We are all in this together.
Last Updated: October 21st, 2020. We recognize that many of our residents may be experiencing financial hardship due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the economy and local businesses. It is important to please pay your rent if you can. Hollyburn is committed to working together with those who have had a reduction in hours or have become unemployed due to COVID-19 to ensure your housing is secure throughout this time of uncertainty.
As of now, financial aid programs have been implemented by both the provincial and federal governments to assist those who have been financially impacted by COVID-19.
We have compiled a help guide below of resources that you may be eligible for:
Federal Assistance:
For up-to-date COVID-19 benefits and services available from the Canadian government, please click here.
Provincial Assistance:
British Columbia
- BC Emergency Benefit for Workers – The BC Provincial Government announced their own plan to offer supplementary financial assistance in the form of a one-time $1000 cheque to those who are already receiving government aid through EI or the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Applications are set to open on May 1st, 2020. Learn more about how to apply and eligibility requirements here.
- Temporary Rent Supplement (BC-TRS) – This “will help households by offering up to $500 a month towards their rent, building on federal and provincial financial supports already announced for British Columbians facing financial hardship.” This will be administered by BC Housing. The BC Temporary Rental Supplement Program has now ended.
Additional COVID-19 Supports in BC:
- Defer your ICBC payments for up to 90 days
- Provincial student loan payments were automatically frozen from March 30th to September 30, 2020. Find more information here.
Alberta
- The Government of Alberta has also taken steps to provide support to renters during COVID-19. Please review these avenues here.
Additional COVID-19 Supports in AB:
- Residential customers can postpone electricity and natural gas bill payments for the next 90 days to ensure no one will be cut off, regardless of the service provider. Note: This program concluded on June 18, 2020.
- “You may be eligible to receive up to $3000 in additional Alberta student loans if you are facing financial hardships such as added technology costs due to the shift to remote classes, or loss of income or earnings during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Learn more and request a review here.
Ontario
- Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies) – Ontario has implemented this act to provide job-protected leave to employees in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19.
- Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 – This release documents additional health care resources and available support for people, jobs, and employers that the province has implemented in response to COVID-19.
- Emergency Assistance Program – “Ontario is expanding access to existing Emergency Assistance under the current provisions of Ontario Works.”
- Toronto Rent Bank – The Toronto Rent Bank may be able to supply further financial assistance as well, permitting you meet their qualifications.
Additional COVID-19 Supports in ON:
- Provincial student loan payments were automatically frozen from March 30 to September 30, 2020. Learn more here.
If you are a Hollyburn resident experiencing COVID-19-related financial challenges and have recently been placed on EI or government support, please contact us at [email protected] to discuss. Please be assured we will be working with our residents on a case by case basis moving forward.
The ongoing health and safety of our communities remains our top priority. Thank you for your continued residency and for working with us to keep our communities protected and in good health.