Kingston Frontenac Renovates

Government programs come and go over time, but the Kingston Frontenac Renovates program has been in place, in a couple of forms, for multiple decades.

It is a targeted program that serves a specific population and set of needs, and it is simple to use.

Homeowners in Frontenac County with a limited income can find it difficult to cover major repairs or necessary upgrades, are able to access forgivable loans of up to $15,000 from the program. The program can be accessed to replace a leaky roof, an old furnace, a septic system, drill a new well, repair plumbing or electrical systems, among other necessary repairs.

John Henderson, who administers the program, which is offered by the City of Kingston for its own residents and residents of Frontenac County, said that the program is particularly helpful for Frontenac County residents.

“The program is not for everyone, of course. The home needs to be assessed at less that $350,000 by MPAC, and the homeowners need to have a maximum income of $60,000 per year for two people, $70,000 or less for a family of three or four, and $80,000 or less for 5 or more, but those who are eligible can get help keeping their home livable for them and their family, and this also helps with the housing crisis by keeping the housing stock viable,” he said.

Qualified applicants can access the program up to two times, and they pay off the loan month by month, by living in the home.

For families in need of a new heating system, the program can be paired with federal grants for conversion to a heat pump system.

For further information on eligibility and how to apply, go to CityofKingston.ca/AffordableHousing or call 613-546-2695 ext. 4836. ■