Stroke programs are being offered virtually


Community-based rehabilitation and advocacy; affordable supportive housing for people with physical disabilities

March of Dimes Canada's Supportive Housing Programs: provides scheduled and unscheduled service to people with disabilities in their own apartments:

• non-medical assistance provided for activities of daily living in the home, such as dressing, bathing, eating, and helping with range of motion
• also assists individuals requiring more complex supports that may include g-tube feeding, tracheotomy supports as well as other activities of daily living.

Attendant Care Services -- non-medical assistance with activities of daily living in the home; MODC Non-Profit Housing

Assistive Devices Program, 1-866-765-7237 -- financial assistance for adults to purchase or repair devices that increase their mobility and functional independence; may also assist with information or resources to assist in locating additional funding sources

Pop Can Tabs Collection Program -- proceeds support Assistive Devices Program

Home and Vehicle Modification Program, 1-877-369-4867 or 1-877-369-HVMP -- financial assistance (up to $15,000) for basic home and vehicle modifications for permanent Ontario residents with a substantial impairment expected to last one year or more

Brain Injury Services -- life skills, communication, community integration, emotional and behavioural support, vocational support, recreation

Conductive Education -- for people with neurological motor disorders; physical rehabilitation and education to train the brain and the body

DesignAbility, 1-800-263-3463, ext 7211

• volunteers work with persons with mobility challenges to craft creative, custom-built solutions to overcome barriers to work, play, personal hygiene and other daily activities
• no charge, except for building materials

LIFE (Learning Independence for Future Empowerment) -- skill-building transition sessions to provide support to young adults with a disability

Post-Polio Canada, 1-800-480-5903, marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/programs/postpolio -- in-person and virtual support services, resources and information for polio survivors

After Stroke, afterstroke.marchofdimes.ca -- person-to-person support, educational opportunities and community-based programs designed to provide connection to other people, hope and life after stroke

Integrated Employment Services at this location, see other listing

Outreach and senior services are also available at this location

Business and training services for other non-profit agencies

Volunteers build custom-designed solutions and modification to help meet the daily needs of people with mobility issues and to maintain independence to the greatest extent possible. Projects are taken on if there is no commercial solution available or the cost of a commercial solution is prohibitive.

Provides funding to eligible applicants for basic home and/or vehicle modifications which enables children and adults with mobility restrictions to continue living in their homes, avoid job loss, and participate fully in their communities.

COVID19 -- retail sites moved online, in-person services closed



Volunteers organize donated money, materials and people to build homes in partnership with low income working persons in need of simple, decent houses

• houses are sold to selected homeowner partners at cost with a no down payment, no-interest mortgage (mortgage payments are recycled to build other homes)
• future homeowner partners work a minimum of 500 volunteer hours as sweat equity

ReStore locations within Toronto -- sell new and gently used building material or furnishings to the public

• material donations can be picked up during store hours:

ReStore East York (155 Bermondsey Rd, 647-276-5690),
ReStore Etobicoke (700 Kipling Ave, 647-910-4350),
ReStore North York (1120 Caledonia Rd, 647-276-0880),
ReStore Scarborough Centre (1181 Kennedy Rd, 647-910-5650)
ReStore Studio District (3 Carlaw Ave, 647-276-0580)

Also stores in Brampton, Durham Region and York Region, see separate listings

Provides home assessments and recommendations at no cost to help seniors remain safe and independent in their homes, and falls prevention education program to both seniors and caregivers.

Safety at Home services include:

• free home assessments
• referrals for installation of assistive devices, minor home repairs, and modifications
• subsidies for assistive devices (such as grab bars) and coordination of installation for those who qualify
• fall prevention education
• community and professional presentations

COVID19 -- Essential operations including responding to consumer inquiries

Electricity disconnection ban -- Disconnection for non-payment by residential customers banned until the end of the emergency order, extended to July 31

• low-volume, small business customers are also protected by the ban
• the OEB is calling on distributors to be more flexible on arrears payment arrangements

Time-of-use pricing -- customers on time-of-use (TOU) pricing pay regular rates as of Feb 23, 2021

COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business (CEAP-SB) -- One-time on-bill credit that households, small businesses and charities can apply for to pay down electricity debt

• apply through your local utility, applications reopened on October 16, 2020 and residential customers do not need to be unemployed to apply
• for information COVID19 Energy Assistance Program

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Regulates, licenses, monitors and inspects energy industry participants including natural gas and electricity utilities

• investigates potential violations and enforces regulations
• regulates rates charged to customers and regulates rebates to consumers
• online inquiry and complaint forms
• online energy industry information and resources including lists of licensed gas marketers and electricity retailers, and bill calculators for electricity or natural gas usage
• Help for Low Income consumers -- summary of programs, www.oeb.ca/rates-and-your-bill/help-low-income-consumers
• consumer newsletters and brochures

Residential customers -- disconnection for non-payment is banned from November 15 to April 30 of the following year

