Are there any provincial or federal grants for making my Moncton home more accessible for a family member in a wheelchair?

Yes, there are several programs worth exploring — and Moncton homeowners have access to both federal and provincial options that can significantly offset the cost of accessibility modifications.

The most substantial federal program right now is the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) for Persons with Disabilities, which provides forgivable loans up to $24,000 for low-income homeowners making accessibility modifications. The amount forgiven depends on your household income and how long you remain in the home. Eligible modifications include ramps, wider doorways (minimum 860mm/34" clear opening per NBC standards), roll-in showers, grab bars, stair lifts, and lowered countertops.

The Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC) is a federal non-refundable tax credit available to ALL Canadians regardless of income. You can claim up to $20,000 in eligible renovation expenses per year, generating a tax credit of up to $3,000 (15% of $20,000). This applies to modifications that help a person with a disability live more safely and independently — ramps, grab bars, walk-in tubs, lever-style door handles, and similar work all qualify. Keep every receipt and get your contractor to itemize the work clearly.

On the provincial side, Social Development New Brunswick administers the Home First Program and related supports that can include funding for home modifications to allow individuals to remain in or return to their home rather than enter long-term care. Eligibility is typically tied to the individual receiving provincial home care services. Contact Social Development NB directly at 1-833-733-7835 to ask specifically about home modification funding — the programs and eligibility criteria do shift, so a direct conversation is worth your time.

If your family member is a veteran, Veterans Affairs Canada has its own Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program and can fund significant home modifications — worth a separate inquiry if applicable.

For the modifications themselves, a building permit from the City of Moncton (Planning & Development: 506-856-4375) is required for structural changes like widening doorways, adding a ramp with a foundation, or modifying a bathroom. Grab bars, lever hardware, and minor cosmetic changes generally don't need permits, but anything touching structure or plumbing does. Your licensed contractor should pull the permit — if they suggest skipping it, that's a red flag.

Practically speaking, the smartest first step is to have a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) or an occupational therapist (OT) assess the home before you spend a dollar. An OT assessment (often covered through provincial health or private insurance) will identify exactly which modifications will have the most impact for your family member's specific needs — and that assessment report strengthens your applications for funding programs considerably.

Browse accessibility-focused contractors in the New Brunswick Construction Network directory to find local professionals experienced in barrier-free renovations in the Moncton area.