Deadline: 07-May-2026
The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility is inviting applications for the 2026–2027 Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grant to support inclusive and accessible community spaces in Ontario. The grant provides up to $60,000 per project, covering up to 100% of eligible costs, for small capital projects and retrofits that improve access for people with disabilities and older adults.
About the Grant
The EASE Grant 2026–2027 supports projects that make outdoor spaces, built environments, and community facilities more accessible and inclusive across Ontario.
The program is designed to improve quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities by funding practical upgrades that remove barriers and encourage safer, healthier, and more socially connected living.
It supports small capital improvements and retrofits in public or shared community spaces, including some housing-related accessibility enhancements.
Focus Areas
Projects should help create inclusive, welcoming, and accessible spaces.
The grant supports improvements that:
- Enhance accessibility in outdoor spaces
- Improve access in built environments, including some housing-related settings
- Remove physical barriers for people with disabilities and older adults
- Promote active, healthy, safe, and socially connected living
- Increase participation in community life
Priority is given to projects that go beyond minimum accessibility requirements under:
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)
- Ontario Building Code
Funding Information
- Maximum funding per successful applicant: $60,000
- Covers up to 100% of eligible project costs
This means cost-sharing is not required, although partnerships are encouraged if additional funding is needed.
Examples of Eligible Projects
The grant supports practical accessibility upgrades such as:
- Assistive kayak and canoe launches
- Mobility device charging stations
- Mobility mats at beaches
- Accessible washrooms in parks
Projects should be clearly community-focused and provide direct accessibility benefits.
Eligibility Criteria
The following types of applicants may apply:
- Municipalities
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
- Indigenous governing bodies
Not-for-Profit Requirements
To be eligible, not-for-profit organizations must:
- Be a legally established entity
- Be incorporated in Ontario or Canada
- Have been operational for at least one year before the application deadline
Indigenous Governing Bodies
Eligible Indigenous applicants include authorized governing entities representing:
- First Nation
- Inuit
- Métis
- Other Indigenous communities with recognized rights
Project Requirements
All proposed projects must:
- Take place within Ontario
- Directly benefit people with disabilities and/or older adults
- Be designed for public use or shared community settings
Where possible, applicants are encouraged to use:
- Ontario-based vendors
Although not mandatory, applicants are also encouraged to build:
- Partnerships to support any extra project costs beyond the grant
Application Tips
Applicants are encouraged to start early because the application process may take time.
Before applying, make sure to:
- Register on the Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) system early
- Review the full program guidelines
- Choose the correct application category
- Prepare all required documents in advance
- Consult Regional Development Advisors if available
A complete and well-prepared application will be more competitive.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
To improve your chances:
- Clearly show how the project removes real accessibility barriers
- Explain how the project directly benefits older adults and/or people with disabilities
- Prioritize upgrades that go beyond minimum compliance
- Focus on public or shared-use spaces
- