Petits établissements accessibles
QC, Canada
Enhances accessibility of small establishments for disabled persons
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2026
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Retail trade
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Quebec Housing Society (SHQ)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Petits établissements accessibles (PEA) program in Quebec provides up to $30,000 in funding to improve accessibility for people with disabilities or reduced mobility by supporting permanent, cost-effective renovations in small commercial, business, and meeting establishments. Eligible activities include improving building access, creating unobstructed pathways indoors, and enhancing bathroom accessibility.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The grant program offers comprehensive financial support to enhance accessibility in small establishments. It provides a substantial coverage of eligible costs to ease the financial burden on applicants.
- The financial aid covers 90% of the total recognized costs, up to a maximum of $30,000 per eligible building or part of a building.
- Applicants must provide a minimum of two detailed quotes from contractors with appropriate RBQ licenses.
- Eligible costs include the lowest contractor bid, professional fees for required plans and specifications, municipal permits, and applicable taxes.
- Financial aid is conditional upon the availability of funds allocated to the program.
- A portion of the financial aid may be disbursed before the completion of all works if the project extends over a long period or is interrupted; such payments must align with project progress and should not exceed 40% of the total aid.
- Repayment of the aid is required if false declarations are made or program conditions are not met.
grant_single_labels|projects
This program offers financial support for renovations and improvements to enhance accessibility for small establishments not legally required to comply with the building accessibility standards. The focus is on reducing architectural barriers and improving access for individuals with disabilities or reduced mobility.
- Ensuring accessible entry to the establishment by making necessary alterations to allow unhindered access for individuals with disabilities.
- Improving circulation within the building to provide an unobstructed path to services and restrooms for clients with disabilities.
- Modifying restroom facilities to accommodate use by individuals with disabilities or reduced mobility.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 30,000
Improving entrance and bathrooms for coffee shop accessibility
$ 30,000
Renovating community center to improve entrance and restroom access
$ 28,000
Upgrading retail store for improved indoor accessibility
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for obtaining a grant under the "Petits établissements accessibles" program are specified for both individuals and buildings.
- Eligible applicants must be either owners or tenants of a building or part of a building used for commercial or community activities or providing services to the public.
- The eligibility of tenants is conditional on obtaining consent from the property owner to carry out the work.
- Ineligible applicants include those listed in the Register of Ineligible Enterprises for Public Contracts (RENA) and those who have failed to meet obligations related to previous financial aid from the Société within two years before applying.
- Eligible buildings include business establishments with no more than two floors offering on-site services, commercial establishments with no more than 300 square meters of total floor area, and meeting establishments with specific size or capacity criteria.
- Ineligible buildings are those owned or leased by government departments, crown corporations, or municipal entities, those eligible for other accessibility programs, under legal dispute regarding ownership, or that have already benefited from this program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the 'Programme Petits Établissements Accessibles' include individuals who are either owners or tenants of small establishments in Quebec engaging in commercial, business, or community activities. The tenant's eligibility depends on the property owner's consent to the modifications. However, individuals listed on the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA) or those who have previously breached financial assistance agreements within the last two years are not eligible to apply.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Certain businesses and entities are excluded from applying for this grant based on their ownership, previous grant interactions, or specific conditions associated with their buildings. These restrictions are put in place to target the funding toward eligible entities committed to accessibility improvements.
- Businesses listed on the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts (RENA).
- Applicants who have previously defaulted on obligations related to prior financial assistance from the Société d'habitation du Québec.
- Buildings owned or rented by ministries, Quebec and Canada government agencies, state-owned enterprises, or municipal entities.
- Structures already benefiting from the Ministry of Tourism's accessibility program.
- Buildings subject to ownership title disputes or expropriation processes.
- Properties under construction or planned future construction.
- Establishments located in vulnerable natural zones, such as high-flow flood zones, unless adequately protected against such risks.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to making small establishments more accessible for individuals with disabilities and mobility issues.
- The recognized cost of eligible permanent accessibility-related construction work, including materials, labor, and administration fees, if they meet accessibility requirements.
- Professional fees for plans and blueprints mandated by law or regulation, as long as these are linked to eligible projects and if the projects are executed.
- The cost of municipal permits required for the execution of eligible work.
- Applicable taxes, considering any tax rebates the applicant can claim must be deducted from eligible costs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The Petits établissements accessibles program is available to businesses located in specific regions within Quebec. The eligible locations are determined to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities.
