Canadian Mortgage News

January 2004 National News Archive

Governments Announce Extension of Renovation Agreement

Regina, Saskatchewan, May 19, 2004 — A $19.9 million, three-year extension, to the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) and related programs was announced today by the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan.

Funding will help repair and modify homes to enhance housing quality and accessibility, achieve minimum health and safety levels and promote greater independence. It will help create additional affordable housing through conversion of non-residential buildings, as well as help to improve the quality and availability of shelters for victims of family violence. The program will benefit low-income households including seniors, people with disabilities and Aboriginal people.

The renovation programs are cost-shared 75 per cent to 25 per cent between the federal and Saskatchewan governments. Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) will contribute approximately $14.9 million and the Government of Saskatchewan will provide $5 million for RRAP, which includes program enhancements to repair and improve the accessibility of the housing stock in the province.

The announcement was made today at a formal signing at the Regina Inn by Federal Minister of Finance, Ralph Goodale and Joanne Crofford, Minister of Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC).

"The Government of Canada, through CMHC, is committed to rehabilitating housing in need of repair for low income households," Minister Goodale said. "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."

"A good home is essential to health and well-being of individuals and families," Crofford said. "The Government of Saskatchewan welcomes the extension of this program. It is an important component of our recently-announced HomeFirst housing strategy that will help the people of Saskatchewan help themselves, their families and their communities."

The three-year funding extension continues a 30-year legacy of effective, flexible partnerships with provincial governments and is based on extensive evaluation and consultation on ways to enhance the program.

For more information:

Terry Lazarou
Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment
(306) 787-8689
www.dcre.gov.sk.ca

Deborah Taylor,
CMHC
(613) 748-2586

Fact Sheet — Renovation Programs

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's existing renovation programs, which help low-income Canadians, were extended by $384 Million over three years in the 2003 Federal Budget. In Saskatchewan, federal - provincial renovation programs are administered, delivered and cost shared through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, an agency of the Department of Community Resources and Employment.

Improvements to the renovation 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, Aboriginal people, seniors, persons with disabilities 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 maximum program assistance levels to reflect current housing renovation costs. All assistance approved through the programs is now fully foregiveable.

Improvements also include a change in the calculation of total household income in recognition of the additional costs faced by persons with disabilities.

Program Details

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) for Homeowners
This program provides financial assistance to low-income homeowners, who own and occupy housing, to enable them to repair their dwellings to meet a minimum level of health and safety. Maximum assistance is $16,000 or $19,000 depending on location and repair requirements.

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 and $28,000 per unit or $16,000 and $19,000 per bed depending on the location.

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 and $28,000 per unit or $16,000 and $19,000 per bed depending on the location and repair requirements.

Emergency Repair Program
This program provides up to $6,000 or $9,000, depending on location, 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 and $19,000 per homeowner unit, depending on location and repair requirements.

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.

The announcement was made at the Regina Inn by Federal Minister of Finance, Ralph Goodale (left) and Joanne Crofford, Minister of Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC).

News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)