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Source verified March 4, 2026
Subsidy for universal access to businesses
Support for accessible retail building upgrades
Latest source updateLast Update: May 4, 2026Latest change: The grant content now includes the by-law page for the business accessibility assistance program, with all-borough scope and adoption, publication, and coming-into-force dates visible.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 4, 2026
Latest change: The grant content now includes the by-law page for the business accessibility assistance program, with all-borough scope and adoption, publication, and coming-into-force dates visible.
PAAC page now includes by-law details
The grant content now surfaces the by-law page for the business accessibility assistance program, including the program’s legal title and consolidation references. It also shows the applicable territory as all boroughs and displays the by-law’s adoption, publication, and coming-into-force dates. The main program page and guidance article remain substantively the same, with no visible change to funding terms, application steps, or contact details.
Funding available
$ 40,000
Deadline
December 31, 2026
Opened January 26, 2026
Location
Montreal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Overview
The Retail Business Accessibility Program (PAAC) provides a subsidy of up to $40,000 to help retailers improve access to their buildings for clients with limited mobility. Eligible activities include reducing barriers at entrances and exits, improving indoor circulation, and making washroom facilities accessible.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 40,000 $
- Up to 90% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Montreal
- Montréal
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Reducing barriers at commercial entrances and exits
- Improving indoor circulation in retail spaces
- Making washroom facilities accessible
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Authorization letter for a representative
- Itemized estimate for planned work
- Lease, for tenants
- Owner consent form, for tenants
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Owners of commercial buildings
- Tenants of commercial buildings
Eligible expenses
- Doors and electric door openers
- Ramps, bevelled plans, and lift platforms
- Indoor circulation improvements, including floors, doors, and change rooms
- Accessible washroom access and toilet replacement
- Professional services from architects, engineers, and technologists
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Work started before eligibility confirmation
Eligible geographic areas
- Montréal agglomeration
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: Prepare the application
- Complete the application form
- Gather the required supporting documents for your situation
- Step 2: Submit by email
- Send the full application file by email to paac@montreal.ca
- Submit before December 31, 2026
Processing and Agreement
- Eligibility is confirmed before work begins
- Work must be completed within 18 months of the eligibility notice
- After completion, supporting documents are reviewed before payment is issued
- The subsidy is paid in a single installment by cheque or electronic payment
Additional information
- Work must be completed within 18 months of the eligibility notice.
- No subsidy is awarded for work started before eligibility is confirmed.
- A contractor with the proper RBQ licence must perform the work.
- The subsidy is paid in one installment after completion and document review.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Subsidy for universal access to businesses Program
What is the Subsidy for universal access to businesses?
The Retail Business Accessibility Program (PAAC) provides a subsidy of up to $40,000 to help retailers improve access to their buildings for clients with limited mobility. Eligible activities include reducing barriers at entrances and exits, improving indoor circulation, and making washroom facilities accessible.
How much funding can be received?
Subsidy for universal access to businesses Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $40,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is December 31, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Subsidy for universal access to businesses program?
To be eligible for the Subsidy for universal access to businesses program, you must:
Owner or tenant of a commercial building
Located in Montréal agglomeration
Barrier-free accessibility work planned
What expenses are eligible under Subsidy for universal access to businesses?
Reducing barriers at commercial entrances and exits
Improving indoor circulation in retail spaces
Making washroom facilities accessible
Where is the Subsidy for universal access to businesses available?
The Subsidy for universal access to businesses program is available Montréal, Quebec.
Is the Subsidy for universal access to businesses a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Subsidy for universal access to businesses is a Grant and Funding