Social Housing Program | City of Cornwall

The Social Housing Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Program provides units for individuals and families with low-to-moderate incomes, including seniors and people with disabilities who can live independently with community support. Rent is based on 30% of household income, or a provincial scale for OW/ODSP recipients.

Who Is Eligible

You may qualify if:

At least one household member is 16+ and able to live independently
All household members are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or have an active application for status
No unpaid arrears with any social housing providers, unless a repayment agreement is active and in good standing
No household member has a conviction for housing-related fraud
No household member has been found by a court or the Landlord and Tenant Board to have misrepresented income for lower rent
Household assets are below $50,000 (single) or $75,000 (family)
Household income is below the established limits:

1 bedroom: $46,000
2 bedrooms: $52,500
3 bedrooms: $56,000
4 bedrooms: $65,000

These limits are set by the Province of Ontario and are updated based on Schedule 2 of Ontario Regulation 370/11 and local average market rents.

The waitlist

If you're eligible, you are placed on a waitlist. Due to high demand, you will likely need to find housing in the private market while you wait for a social housing unit to become available.

Apply for the Social Housing Program

When you apply for the Social Housing Program:

Make sure to include all required documents
Complete the Medical Verification Form (if applicable)
Ensure all household members 16+ sign the application (or their guardian signs)
Read and understand the Consent, Release and Declaration section

Complete the Social Housing Application

If you cannot apply online, paper applications are available at

Housing Access Centre (The Registry)
340 Pitt St, Fourth Floor, Cornwall ON K6J 3P9

You can email us your completed application or deliver it in person at:

340 Pitt St
Fourth Floor
Cornwall ON K6J 3P9

After you apply

Once your application is processed:

You will receive written confirmation and your approved building choices.
Your placement on the waitlist is based on the date your completed application is received.
Each year, you will receive an annual update form.
Failure to return it will result in removal from the waitlist.

You will receive one formal housing offer. If you refuse the offer or do not respond, your application will be cancelled. If we cannot contact you, your application will be cancelled. Choose your preferences carefully before applying.

You must report any changes to your address, phone number, or household size. If anyone in the household owns a home, they must agree to sell it within six months of accepting an offer.

Accessibility

If you need a unit with accessibility features, please contact housing providers directly, as the available features vary.

Special Priority for Victims of Abuse

You may qualify for priority placement if you: