What's New? Free insulation for low-income residents.
What's New? Free insulation for low-income residents.

 Weatherization Program  (Program runs until December 31, 2011)

The home weatherization programs delivered by EnviroCentre help low-income households reduce their energy consumption through improved insulation (usually in the basement and attic) as well as better draft sealing, which also makes homes more comfortable. The total value of this free service can be over $3,000 and save you up to $500 a year in energy bills, so let’s hope you qualify.

If you benefit from one of the following programs:

  • Ontario Works
  • Guaranteed Income Supplement
  • National Child benefit supplement
  • Allowance for Seniors
  • Allowance for Survivors
  • Ontario Disability Support Program (also requires income verification)

OR your household income (before income tax of all household members 18 years or older) is no more than the amounts on this chart:

Household size Maximum annual income
one person$29,931
two people$37,261
three people$45,810
four people$55,617
five people$63,081
six people$71,144
7+ people$79,208

Note: This program will not affect your income from government assistance programs.

and if:

  • your home is heated by natural gas
  • you are a customer of Enbridge Gas Distribution or Union Gas
  • you pay your own natural gas bill
  • your home was built before 1970

You may qualify for this program.

See who’s smiling about her free basement insulation!

  

How do I apply?

Call EnviroCentre at 613-580-2582 ext 4,or toll free at 1-877-580-2582 ext. 4. We may be able to pre-qualify you over the phone and then you will need to provide a signed application, proof of income eligibility, and the account number on your gas bill.

To download the Enbridge Home Weatherization Retrofit Program application form please click here, fill it out and email to

If your home qualifies, EnviroCentre will:

  • Schedule a crew of trained installers to work in your home for about half a day
  • Schedule a follow-up visit to measure how your energy efficiency has improved.

Remember, there’s no charge for any visits or upgrades, which are designed to reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.

 

What Can the Clinic Do For You?

  

The Clinic provides free legal services to residents of Renfrew County who face economic limitations, it acts as a resource to groups that help lower income residents, participates in law reform, provides speakers and educational material on subjects relating to legal problems of lower income residents and provides legal advice over the phone when possible.

  

  
The Clinic Staff can help you with the following matters:

  

  • Social Assistance (Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program)
  • Landlord and Tenant (Tenants only)
  • Employment Insurance
  • Canada Pension Plan
  • Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Claims
  • Human Rights and Employment Rights
  • Debtor/Creditor - Small Claims Court matters
  • Criminal Injuries Compensation Board Claims
  • General Legal Information
  • Assist in Community Development

  

How Does the Legal Clinic differ from Legal Aid?

There is often confusion between legal aid and legal clinics. Legal aid and legal clinics are both funded by Legal Aid Ontario. They are both designed to ensure that low income people have access to justice by providing legal services that help people to access their rights under the law, even if they can't afford to hire a lawyer.

  

Legal Clinic:

The Legal Clinic provides help in areas of law not covered by Legal Aid.  The Legal Clinic's services are always free, though you are expected to pay for disbursements if you are able. For full services you must meet the Legal Clinic's Financial Eligibility Guidelines. Services are provided by the Clinic staff.

  

Legal Aid:

Legal Aid provides certificates which may be accepted by private bar lawyers who have agreed to do so.

  

  • Areas of law for which a legal aid certificate may be given are:

             Criminal charges

             Family law

             Immigration and Refugee claims

             Mental Health hearings

             Some other matters. 

  

  • Whether or not you receive a legal aid certificate usually depends on your income level and the area of law. Sometimes Legal Aid will ask you to sign a payment agreement or will place a lien on your home to pay back part or all of your legal fees.  

  

Legal Aid Client Service Centre

Call toll free to 1-800-668-8258 to make an application for legal aid.

Website: www.legalaid.on.ca 

 

  

© 2008 Renfrew County Legal Clinic

  

 

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Renfrew County Legal Clinic