Media Release
OWEN SOUND – The Ontario government is taking action in Ontario’s Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover to help seniors stay in their homes longer through a new proposed Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit for the 2021 taxation year. This would provide seniors and family members they live with a 25 per cent credit on eligible renovations of up to $10,000 to make their homes safer and more accessible.
Local MPP Bill Walker said these supports are especially important for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, which has a higher-than-average population of senior citizens.
“Our government recognizes the contribution seniors have made to our communities, our province and our country,” said MPP Walker. “We are helping keep our seniors safe during the pandemic and providing a diverse range of programs each day promoting wellness, social interaction in a safe manner and education to help them stay active, independent and engaged. This is especially important to us here in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound where we have a high population of senior citizens.”
The new proposed personal income tax credit would support seniors regardless of their income and whether they owe income tax for 2021. For example, an Ontario senior or family members living with a senior would receive a maximum of $2,500 back for a $10,000 renovation to make their home safer. Examples of eligible expenses would include grab bars and related reinforcements around the toilet, tub and shower, wheelchair ramps, stair lifts and elevators. The tax credit would also be available for renovations to permit first floor occupancy or a secondary suite for a senior.
The government is also investing an additional $25 million to support seniors through programs and initiatives focusing on community renewal, growth and economic recovery, including:
· $10.9 million in additional supports for infection prevention and control and PPE in retirement homes, on top of $20 million already delivered to the sector;
· $5 million for delivery of food and medicine through an extension of the Ontario Community Support Program, adding to the $11 million investment first announced in April;
· Up to $4 million for 165 diverse local projects to keep seniors safe and engaged at home through the 2020-21 Seniors Community Grant Program;
· An additional $3.1 million in 2021-22 to support virtual social programs for seniors through Ontario’s network of Seniors Active Living Centres (SALCs) – an increase in funding of 22 per cent, bringing the total investment to $17.2 million;
· An additional $2 million over the next two years for the new Inclusive Community Grants program. This brings the total investment to $3.5 million to help municipalities and organizations develop community-level plans to support ageing-in-the-community.
