RHRP -Renaissance Housing Rehabilitation Program offers financial assistance to property owners in the Renaissance targeted areas. The program is aimed at improving the existing housing inventory. All budgets for the RHRP are subject to City Council approval.

Eligibility

• Building must be located in the designated areas from First Street, south to the waterfront, between and including Adolphus and St. Felix Streets, particularly in the Lorneville south area.
• There cannot be any back taxes or outstanding issues related to finance on the property.
• A lien will be registered on the mortgage as far back as third on title.
• Should provide a Building Location Survey or detailed sketch.
• The Program will be divided such that a portion will be designated for rental units and a portion for owner-occupied.

• A maximum of $10,000.00 for grant monies with a potential of at least $20,000.00 worth of work to be done.
• The $10,000.00 of grant monies will be secured through a forgivable mortgage. A lien is registered on title for 5 years. The first 3 years no forgiveness is earned, however, year 4 and year 5 forgiveness is earned at 50% per year.
• Should the property be sold before the 3 year period, the money will be repaid.

• Proof of income will be requested by administration, should the income be below the Core Net Income as set by Canada Mortgage and Housing (C.M.H.C.).
• These incomes as set see a family of one bedroom (being one married couple) to have yearly income of $18,000.00 (from C.M.H.C. for a one bedroom). We could up this to $25,000.00.
• The applicant is eligible for up to $4,000.00 dollars in forgivable funds. These funds will be especially targeted to upgrading the exteriors of the single family dwellings.
• These funds are also matching funds.
• The $4,000.00 of grant monies will be secured through a forgivable mortgage. A lien is registered on title for 5 years. The first 3 years no forgiveness is earned, however, year 4 and year 5 forgiveness is earned at 50% per year.

• Application is completed and returned to the Office.
• An inspection is arranged with the Property Standards Inspector.
• For both owner-occupied and rental units, at least 25% of the amount of funds should be dedicated to outside upgrades.
• The work is decided upon and a list is typed out and returned to the applicant.
• The applicant shall obtain at least two (2) written estimates for the cost of the project.
• If sweat equity is involved, then the Program shall only cover half of the material cost and if the work is major, the Department may require an estimate from a contractor.
• Part 2 of the application involves signatures from the applicant and the contractor.
• When approval is given from the Committee representing City Departments, the owner signs the commitment letter and returns it to the Planning Department.
• The owner then calls the contractor and the work commences.
• All necessary Building Permits are obtained including Fire Code, and work order and Ontario Hydro.
• If this is a rental property, your half of the money is due directly to the contractor.
• A final inspection must be conducted prior to the final advance of funds.

• All repairs should be conducted in conjunction with the philosophical review of Dr. Avi Friedman, any obvious divergence from this will need to be sanctioned by the Committee.
• The applicant assumes all responsibility for the liability of themselves while the contractor assumes their liability. The applicant should ensure that the contractor has liability insurance.
• Sweat equity is permitted in this Program.
• Any Property Standard issues relating to health and Safety MUST be addressed.
• All cheques will be made co-payable to the homeowner and the contractor.
• The City is not financially responsible to the contractor, the homeowner and contractor must enter into an agreement.

Click here to download the RHRP Application form in PDF format.

For further criteria information contact Groupe Renaissance Group Community Association Communautaire, the City of Cornwall or Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

City of Cornwall Planning and Housing
340 Pitt Street 3rd. Floor
PO Box 877
Cornwall ON K6H 5T9
www.city.cornwall.on.ca

Mary C. Joyce-Smith
Planner/Urbaniste
Tel: (613) 930.2787 ext. 2335
Fax: (613) 932.3236
planning@city.cornwall.on.ca

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program Homeowners
CMHC Ottawa Office
PO Box 9606
Stn T
Aviation Parkway
Ottawa, ON
K1G 6B5
Phone: (613) 748-2000
TTY: 1 (800) 309-3388
Fax: (613) 748-5130
       1.800.668.2642
www.cmhc.ca