Petits établissements accessibles
QC, Canada
Financial aid for improving accessibility in small establishments
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Quebec Housing Society (SHQ)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Petits établissements accessibles (PEA) program aims to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities or reduced mobility in small establishments not legally required to adhere to accessibility codes. Through this program, financial assistance is provided to owners and tenants of eligible commercial, business, or meeting venues for carrying out construction work that meets the accessibility requirements of the construction code. Eligible activities include the installation of access ramps, unobstructed pathways to services, and modifications to restroom facilities to accommodate accessibility.
grant_single_labels|projects
The program "Petits établissements accessibles" offers financial assistance to proprietors and tenants of small commercial, business, or assembly buildings to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities or reduced mobility. Eligible projects include permanent modifications to meet accessibility standards, such as installations and redesigns.
- Installation of ramps or accessible thresholds.
- Creation of designated parking spaces for individuals with reduced mobility.
- Uniform leveling of floors to simplify access.
- Widening of doors and installing automatic door openers.
- Remodeling restroom facilities for adequate maneuvering space and adding technical aids such as grab bars.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's status and the nature of their building or premises.
- The applicant must be a physical or legal person who is the owner or tenant of a building or part of a building used for commercial, business, or meeting activities.
- The applicant must not be listed on the "Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics" (Register of companies not eligible for public contracts).
- The building must fit into one of the designated categories, such as a business establishment offering onsite services, a commercial establishment with a floor area of 300 m² or less, or a meeting establishment with specific size and accessibility constraints.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The grant is designed for individuals or entities owning or renting commercial, business, or meeting buildings that are not legally obligated to meet accessibility requirements in Quebec. Specifically:
- Owners or tenants of buildings used for business services accessible to the public and located in buildings of two stories or less.
- Commercial establishments with a total floor area of no more than 300 square meters.
- Meeting venues with a maximum capacity of nine people. Additionally, certain meeting places with a capacity of 10 to 60 people, located in premises not exceeding 250 square meters, or those with specific accessibility constraints are also eligible.
- The building must not be registered in the Register of enterprises non-eligible for public contracts.
Applicants must ensure that the proposed accessibility improvement works are permanent, align with the accessibility requirements of the construction code, and are initiated after receiving the certificate of eligibility. Additionally, these works must be executed by licensed contractors according to pre-approved plans and should comply with stipulated priorities and conditions.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant program is aimed specifically at enhancing accessibility for small establishments, thus excluding certain entities based on their compliance status with public contract regulations. This ensures that program funds are allocated to eligible entities with clear legal standing and adherence to eligibility criteria.
- Companies or entities registered in the "Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics."
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant provides financial assistance for renovations aimed at improving accessibility for people with disabilities in small commercial, business, and meeting establishments. The eligible projects specifically focus on enhancing physical accessibility and ensuring compliance with the accessibility requirements of the building code.
- Adding accessible entry features such as ramps, thresholds, and designated parking spaces for persons with reduced mobility.
- Improving obstacle-free paths within establishments to facilitate access to services and restrooms for clients with disabilities, including floor level adjustments, door widening, and installation of automatic door openers.
- Reconfiguring restrooms to allow adequate maneuvering space, and installing supports such as grab bars, handrails, and lowering switches for better accessibility.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers expenses associated with permanent construction work to improve accessibility according to the Quebec Construction Code.
- Costs for adding a loading platform, threshold, access ramp, and reserved parking space for individuals with reduced mobility.
- Expenses for floor level uniformity, installation of access ramps, widening of doors, and installation of electric door openers to ensure uninterrupted passage within the establishment.
- Costs for installing and repositioning technical aids such as grab bars, handrails, and adjustments for vanity clearance in washrooms.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the Petits établissements accessibles (PEA) grant:
- Step 1: Obtain Form
- Contact your municipal or regional county municipality (MRC) to request the application form.
- Step 2: Submit Application
- Complete the application form with all required information.
- Attach necessary documents as specified in the application form instructions.
- Send the completed application and attached documents to your municipality or MRC.
- Step 3: Eligibility Assessment
- An accredited inspector will assess the eligibility of your application.
- A site visit to your establishment will be planned if the application is deemed eligible.
- Step 4: Plans and Quotes
- Receive plans and specifications from the accredited inspector or required expert (engineer or architect, if needed).
- Obtain at least two quotes from contractors with a valid license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) based on the plans and specifications.
- Submit these quotes to the accredited inspector.
- Step 5: Certificate of Eligibility
- The municipality or MRC will complete your application file and issue a certificate of eligibility if all conditions are met.
