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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD-281-87DN: 281-87 ~, ~~ ~ ~ ~? TOWN OF NEWCASTLE c~) REPORT File # ~~ Res. #.. ~ 4~ By-Law # N~~ING: General Purpose and Administration Committee ~~^ Monday, November 2, 1987 T #: nn ~Q~_a~ FILE #: CT: INITIATIVES FOR DISABLED PERSONS RECOt~1ENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report PD-281-87 be received for information. BACKGROUND AND COMMENTS: At the Council Meeting of July 13, 1987, correspondence from the Minister of Housing with respect to the Province's initiatives for the disabled, was referred to the Director of Planning for review and report. Staff have reviewed the initiatives and would note that of most specific interest to the Town is the proposed enrichment of the existing Low-rise Rehabilitation Program and a newly created Ontario Home Renewal Program for disabled persons. The initiatives have allocated funds to the Low-rise Rehabilitation Program to permit modification of existing private rental units for disabled persons through the provision of a $5,000.00 forgiveable loan for each unit modified. In addition, funds have been allocated to the Ontario Home Renewal Program to permit home owners to make basic modifications to their homes relative to their use by disabled persons. ...2 ~~J REPORT NO.: PD-281-87 PAGE 2 As noted in Staff Report PD-280-87, the Town is already participating in a Low-rise Rehabilitation Program and therefore it would appear that no further action is required relative to this aspect of the initiatives. With respect to the Ontario Home Renewal Program, at the present time, this Program is proposed to be delivered either by the Municipal Government on behalf of the Ministry of Housing or by the Ministry Regional Housing Program Offices. Since the Town is not providing this service, any persons interested in applying for loans under the program are referred to the Ministry Offices. TTE'~ j ip Attach. October 21, 1987 Recommended for presentation to the Committee Kotseff strative Officer ~~J~ CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE AO TEMPERANCE STREET BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C3A6 TELEPHONE 623-3379 July 15, 1987. ~~ E •, ~` }~~~ j ~ ~~ ~ 1 !.: Alvin Curling, {~~ Minister, • IUL a ~ ~,',~; i 7771Ba~Street~l.ng, ~~~~~ C~ 6w'.` Toronto Ontario. PL~1 NNl/~~ D~p,~ , , `"°'~~ M5G 2E5~ -'~..~~~tl'T (' Dear Sir: Re: Initiatives for Disabled Persons Our File 35.31.21. At a regular meeting of Council held Monday, July 13, 1987, the following resolution was passed: That the ccxrrnunication dated June 30, 1987, from the Minister of Housing, inviting municipalities to participate in housing initiatives for the disabled, be received; And that the subject correspondence be referred to the Director of Planning for review and a report to the General Purpose and Administration Committee at his convenience. Yours truly, ~ti~~~ ~ , Rosemary Rutledge, A.M.C.Z. Deputy Clerk CC: Planning. is ~j ~~ ,.& ~~ Z .. ~ ~_ __~ _ ~~'~ ~___ _. yaw 7~ ~ 9 Ontario ts'~~ 'k. ',~«~ ~ r1~ t.,,, Office of the ~~~~~~ ~ ~~~ ~ ~~"~~ Ministry Ministe~e ~.Y Minister 777 Bay Street Of CIU ,.~~~~ )~)~7 ~~ _. Toronto, Ontario Bureau du HOUSln9 Logem nt ~ s} r~ M5G 2E5 ~e . .~~;~~ 416/585-7111 Ministre;i~; ~ °~ ,y? : ~;3 r~ v '~,, 1 de~., .~4- ii h f'IT 1 i~t.~i,ii11i11!(~ ~~~,~~F ~l~t ~da-1~__~ JuN ~.© ~a7 June 30, 1987 CLE%r, u'~PARTMENT Dear Head of Council: Re: Initiatives for Disabled Persons The Government of Ontario, in keeping with the spirit of the United Nations International Decade of the Disabled, is determined to increase opportunities for our disabled citizens to live independently in the community. A series of initiatives aimed at increasing options for disabled persons were announced by the Minister Responsible for Disabled Persons, the Honourable Tony Ruprecht. He outlined a three-year plan that includes increased financial support for modifications to both ownership and rental housing, enhanced support services in the community, and the development of a strategy for the longer term. The Ministry of Housing, building on the success of existing programs, and in consultation with municipal representatives gathered by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), has developed several initiatives to assist in increasing housing options for disabled individuals. These initiatives are now in place and ready to go. Of direct interest to municipalities is the enrichment to the Low-Rise Rehabilitation Program (LRRP) and the newly created Ontario Home Renewal Program for Disabled Persons. One million dollars has been allocated to the Low Rise Rehabilitation Program disabled component which will enable landlords to modify existing private rental units for disabled persons, through the provision of a $5,000 forgivable loan per unit. More than three million dollars has been allocated to the Ontario Home Renewal Program for Disabled Persons to help homeowners make basic modifications to their homes. /2 - 2 - I would be most grateful if you would discuss these initiatives with your colleagues on Council with a view towards participation in each of these programs. If your municipality chooses to act as the delivery agent for the Ontario Home Renewal Program for Disabled Persons, you will need to enter into an operating agreement with my ministry. Due to the relatively limited funds available for the Ontario Home Renewal Program for Disabled Persons, it is imperative that municipalities wishing to offer the program, proceed with the operating agreement as the first step toward making the program available. Your Regional Housing Programs Office will be sending you an operating agreement for your approval and authorization together with the program guidelines. I also encourage those delivery agents for municipalities that are not currently participating in the Low Rise Rehabilitation Program (LRRP) to contact their Regional Housing Programs Office and undertake the necessary steps to enable them to offer LRRP plus the enrichment to the disabled component of the program. For those municipalities that are presently participating in LRRP, I hope that they will promote the enrichment of LRRP's disabled program component in their communities . In developing our initiatives, I was encouraged by the supportive response the Association of Municipalities of Ontario gave to us. I look forward to you joining us in our efforts to make decent, affordable and physically suitable housing available to every Ontarian. Attached are copies of my news release and program outlines for your information. /3 ~Cj~ - 3 - As you know, your participation is invaluable to the Ministry in the delivery of these programs, and your co- operation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sin erely, ~%`" Alvi Curl' Mi 'ster nc~6sure c.c. Municipal Clerk ~~~~rz~3i.~ l°l~~I is CLr~(-- -~-~!--------------------- ,. ~ , :,, i -.. ._ .. ~...__ . -- - .... _ FI L ~ _:~:,~~~~:~~. ,. n y r~ ~ ~~~! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ { ~ ~ ~ r c~ ,~ ~ t ~~ i:' l.. The Low-Rise Rehabilitation Program offers landlords forgivable loans of up to $5,000 per unit to help them upgrade some 17,000 older low-rise apartments over the next three years. The apartments must be in buildings of less than five storeys and must have been built prior to 1960, There must also be at least two rental units in the building. Background About 30 per cent of Ontario's rental housing is in low-rise apartment buildings, duplexes and triplexes. At least 3 out of every 5 of these units is more than 25 years old. Many of these buildings are now in need of upgrading of essential services such as plumbing, wiring, and heating. Major studies have demonstrated the need to retain this supply of housing so it may continue to provide affordable rental housing for low and moderate-income tenants. Objectives The program's objectives are to: • Improve the physical condition of low rise rental housing while retaining its market suitability for low and moderate-income tenants. • Prevent the deterioration of low-rise buildings and extend their useful life by 15 years. • Rehabilitate 17,000 rental units by 1990. Eligibility Municipal; Municipalities that meet the following criteria may submit proposals to the ministry to enter into operating agreements for this program: • A property maintenance and occupancy standards bylaw in force. • Relevant experience in housing rehabilitation programs. Landlord: The buildings must be less than five storeys, contain two or more rental apartments and have been built before 1960. • Only essential repairs required to bring the bui-ding up to minimum standards, set out in the bylaw, will be eligible. • The total value of the forgivable loan and other loans with higher priority cannot exceed 90 per cent of the value of the property after repairs. • The landlord must demonstrate a willingness to minimize disruptions to the tenants during the rehabilitation work. • Landlords with buildings of ten or more units may be asked to offer ten per cent of the units to the Rent Supplement Program, under which low-income tenants pay rent based strictly on household income, rather than the size or type of accommodation provided. Loan Assistance • A forgivable loan of up to two-thirds the cost of rehabilitating the unit, with a loan maximum of $5,000 per unit. • The loan will be secured by either a first, second or third mortgage held by Ontario Mortgage Corporation. • No repayments for the first five years of the loan. • After the first five years, forgiveness will be earned at the rate of ten per cent per year, subject to the following: - the units remain as rental - the property is retained by the borrower - involvement of landlord in management and technical training development programs, if requested by the ministry - involvement of landlord in program evaluation and promotional work, if asked by the ministry - demonstrated effort to prevent tenant disruption during rehabilitation process Modifications For Disabled Persons Recognizing the importance of disabled persons' independence within the community, the Low-Rise Rehabilitation Program has been enriched to include modifications that create accessibility for disabled tenants. A forgivable loan of up to $5,000 for each unit modified is available to landlords. No landlord contribution for this loan is required. Landlords may receive the disabled loan component in addition to the upgrade assistance if a building requires essential repairs. However, if a building is not substandard, landlords may still apply for assistance to undertake modifications for disabled persons. (Over) Ministry of Housing Ontario Hon. Alvin Curling Minister Ontario Home Renewal Program for Disabled Persons The availability of accessible accommodation is essential for disabled persons to lead full and independent lives. There are more than one million disabled adults and children in Ontario, many of whom have special housing needs. The Ministry of Housing, through the Ontario Home Renewal Program for Disabled Persons, will assist with the costs in undertaking modifications that make homes more accessible inside and out. The program offers homeowners interest-free loans equal to the value of the work undertaken, up to $15,000, to make housing modifications that increase accessibility for a disabled occupant. The program will be delivered either by municipal governments on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, or