Social Housing in the District of Thunder Bay

Housing Programs

Northern Home Repair Program

The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board in partnership with the Federal Government and the Government of Ontario are pleased to offer the Northern Home Repair Program.  This program is designed to assist low to moderate income households to make urgently needed home repairs to address home health and safety problems or to make modifications to their home to accomodate members with disabilities.

Please click below for more information.
Northern Home Repair Program Application Form
Quick Fact Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions

For additional information or if you are interested in applying for funding through the Northern Home Repair Program, please contact:

Housing Services
The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board
34 N. Cumberland St., 5th Floor
Thunder Bay, ON    P7A 8B9
Telephone: (807) 766-2111 ext 4070
Fax: (807) 344-4543
Toll Free: 1-866-363-0929

Public Housing Programs (1578 units)

• Public Housing Program refers to the services provided by Thunder Bay District Housing Corporation (TBDHC).  The primary responsibilities of TBDHC include: selecting tenants, collecting RGI rents, enforcement of leases, annual eligibility reviews to ensure compliance with program requirements, and maintenance of buildings and grounds of housing projects under its management.

For further information on the Thunder Bay District Housing Corporation, please click here.

Rent Supplement Programs 

• Commercial Rent Supplement Program provides subsidy to pay for the difference between a tenant's geared-to-income rent and the full rental rate negotiated between the landlord and TBDHC.  Prospective tenants are obtained from the Housing Services Intake waiting list maintained by the TBDHC and the successful applicant is required to sign a lease entering into the same landlord/tenant relationship as other tenants in the building.

• Non-Profit Rent Supplement Program - Former Community Sponsored Housing Program enables non-profit housing companies and co-operatives to build and operate low cost rental housing projects for low-to-moderate income families and senior citizens.  Tenants are chosen from the Housing Services Intake waiting list maintained by the TBDHC.

• Non-Profit Rent Supplement Program - Former Ontario Community Housing Assistance Program enables private non-profit housing providers to offer additional geared-to-income units where DTBSSD determines there is a definite need.  Applicants are selected from the Housing Services Intake waiting list maintained by the TBDHC and receive monthly subsidy payments based on the difference between a tenant's geared-to-income rent and actual market rent.

• Strong Communities Rent Supplement Program is a redesign of the New Tomorrow and Homelessness Rent Supplement programs and is administered by the TBDHC under the direction of the Housing Services.  The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides 100% subsidy to TBDSSAB for this program.  Funds are used for regular rent supplement units and supportive housing units in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Ministry of Community and Social Services.  Rent supplement subsidy is used to bridge the gap between RGI and market rent as capped by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Non-Profit Full Assistance Housing Programs:

• Non-Profit Full Assistance Housing Program is a former federal/provincial initiative that helped non-profit housing providers to produce modest, cost-efficient housing for persons with low-to-moderate incomes.  TBDSSAB provides operating subsidies to each non-profit housing corporation to enable them to operate their housing portfolios.  Primary responsibilities include: tenant selection, collection of RGI and market rents, lease enforcement, performance of annual eligibility review requirements and buildings and grounds maintenance.  Eligible households may include: families, senior citizens, childless couples, single persons and people with disabilities who are able to live independently.

Federal Unilateral Housing Programs

• Section 27 Non-Profit Municipal and Private Housing Program provides assistance for the construction, purchase or improvement of affordable rental housing projects developed by charitable societies and municipalities between 1964 and 1978.  Operating agreements were originally signed between the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the municipality or private non-profit housing provider.  The agreement is the term of the mortgage, which can be up to 50 years.  The Housing Services Division is now responsible for the administrative duties previously performed by the CMHC.

• Section 95 Pre-1986 Non-Profit (2% Write Down) Program was established to enable non-profit corporations to provide affordable housing.  From 1978 to 1985 projects were delivered with a mix of subsidized and market rent tenants; the actual ratio was dependent upon the availability of subsidy dollars.  Maximum federal assistance was equivalent to the difference between the approved interest rate and 2% of the eligible capital costs.  The maximum changes only if there is a change in interest rates at mortgage renewal.  The agreement period is the term of the mortgage, which can be up to 35 years.  The Housing Service Division monitors, reports and manages the Mortgage Renewal process, budget, year-end and other duties as contained in the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000 and operating agreements transferred to the TBDSSAB on January 1, 2002.

• Section 95 Pre-1986 Urban Native and Post-1985 Programs were established to enable native non-profit or co-operative corporations to provide affordable housing projects for families, senior citizens or individuals of native ancestry.  There are three distinct categories of Urban Native projects, each with its own funding model.  The TBDSSAB has assumed all responsibility for administration of this program within the parameters of the operating agreement and Social Housing Reform Act, 2000.

Affordable Housing Program

• On May 30, 2002 the provincial and federal governments signed an agreement for the provision of affordable housing in the province.  This new initiative will be implemented through collaborative efforts of three levels of government.  During the next five years, $244.71 million in federal funding will be available through this cost-sharing program.  Federal contributions will be matched by the province, through new and existing programs, and from contributions of municipalities and non-profit and charitable organizations.  TBDSSAB is currently awaiting further information before it decides whether or not to participate in this program.

Special Needs Housing

• Special Needs Housing provides residential accommodation that has been modified to meet the needs of someone with a physical disability and/or where provincially funded support services are available to help someone to live independently.  There are approximately 288 special needs units within the social housing portfolio that are owned and managed by various social housing providers.

Please click below for more information:
Provincial Rent Bank Application Form
Information and Application Guide - Provincial Rent Bank
Intent to Dismiss Eviction Proceedings Form

For additional information or if you are interested in applying please contact:

Housing Services
The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board
34 N. Cumberland St., 5th Floor
Thunder Bay, ON    P7A 8B9
Telephone:  (807) 766-2104
Fax:  (807) 344-4543
Toll Free:  1-866-363-0929

Dr. Albert Rose Bursary Program

The Dr. Albert Rose Bursary Program was established in 1984 by the Ontario Housing Corporation.  Dr. Albert Rose was a strong advocate of social housing.  The Bursary is designed to assist tenants in achieving their education, training and career goals.  Since 1984, the Bursary program has grown from assisting tenants of Ontario Housing Coporation to now assisting tenants living in rent-geared-to-income housing under any social housing program throughout the province.  Bursary awards vary from year to year and are contingent upon the number of successful applications received.

Details regarding eligibility and required documentation about the Dr. Albert Rose Bursary Program and further information about other Social Housing programs are available by visiting the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website.