A proud Sheila Karasiewicz displays photographs of her newly-renovated home to Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Jim Watson in Thunder Bay. Her home renovations were carried out under the Northern Home Repair Program.
“The neighbours are so impressed.”
That’s how Thunder Bay homeowner Sheila Karasiewicz describes repairs to her home under the Northern Home Repair Program.
“The contractor we had, did an excellent job,” Karasiewicz says, while showing off her home’s new shingles, eavestroughs, windows and siding. She adds, “And they insulated it as well.”
Karasiewicz was one of several homeowners joining Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Jim Watson to celebrate the success of the popular program in the Thunder Bay District.
In Full Swing
The Northern Home Repair Program is in full swing across Northern Ontario. There is strong demand among local communities.
All 10 Northern Service Managers are participating in the program.
To date, more than $32 million has been allocated towards the repair and renovation of 1,558 units.
The aim of the program is straightforward: to help to preserve affordable housing for low-income families in Northern Ontario.
“Ontario’s Northern communities face particular challenges when it comes to delivering affordable housing,” Minister Watson said. “Our government created the Northern Home Repair Program to meet these unique needs.”
Program Flexibility
The program’s popularity has been due in part to its flexibility, which allows adjustments for the unique circumstances and perspectives of the North.
Under the program, qualified homeowners receive forgivable grants or loans for an average of $20,000 per unit. The funding is used to rehabilitate, renovate or replace substandard housing.
Homeowners are encouraged to make repairs to address home health and safety issues, or modify their homes to meet the needs of household members with disabilities.
Eligible repairs include remediation of major structural, electrical, plumbing, heating, fire safety, septic and water system deficiencies. Modifications to assist disabled persons, such as wheelchair ramps and lifts, are also eligible.
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Back to UPDATE - May 2008