by the Ministry Regional Housing Program Offices (RHPO). Eligibility Loans will be granted to disabled homeowners or homeowners who have disabled dependents or family members living with them. Homeowners may apply for assistance regardless of their income. Assistance will be in the form of an interest-free loan equal to the value of the work performed, including any professional fees incurred (eg. for an architect, designer or occupational therapist), up to $15,000, All or a portion of the loan may be forgiven, dependent on income. Homeowners may apply for assistance under the Ontario Home Renewal Program for Disabled Persons without having to apply or be eligible for the conventional Ontario Home Renewal Program. Homes must be brought up to minimum property standards before the owner can apply for the Ontario Home Renewal Program for Disabled Persons. The conventional Ontario Home Renewal Program may be accessed to undertake the necessary repairs if the homeowner is eligible. Eligible Modifications Eligible modifications include: ~~ • Any change that will make a home more accessible and usable for a disabled occupant. This includes additions, providing the work does not result in the creation of aself-contained unit. • Mobility aids which are permanent, non-portable fixtures attached to the house, for example wheelchair ramps and stair glides. • Modifications that are directly related to the disabled occupant's disability. Note: Modifications undertaken prior to approval of the application will not be eligible. Loan Details • Loans will be granted immediately after satisfactory completion of the work. • Repayment of the payable portion of the loan begins no less than 30 days after completion of the work and will be paid in equal monthly installments for a period of up to 15 years of continued ownership and occupancy. • The forgivable portion of the loan is written off at a rate of twenty (20) per cent per year as long as there is continued ownership and occupancy. • If the house is sold or leased before the loan is repaid, applicants must pay the outstanding portion of the loan, both the forgivable and repayable portions, immediately. • In the event of the applicant's death, the widow, widower or the original disabled occupant (or his/her guardian) may continue to make repayment and earn forgiveness as long as he/she continues living in the dwelling unit. • Both the forgivable and repayable portions of the loan will be secured by a promissory note. ~, ~~~ N ~ w r I s e s e e ~:_, Ontano ~ MlnlStry International Yearol _ Qf Shelter for the Homeless I L `' ~ Housing ~~_i~ E 'ZL r Release: June 26, 1987 ;aa~ Annee internalionale du ' logemenl des sans~abn ~ Refer to: Rob Dowler '` (416) 585-6503 f ~5 Million Boost in Housing Aid for Disabled Persons I. ~ € Housing minister Alvin Curling today announced details of ;,:€~ increased provincial funding to assist in renovating homes and '~;~ rental units for disabled persons. r E~`~ More than $5 million has been set aside to increase housing I [~! options for disabled persons over a two-year period. Funds are `! being channelled through the Ontario Home Renewal Program for i' Disabled Persons, the Convert-to-Rent Program and the Low-Rise ;t '~" y Rehabilitation Program. 1 '' ~ r> "These measures reflect our commitment to make suitable, affordable accommodation available for disabled persons," Housing I" Minister Alvin Curling said. "We are sensitive to the needs of our disabled citizens and recognize housing options must be 1 available t~ enable disabled persons to live independently in the ~ community." (more) ~~~ -z- Enrichments to the three programs include: 0 0 Forgivable loans of up to $15,000 under the Ontario Home Renewal Program for Disabled Persons. Loans are available to disabled homeowners, or homeowners with disabled family members living with them, for modifications that make a home more accessible or suitable for a disabled occupant. The range of eligible modifications include wheelchair ramps, permanent stair glides, and other structural changes, such as widening doorways. There are no income restrictions for applicants. Interest-free loans of up to $5,000 through the Convert-to- Rent Program. Loans are available to landlords who are making new rental units accessible for disabled occupants. The units can be located in a single-family home or in a non-residential property that is being converted to rental accommodation. This special financial assistance is in addition to a $7,000 per unit loan available through the Convert-to-Rent program when new rental units are created. (more) ~~~ - 3 - o Forgivable loans of up to $5,000 for landlords of older low- rise buildings under the Low-Rise Rehabilitation Program. Landlords who are upgrading low-rise apartments built before 1960 may qualify for a forgivable loan of up to $5,000 to make their rental units more livable for disabled persons. This amount is in addition to a forgivable loan of up to two-thirds of the cost of upgrading a unit to municipal building standards, to a maximum of $5,000. Program enrichments announced by Mr. Curling are part of an interministerial effort unveiled by Minister Responsible for Disabled Persons Tony Ruprecht last January. In addition to housing initiatives, Mr. Ruprecht's plan calls for enhanced support services for disabled persons in the community through the Ministry of Community and Social Services and development of a strategy for the longer term. Persons interested in program details should contact their nearest Ministry of Housing regional housing programs office in Toronto, Ottawa, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Hamilton, or call the Ministry of Housing, Rob Dowler, (416) 585-6503. - 30 -