We reviewed the program to make sure it still does what it was meant to do. The program was created to help people with low incomes pay rising municipal tax and water bills. After four years, municipal staff saw that: 

• Fewer people applied in 2025 than expected 

• Some people with real financial need could not qualify under the old rules 

• Other communities were doing things a bit differently 

The review helped check what was working well and what could be fairer or clearer for residents. 

The County did not make changes quickly or in isolation. Staff: 

• Reviewed why and how the program was first created 

• Looked at program data from 2022 to 2025 

• Compared the program to similar programs in other places 

• Worked closely with community partners who support residents living on low incomes 

• Tested different options to make sure changes would still fit the approved budget 

The goal was to improve the program without taking support away from people who already rely on it. 

The old income rules were too simple and did not always feel fair. 

Under the old rules: 

Not all households face the same level of financial pressure. 

Having two levels lets the program: 

• Give larger, fixed grants to households under the lowest income limits 

• Still offer help to households with slightly higher income but real affordability challenges 

• Stretch the budget so no eligible household is turned away 

This makes the program fairer and more sustainable. 

In the past, everyone who qualified for this level of support received the same grant amount. As more households became eligible, that approach was no longer fair or sustainable. There was a danger that some eligible households would be turned away because the money ran out. 

The program now uses variable grant amounts for the Standard Support stream so it can: 

If you qualify for the Enhanced Support stream, your grant amount is fixed at $1000 for tax credits or $500 for water credits. 

Grant amounts for the Standard Support stream are set based on: 

• The number of eligible applicants 

• The available program budget after the Enhanced Support applicants have been funded. 

The maximum grant amount for the Standard Stream is $750 for tax credits and $350 for water credits. We expect that in 2026, applicants will receive grants that are slightly less than the maximum.  

Some people may be newly eligible because: 

• Larger households now have higher income limits 

• Renters who pay for water based on use (through their landlord) can now apply for water support 

• People can connect with PELC and use different kinds of documents to prove their income if they don’t have a tax notice 

The intent was to close gaps, not remove support from people already eligible.

It depends on how you pay for water. 

Some renters can apply, and some cannot. The key question is whether water costs are passed on to you based on how much water you use. 

• You may be able to apply if you pay for water based on your actual use, even if the bill is in your landlord’s name. In this case, water rate increases affect your household directly, similar to a water account holder. You and your landlord will need to fill out a form together to prove your water arrangements. 

• You cannot apply if water is included in a fixed rent amount. In most cases, rent increases are limited by provincial rules, and water costs are not passed on based on use. This means water rate changes do not affect your household in a direct way. 

The program stays focused on helping residents who clearly feel municipal water rate increases tied to how much water they use. 

The program is tied to municipal bills. 

Rural renters: 

• Do not receive municipal tax bills 

• Are not connected to municipal water systems 

• Are not directly affected by County water and wastewater rate decisions 
  
  

Expanding the program to rural renters would change it into a general cost-of-living program. That type of support is handled by other services, not municipalities. 

There are other programs that can help you. Go to Help With Payments for a list of supports. Rural renters can get help through Prince Edward Lennox & Addington Social Services (PELASS). 

PELASS programs: 

• Help with costs like water delivery, heat, electricity, and rent 

• Use income rules similar to this grant 

• Can support people who do not have municipal bills