Canadian Mortgage News

January 2004 National News Archive

Governments Announce Extension of Funds for Home Repair Program

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, May 19, 2004 — The three-year extension of the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) between the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia will provide $27.9 million in funding to continue to help low-income households repair their dwellings to minimum health and safety levels.

The announcement was made today by the Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Honourable David Morse, Nova Scotia's Minister of Community Services.

"The Government of Canada, through CMHC, is committed to rehabilitating housing in need of repair for low income households," said Minister Regan. "This is an important part of our national affordable housing strategy to preserve and enhance the existing housing stock. It is also an effective and responsible way of supporting sustainable development through the rehabilitation of existing buildings."

"The Province is committed to helping low-income Nova Scotians remain in their homes by ensuring they have a healthy, safe and comfortable living environment," said Minister David Morse.

The program is cost-shared by the governments on a 75 percent-25 percent basis, with approximately $20.9 million being provided through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and $7 million by the province.

The extension of funding for the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program builds upon a 30-year legacy of effective, flexible partnerships between governments to cost-share and deliver federal/provincial home repair programs. The 2003 program renewal was based on an extensive evaluation and national consultations on ways to enhance the program.

Anyone in need of home repair assistance should contact their local Housing Services office for more information.

For more information:

Fact Sheet — Home Repair Programs

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's existing home repair and renovation programs, which help low-income Canadians, were extended by $384 million.

Improvements to these programs were implemented recently to ensure the program is more effective in serving those most in need, including low-income Canadians living in substandard housing, seniors, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal people, and victims of family violence. The changes were made following consultations and an extensive evaluation of the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP).

The changes include an increase in program assistance levels to reflect current housing repair and renovation costs, program assistance approved is fully forgivable and a change in the calculation of total household income in recognition of the additional costs faced by persons with disabilities.

Program Details

Rental/Rooming House RRAP
This program provides assistance to landlords of affordable housing to pay for mandatory repairs to units and beds occupied by low-income tenants. Maximum assistance is $24,000 per unit or $16,000 per bed.

Shelter Enhancement Program
The program assists in repairing, rehabilitating and improving existing shelters for victims of family violence; and in acquiring or building new shelters and second-stage housing where needed.

Conversion RRAP
This program provides financial assistance for the conversion of non-residential property into units or beds to create affordable housing for low-income households. Maximum assistance is $24,000 per unit or $16,000 per bed.

Emergency Repair Program
This program provides up to $6,000 in assistance to low-income homeowners or occupants in rural areas to undertake emergency repairs required for the continued safe occupancy of their homes.

RRAP for Persons with Disabilities
This program offers financial assistance to homeowners and landlords to undertake accessibility work to modify dwellings occupied or intended for occupancy by low-income persons with disabilities. Maximum assistance is $16,000 per unit.

Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence
This program provides assistance of up to $3,500 to homeowners and landlords to pay for minor home adaptations that will enable low-income seniors to live independently in their homes.

News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)