- All regions within Quebec, excluding areas within Indian reserves.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the grant:
- Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Ensure that the applicant is either a building owner or a tenant with the owner’s consent, involved in commercial or community services, operating within the Quebec territory outside Indian reserves.
- Confirm that the building is eligible based on size, type, and current accessibility requirements.
- Identify the proposed works and confirm they are permissible under the program.
- Step 2: Prepare Application
- Complete the prescribed application form available from the Société.
- Gather necessary supporting documents, which may include tax statements, prior photos, technical specifications, and contractor bids.
- Secure at least two detailed bids from licensed contractors, ensuring all contractors possess the correct licensing as per RBQ guidelines.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Submit the completed form along with all supporting documentation to the Société d'habitation du Québec.
- Be prepared to provide additional information or documentation upon request by the Société.
- Step 4: Application Review and Certificate Issuance
- The Société reviews submissions to issue a certificate of admissibility upon approval.
- Approval includes confirmation of maximum eligible financial assistance.
- Step 5: Commence Works
- Begin eligible works only after receiving the certificate of admissibility.
- Ensure compliance with accessibility requirements and adherence to approved plans.
- Step 6: Finalize and Claim Funds
- Upon project completion, submit documentation confirming adherence to project scope and completion to the Société.
- Receive funds once the Société verifies project completion and compliance.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The total grant amount cannot exceed 90% of the recognized total costs of the project.
- Projects must be completed within 12 months from the issuance of the eligibility certificate, or the funding could be revoked.
- The financial aid is dispersed at the end of the project, but partial disbursements up to 40% can be made if the project is lengthy or interrupted.
- A detailed evaluation process, including verification of the project's completion against the approved plans and specifications, will precede the grant payment.
- Applicants must provide at least two detailed quotes from licensed contractors for their projects.
- The program is not applicable to buildings on reserve lands.
- The Société may involve partners like municipalities for program administration and can provide up to 14% of the budget to partners for program management.
- An obligatory final report evaluating the program's efficacy will be presented to the Secrétariat du Conseil du trésor by September 2025.
Apply to this program
Improving Accessibility for Small Establishments in Quebec
This grant program aims to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities or reduced mobility, specifically targeting small commercial, business, and meeting establishments. It provides financial support to owners or tenants looking to make their premises more accessible, aligning with government priorities for social participation and sustainable development.
Details of the Programme Petits Établissements Accessibles
The Programme Petits Établissements Accessibles is an initiative designed to address current accessibility shortcomings within certain small establishments exempted from statutory obligations under the Quebec Construction Code. These establishments often pose architectural barriers, limiting the accessibility for people with disabilities. The program seeks to rectify this by providing financial assistance to both building owners and tenants who choose to undertake renovations and improvements for better accessibility.
The key objective of the program is to make commercial, business, and meeting places more accessible to individuals with disabilities and those with reduced mobility. This is achieved by subsidizing the costs associated with accessibility modifications such as enhancing entry access, creating obstacle-free pathways within buildings, and upgrading restroom facilities to accommodate all users. By offering to cover up to 90% of renovation costs, capped at $30,000 per building, the program significantly eases the financial burden of these improvements. This not only helps in compliance with accessibility standards but also increases the inclusivity of public spaces.
The program's eligibility criteria ensure that the financial support is targeted effectively. It excludes buildings owned by governmental bodies, those already part of a separate accessibility program, and buildings currently under construction or in flood zones unless special conditions are met. Furthermore, the program encourages participation from small businesses and community centers that serve the public directly from their premises, fostering a community-oriented approach toward enhanced accessibility.
From an administrative perspective, the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ) spearheads this program in collaboration with municipal partners. This partnership allows for efficient management and distribution of funds, ensuring that the maximum number of eligible participants can benefit from the program. The SHQ holds the authority to evaluate applications, issue certificates of eligibility, and disburse funds in accordance with completed and compliant renovations.
Tracking the impact and success of the program is vital, and in this vein, a comprehensive report will be prepared for the Secrétariat du Conseil du trésor by September 2025. This report will offer insights into the effectiveness of the program, highlighting achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement, thus maintaining accountability and facilitating the continuous enhancement of the program's outreach and impact.
The Programme Petits Établissements Accessibles stands as a crucial financial aid initiative supporting social integration and public accessibility improvements in Quebec. By bridging the gap between legislative requirements and actual structural adaptations, it promotes inclusivity, diversity, and community well-being, ultimately leading to enhanced socioeconomic participation for people with disabilities. Businesses involved in these spaces are not only empowered to improve their accessibility but also to contribute positively to a supportive and accommodating community landscape.