• electricity providers are required to reconnect customers without power before the start of the disconnection ban period and waive any charges due to reconnection, including Collection of Accounts service fees
• for more details www.oeb.ca/newsroom/2017/ban-disconnection-homes-winter-customers-electricity-distributors-frequently-asked

Affordability Fund -- assists electricity customers who do not qualify for low-income conservation programs N.B. not accepting new applications

• affordabilityfund.org

COVID19 -- LIFE sessions and After Stroke programs are being offered virtually


Community-based rehabilitation and advocacy; affordable supportive housing for people with physical disabilities

Attendant Care Services -- non-medical assistance with activities of daily living

MODC Non-Profit Housing -- supportive care in 6 unit house, capacity 8, in Meynell House with additional houses around Ontario

Assistive Devices Program, 1-866-765-7237 -- financial assistance for adults to purchase or repair devices that increase their mobility and functional independence; may also assist with information or resources to assist in locating additional funding sources

Pop can tabs collection program -- proceeds support Assistive Devices Program

Home and Vehicle Modification Program, 1-877-369-4867 or 1-877-369-HVMP -- financial assistance (up to $15,000) for basic home and vehicle modifications for permanent Ontario residents with a substantial impairment expected to last one year or more

Acquired Brain Injury Services -- life skills, communication, community integration, emotional and behavioural support, vocational support, recreation

Conductive Education -- for people with neurological motor disorders; physical rehabilitation and education to train the brain and the body

DesignAbility, 1-800-263-3463, ext 7211

• volunteers work with persons with mobility challenges to craft creative, custom-built solutions to overcome barriers to work, play, personal hygiene and other daily activities
• no charge, except for building materials

LIFE (Learning Independence for Future Empowerment) -- skill-building transition sessions to provide support to young adults with a disability

Post-Polio Canada, polio@marchofdimes.ca, www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/programs/postpolio -- in-person and virtual support services, resources and information for polio survivors

After Stroke, afterstroke@marchofdimes.ca, afterstroke.ca -- person-to-person support, educational opportunities and community-based programs designed to provide connection to other people, hope and life after stroke

Business and training services for other non-profit agencies

COVID19 -- curbside service only

ReStore locations -- sell new and used building material and furnishings to the public

ReVive Boutique -- upcycling centre to recycle and transform donated products and materials that would otherwise go to landfill

• volunteers renew used items or build something new for ReStore to sell

Habitat Handyman -- affordable contractor service for home renovation projects, volunteers may help

Also Habitat for Humanity, Greater Toronto Area offices and ReStores in Brampton or Toronto, see separate listings

• accepts and sells donated items to raise money in support of the home building efforts of Habitat for Humanity
• experienced crew of volunteers is responsible for merchandising and receiving donations

Items accepted:

• overstocked, used and/or discontinued and salvageable building materials donated from manufacturers, other stores, local contractors and the public
• furniture, appliances, electrical supplies, home decor items, plumbing supplies, flooring, lighting, new windows, doors, clothing, kitchen cabinetry, lawn equipment, and toys - see website for more detail

Donation Methods

• drop off at ReStore location, free indoor pick-up program, and kitchen deconstruction program
• salvage crew helps to remove larger donated materials from homes and businesses

Volunteer opportunities are available for plumbers, electricians, cashiers, drivers, merchandising/warehouse support, and the Salvage Team

Housing department

Programs include:

• Housing Loan Program - assists Six Nations members in obtaining housing loans for new or renovation/repair construction purposes
  
• Approved Lender Loan (Bank) Program - provides Six Nations members with the option of obtaining for an on reserve home from a financial institution
  
• Accessibility Program - provides loans for seniors and/or physically disabled Six Nations members
  
• Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) - federally-funded program that addresses mandatory repairs for structurally damaged homes and for health and safety reasons
  
• Housing Inspections - inspections for new house construction, repairs, additions or to inspect prior to purchase
  
• Rental Properties - 1 to 3 bedroom units for rent
  
• Commercial Properties - a portfolio of commercial buildings developed to provide suitable infrastructure for Council projects, community services, and private enterprise
  
• Sanitation Incentive Program - assists Six Nations members in obtaining safe and environmentally friendly septic systems, cisterns and wells

Volunteers organize donated money, materials and people to build homes in partnership with low income working persons in need of simple, decent houses

• houses are sold to selected homeowner partners at cost with a no down payment, no-interest mortgage (mortgage payments are recycled to build other homes)
• future homeowner partners work a minimum of 500 volunteer hours as sweat equity

ReStore locations within York Region -- sell new and gently used building material or furnishings to the public

• material donations can be picked up during store hours:

ReStore Markham (7701 Woodbine Ave, 647-276-3730)
ReStore Newmarket (16715 Yonge St, Unit C, 905-868-8723)
ReStore Vaughan (2180 Steeles Avenue W, 905-532-9510)
ReStore Woodbridge (551 Cityview Blvd, 647-910-4690)

Also stores in Brampton, Durham Region and Toronto, see separate listings