Housing Programs and Services

Grey County manages 997 rent-geared-to-income housing units.  Eligible tenants pay about 30% of their gross household income for rent. About 80% of the units are home to seniors, couples or singles and 20% are families.

These units are located at 35 sites across the following municipalities:

• Chatsworth
• Grey Highlands (Markdale and Flesherton)
• Hanover
• Meaford
• Owen Sound
• Southgate (Dundalk and Holstein)
• Town of the Blue Mountains (Thornbury)
• West Grey (Durham)

View Affordable Housing Locations

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Grey County Housing administers several housing programs utilizing provincial and federal funding to support the creation and repair of affordable housing.

The programs delivered are in line with the 2018 National Housing Strategy A Place to Call Home and look to complement our goals outlined in our 10 year Housing and Homelessness Plan. The specific programs currently being offered through Grey County Housing are the Homeownership Program, Ontario Renovates, and Rent Supplement Program.

Ontario Renovates will assist low to moderate income home owner households to repair their home and increase the accessibility of their home through modifications and adaptations. Major repairs are covered to allow residents to remain in their homes by covering things like furnace replacements, roof replacements and other similar required repairs. Modifications for accessibility could include ramps, handrails, chair and bath lifts, cues for doorbells and fire alarms. Forgivable loans of up to $15,000 are provided for repairs and secured with a promissory note. If the property is sold within 10 years the loan is due back to the County. The forgiveness of the funding occurs at an equal rate over the 10 years. Any funds returned will be put in a revolving fund for Ontario Renovates. Grants are provided up to $5,000 for accessibility modifications and adaptations.

Ontario Renovates Application

This program is designed to provide Grey County renters with a loan, up to 5% of the purchase price, to assist them in purchasing their own home. The program assists eligible renters in the purchase of a home that does not exceed the purchase price of limits found listed on the information sheet. Applicants must be eligible for a mortgage without a co-signer and cannot exceed the maximum household income listed on the application.

Homeownership Purchaser Application

Grey County oversees non-profit housing providers with more than 450 units in the area.  These providers manage their properties and Grey County subsidizes costs. Providers include municipalities, churches and other service and community groups.

An additional 66 units in Grey County are managed by two non-profit providers. These programs are federally funded and operate differently.  Their renters are a mix of tenants paying market rent and others with rent-geared-to-income.

All applications are processed by Grey County using the “Coordinated Access System.” Applicants only need to apply once to be placed on waitlists for Grey County Housing and/or Non-Profit Housing.

The Short-Term Shelter Program helps those who are experiencing homelessness in Grey County. Individuals or families who enroll in the program will connect with a coordinator to assess needs.

The Short-Term Shelter Program is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 211. 

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A new supportive housing centre has opened at 396 14th Street West in Owen Sound. This centre brings a much needed service to our community, providing stability and services in a safe environment so individuals and families can develop the skills and access the supports they need to live independently. 

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