Did you know, that if you are a homeowner and you need to modify your residence due to a disability, a forgivable loan of up to $16,000 is available? Did you also know that a landlord could apply for a loan of up to $24,000 to make modifications to units occupied or intended to be occupied by persons with disabilities? Landlords can apply for a loan directly to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation that is a federally administered program in Mississauga.

The City of Mississauga Bylaw Enforcement Section administers Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) programs called RRAP-Disabilities (Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities) and RRAP (Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program). Annually, we receive approximately 25 to 30 applications for the RRAP programs.

Both programs are designed to assist low-income homeowners to modify their homes to ensure that they are living in a safe and healthy environment. To be eligible for the RRAP-Disabilities (RRAP-D) program the homeowner or renter must be a person with a disability as defined by the World Health Organizations' definition of a disability....any restriction or lack (resulting from an impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being.

Some examples of RRAP-D home modifications that may meet the criteria are improvements such as lifts, hand rails, and other safety equipment that raise the quality of life for people with disabilities.

For further information to see if you can benefit from either RRAP-D or RRAP please contact: Michael Foley (East of Hurontario St.) 905-615-3200 ext. 5648 michael.foley@mississauga.ca or Pam Skorulski (West of Hurontario St.) 905-615-3200 ext. 5674 pam.skorulski@mississauga.ca

or go to http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/bylawenforcement