Housing

Ontario is taking a significant step to make buying a new home more affordable and to encourage more housing construction. The province’s 2026 Budget includes a proposal to temporarily expand the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) rebate on new homes. This move could save eligible buyers up to $130,000 and stimulate the housing market during a time of economic uncertainty. What the HST Rebate Expansion Means for Homebuyers Starting April 1, 2026, and lasting for one year, Ontario pla

Facing a utility shutoff can be overwhelming. Ontario’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) provides one-time emergency financial help to pay overdue electricity or natural gas bills and prevent disconnection, offering critical relief when households are at risk of losing essential energy services.

Struggling with high hydro bills in Ontario? The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) provides monthly credits directly on your electricity bill to help lower costs for low-income households, seniors, and people with disabilities or medical electricity needs.

Natural disasters can bring sudden, costly damage. Ontario’s Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program helps homeowners, tenants, small businesses, farms, and non-profits recover essential costs after approved disasters when insurance coverage is not enough.

Disasters like flooding can cause major losses when insurance isn’t enough. BC’s Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program helps individuals, businesses, farms, and non-profits recover essential, uninsurable costs after eligible disasters, covering up to 80% of approved expenses.

Unexpected emergencies can strain finances fast. BC’s Crisis Supplement provides a one-time emergency payment for people on income, disability, or hardship assistance to cover urgent needs like rent, utilities, food, or medication when no other cash resources are available.

Natural disasters can leave Albertans facing major costs when insurance isn’t enough. Alberta’s Hazard Assistance and Resilience Program (HARP) provides last-resort financial help for uninsured losses after approved natural hazard events, supporting recovery for individuals and communities.

Unexpected emergencies can quickly strain your finances. Alberta’s Emergency Needs Allowance offers short-term, one-time financial help for urgent essentials like food, shelter, transportation, and medication, helping eligible Albertans manage sudden crises when income or benefits aren’t enough.

Natural disasters can cause sudden, costly damage. Québec’s General Financial Assistance Program Regarding Disasters helps homeowners and tenants recover when their primary residence is damaged by eligible disasters not covered by insurance, offering last-resort financial support for repairs and losses.

Finding affordable housing is tough when rent or mortgage costs take up most of your income. Québec’s Shelter Allowance Program offers up to $170 per month to eligible low-income households, helping homeowners, tenants, and boarders reduce housing costs and better manage their monthly budget.

Heating costs can significantly affect how much shelter support you receive on ODSP. This article explains how heating expenses are calculated, when actual costs are covered, and how they’re included in the shelter allowance—helping recipients understand and maximize their benefit during Ontario’s cold months.

The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) helps low-income households manage rising energy costs by providing monthly credits on electricity bills. Credits range from \$45 to \$75, with higher amounts for electric heating or medical device use. With expanded eligibility in 2024, more families now qualify, ensuring vital financial relief and energy affordability across Ontario.

The Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) offers emergency financial aid to Ontario households struggling with overdue electricity or natural gas bills. Eligible families can receive up to \$650 in grants, or \$780 for electrically heated homes, paid directly to utility providers. By preventing disconnection, LEAP ensures low-income households can maintain essential energy services.

In Waterloo Region, housing support programs help individuals and families at risk of homelessness find stability. Options include supportive housing with onsite staff offering social, recreational, and independent living support, and portable home-based support for private renters lasting 3–18 months. Applications begin at Lutherwood Housing Resource Centres through the PATHS waitlist.

The Salvation Army Centre of Hope in London operates the Housing Stability Bank, a vital program helping low-income residents prevent homelessness. It provides interest-free loans for overdue rent and last or first month’s rent, along with grants or loans for utility arrears. By offering financial support and stability, the Centre empowers families to maintain safe and secure housing.

The Rent Secure Program in Hamilton provides a temporary, portable rental benefit for up to two years, helping low-income households and those at risk of homelessness cover housing costs. Unlike traditional subsidies, it moves with you if you relocate, offering flexibility and stability. By bridging the gap between income and rent, it supports vulnerable residents while they transition to long-term housing solutions.

The Housing Allowance Program in Hamilton offers time-limited monthly subsidies to low-income households renting in the private market. Providing support for up to eight years, the program helps cover rising housing costs with subsidies ranging from \$350 to \$550 based on household size. It ensures stability for residents while they work toward long-term affordable housing solutions.

The Housing Emergency Fund (HEF) in Hamilton provides critical financial aid to OW and ODSP recipients, as well as low-income households, to prevent homelessness. Support includes help with last month’s rent, overdue rent, and utility arrears, with up to \$3,000 for singles and \$7,000 for families over 24 months, ensuring vulnerable residents can maintain safe and stable housing.

The Region of Peel offers vital housing subsidies to support low- and moderate-income residents in Mississauga and Brampton. Options include Community Housing (Rent-Geared-to-Income), Private Rental Subsidies, and Portable Benefits that move with you. These programs help families secure affordable housing and maintain stability, reducing the risk of homelessness.

The Below Market Rent (BMR) Program in Ottawa provides affordable housing by offering rental units at up to 80% of average market rent, easing the burden for low- and moderate-income households. Managed through the Social Housing Registry, the program helps families secure stable homes while paying reduced rent directly to landlords, creating greater housing stability in the city.