- The certificate will detail the grant amount eligible for reimbursement after completion of the works and authorize commencement of work.
- Step 6: Completion and Verification
- Complete the authorized works within twelve months following the authorization date.
- An inspection will be conducted by the accredited inspector to verify compliance with the specifications.
- The inspector will report back to the municipality or MRC.
- Step 7: Grant Disbursement
- Upon approval from the municipality or MRC, the grant amount will be disbursed based on the inspector's report.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The maximum financial aid provided is 30,000 CAD per eligible establishment.
- The assistance is calculated at a rate of 90% of the recognized cost of the eligible works.
- A cumulative aid limit ensures that total public funding does not exceed 90% of the total recognized project cost.
- The grant disbursement occurs only after project completion and inspection verification.
- Projects must be completed within twelve months of authorization.
Apply to this program
Enhancing Accessibility for Small Establishments in Quebec
The "Petits établissements accessibles" (PEA) program provides financial support to improve accessibility for disabled persons in small business and meeting spaces. Aimed at owners and tenants, it offers up to $30,000 to aid compliance with accessibility requirements, enhancing inclusivity in communities.
In-Depth Explanation of the "Petits établissements accessibles" Program
The "Petits établissements accessibles" (PEA) program represents a significant initiative by the Quebec government aimed at enhancing the accessibility of small establishments for disabled persons, including those with mobility impairments. Through the strategic allocation of financial resources, this program facilitates necessary renovations for properties that are not inherently subject to mandatory accessibility compliance. The intention is to alleviate the financial burden faced by proprietors and tenants of eligible establishments, thereby encouraging adherence to the accessibility standards outlined in the Quebec Construction Code.
Launched as part of the Quebec Economic Plan in March 2017, the PEA program underscores the government's commitment to fostering inclusive communities through practical assistance to those in need. At its core, the program targets commercial, business, and meeting spaces that stand at no more than two stories high and have specific usage characteristics such as service provision, retail sales, or community gathering. By focusing on smaller establishments, the program aims to bridge the gap in accessibility found in spaces where legal mandates are absent, yet community impact is profound.
Eligibility for the PEA program is expansive within its defined scope. It encompasses a variety of buildings such as banks, medical offices, boutiques, and community centers, among others. The crucial criterion hinges on the establishment having a physical edifice with specific size limitations. For instance, business offices that serve the public must reside in buildings of two floors or less, while retail spaces must not exceed 300 square meters in floor area. Meeting places are similarly adjudged, with those accommodating nine persons being straightforwardly eligible, whereas others with size and height constraints should meet specific accessibility challenges that PEA seeks to address.
The types of renovations funded under the PEA program are categorized based on the priority of access and ease of movement for disabled persons. The first priority is granted to improvements that facilitate entry to the establishment, such as the installation of ramps, thresholds, and designated parking spaces for mobility-impaired individuals. Following entry enhancements, the focus shifts to unobstructed internal pathways leading to service points and restrooms, often involving the modification of floor levels, installation of ramps, and widening of doorways. The final priority pertains to restroom accessibility, including the installation of assistance devices like grab bars, lowering of fixtures, and optimizing space for wheelchair maneuverability.
Prospective applicants must navigate a structured application process, starting with a consultation with their respective municipal or regional bodies (MRC). This initial stage involves providing necessary documentation and, subsequently, a certified inspection to verify eligibility and devise tailored renovation plans. Should professional expertise in architecture or engineering be warranted, the program facilitates the engagement of skilled professionals to ensure compliance with planning and execution standards.
The financial mechanics of the program are designed to cover up to 90% of recognized costs, capped at $30,000 per establishment. This subsidy structure not only alleviates the financial strain on applicants but also ensures that the state's support does not exceed the fair value of improvements made. Importantly, the funds are disbursed post-completion and verification of the renovations, providing a safeguard against misuse and ensuring desired outcomes are achieved. Moreover, to maintain fairness and prevent duplication of funding, the PEA program's support must be considered alongside other municipal aids to ensure cumulative assistance does not surpass the designated cost cap.
In summary, the "Petits établissements accessibles" program stands as a pivotal resource for many small establishment owners and tenants in Quebec wishing to improve accessibility for individuals who face mobility challenges. By offering financial assistance and a clear pathway toward compliance with accessibility standards, the program not only fosters inclusivity but also envisions a Quebec where all community members can access neighborhood services and facilities without hindrance. This initiative not only reinforces the commitment to equitable community development but also enhances the quality of life for countless Quebecois citizens by making everyday environments more navigable and welcoming.
