Home renovation program invests in Islanders
Supporting Island Families -
Hundreds of Island households are making home renovations with grants from the provincial government.
The PEI Home Renovation Program will fund renovations for 250 Island households this year. Since the program began in 2013, over 580 households – or more than 900 Islanders – have benefitted from the program, with $4.7 million being directly invested in the economy by supporting local contractors.
“I live in a good community with good neighbours and want to there stay there for as long as possible. The program has helped with the cost of much needed renovations, so I’m able to do just that” says Brackley resident John McLeod. “This program is much needed as it is one of the ways government helps low income families on the Island”.
In the coming weeks applicants will receive letters to notify them of the status of their applications.
“The Department of Family and Human Services is pleased offer these valuable grant programs to help low-income Islanders make necessary repairs or renovations to their homes so they can stay in their communities” Family and Human Services Minister Tina Mundy said. “Our government is committed to providing social programs that not only help those most in need, but also strengthen communities across the province and stimulate the economy.”
The home renovation program helps Islanders with the cost of major structural renovations to their homes. Recipients can receive up to a maximum $6,000 for eligible renovations to the structure, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems or to improve the safety of their homes; an additional $8,000 is available for persons with disabilities to improve accessibility in their homes. In 2016, funding was increased by $400,000 to all three of the department’s renovation and repair programs.
Minister Mundy said that while progress is being made to reach more Islanders, there is always more that can be done.
“It is clear by the number of applications that Islanders have the desire to remain in their communities and in the comfort of their own home,” she said. “Our department remains committed to ensure that the principles of efficiency, fairness, and cost effectives remain top priorities as we continue to support as many Islanders as possible.
“Through fiscal stewardship and a balanced 2017-18 operating budget, our government is able make investments for Islanders like the home repair programs.”
Backgrounder
The province offers three different home renovation, modification, and repair programs.
The Prince Edward Island Home Renovation Program (PEIHRP) has two components, one of which is available to all Islanders who meet the qualifications and the second, specifically for individuals who require renovations to their homes to accommodate a disability.
There are also two programs that support Island seniors, the Seniors Home Repair Program, and the Seniors Safe @ Home Program. These two programs are available to low and modest income homeowners age 60 and over to help improve their homes and maintain their independence.
Applications are still being accepted for the Seniors Home Repair Program and the Seniors Safe @ Home Program. For applications or more information, visit PEI Seniors or one of the Access PEI Locations across the province.
Media contact:
Lucas MacArthur
Communications Assistant
902-393-7403