Subsidy for universal access to businesses
At a glance
- 90% of project cost
- Open Date : April 22, 2024
- Closing date : December 31, 2024
- Utilities
- Construction
- Real estate and rental and leasing
- Accommodation and food services
- City of Montreal
Overview
Eligibility criteria
- Be an owner or tenant of a building used for commercial activities in the Montréal agglomeration.
- Plan to carry out work intended to make access to the building compliant with the barrier-free design standards set out in the Code or the regulations applicable at the time of application for the subsidy.
- Obtain confirmation from an authorized professional stating that the building for which the application is submitted met the barrier-free construction standards set out in the Code and applicable regulations.
Who is eligible
Eligible types of companies for this grant:
- Owners and tenants of buildings used for commercial activities in the Montréal agglomeration.
Eligible expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant:
- Replacement of a door providing access to the building from the street and the commercial space.
- Installation of an electric door opener providing access to the building from the street and the commercial space.
- Installation of a beveled plan.
- Installation of a ramp or lift platform.
- Work to improve indoor circulation, such as leveling the floors, widening the door and change rooms, installing an elevator and lift platform.
- Work that facilitates access to dedicated washrooms for clients with limited mobility.
- Replacement of toilets.
- The subsidy also covers professional services provided by architects, engineers, and technologists if required.
Eligible projects & activities
There are eligible projects for this grant. Retailers can receive financial assistance for various alterations to their buildings to improve accessibility for clients with limited mobility. Eligible projects include:
- Replacement of doors providing access to the building
- Installation of electric door openers
- Installation of ramps or lift platforms
- Work to improve indoor circulation
- Upgrades to dedicated washrooms for clients with limited mobility
- Professional services provided by architects, engineers, and technologists
Eligible geographic areas
There are eligible geographic areas for this grant. The subsidy is available to owners or tenants of buildings used for commercial activities in the Montréal agglomeration.
- Montréal agglomeration
Evaluation & selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Applicants must be owners or tenants of buildings used for commercial activities in the Montréal agglomeration.
- The work planned should aim to make the building compliant with the barrier-free design standards.
How to apply
Step 1:
- Complete the application form with all required details.
- Ensure the building meets the barrier-free design standards.
- Obtain confirmation from an authorized professional about the building's compliance.
Step 2:
- Submit all necessary documents by email to the provided address.
- Include the completed application form, signed documents, and itemized estimates.
- For tenants, also provide the lease and owner's consent form.
Step 3:
- Obtain permits to perform the eligible work.
- Hire a licensed contractor to complete the work within 12 months of eligibility confirmation.
Step 4:
- After completing the work, provide certification from an authorized professional confirming compliance.
- Submit invoices, proof of payment, permits, and photographs of the completed work.
Step 5:
- Upon successful verification, receive the subsidy payment in full either by cheque or electronic transfer.
Retail Business Accessibility Program Overview
The Retail Business Accessibility Program (PAAC) is a grant initiative in Montréal, Quebec, designed to assist retailers in improving access to their buildings for clients with limited mobility. The program offers financial subsidies of up to 90% of the eligible work costs, with a maximum subsidy of $15,000, to owners and tenants of commercial buildings for making necessary accessibility enhancements.
Eligibility and Application Process
The PAAC grant is available to owners or tenants of commercial buildings within the Montréal agglomeration who plan to undertake modifications to comply with barrier-free design standards. Eligible expenses covered include door replacements, installation of accessibility features like ramps and lifts, and improvements to indoor circulation. To apply, applicants must submit required documents by December 31, 2024, along with a confirmation from an authorized professional and detailed cost estimates.
Upon approval, successful applicants must obtain permits, ensure work is completed by licensed contractors, and finish the improvements within 12 months. Once the work is done, a signed certification by a professional, along with invoices, proof of payment, permit copies, and photographs, must be submitted for subsidy payment. The grant covers a single full installment, either by cheque or electronic payment.