Housing Services
A History of Housing Services
In 1997 the provincial government announced that responsibility for funding and administration of all social housing in Ontario would be transferred to Municipalities. Municipal funding commenced in January 1998. The Ontario Social Housing Agreement was signed on November 17, 1999. This Agreement gave the Province of Ontario flexibility to devolve social housing to streamline administrative arrangements and simplify programs.
On December 14, 2000 Bill 128 was Proclaimed – Social Housing Act transferred all public housing to municipalities. On January 1, 2001 the Rainy River District Housing Authority was converted to the Rainy River District Housing Corporation (LHC.). Ownership transferred to the LHC with Rainy River DSSAB (now known as District of Rainy River Services Board) holding all shares.
In delivering Community Housing the District of Rainy River Services Board must adhere to all relevant legislative:
- Housing Services Act; and the
- Residential Tenancies Act
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
You can apply if:
- You are at least 16 years old.
- All members of the household are legal residents of Canada or refugee claimants.
- No member of the household is currently under a deportation, departure or exclusion order to leave Canada.
- No member of the household owes money to any social housing provider.
- No member of the household has been convicted of an offence in relation to rent-geared-to-income assistance or found by a court of law or the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal to have misrepresented their income for the purpose of rent-geared-to-income assistance.
Can I choose where I want to live?
Yes. When you apply for housing, you will be asked where you want to live. You can choose one or many locations. Your name will be added to the waiting list for each location where you are eligible.
How much rent can I expect to pay?
Rent-geared-to-income is based on 30% of your gross monthly income, or if you are receiving assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program, a social assistance rent scale. Additional charges may apply depending on the location.
How are people chosen for housing?
The system for selecting households is based primarily on date of application. Special priority may be given to your application if you are living with someone who threatens your safety or the safety of other household members.
Has my application been processed yet?
You will receive written confirmation from us when your application has been processed.
What other information is required for my application to be considered complete and processed?
A letter will be sent out to inform the applicant what information is missing and needs to be completed in order for their application to be processed. The applicant has 30 days to submit the missing information. If you require further information please contact our office.
What should I do if my information or situation changes after I submit my application?
If there is a change in any of your contact information, family size or a change affecting your priority information, you are required to notify the District of Rainy River Services Board at (807) 274-5349 (toll free 1-800-265-5349) within 15 business days of the change. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a voice mail message and someone will get back to you.
How long will it take for me to get a unit?
The length of time before a unit becomes available varies greatly depending on the locations you have chosen. Some communities or housing projects have more frequent vacancies than others. The more locations you select the more waiting lists your name will be placed on, which may increase your chances of being housed sooner.
Since there are too many variables involved in the housing procedure, we cannot make accurate predictions as to how long one will have to remain on the waiting list for their project selections.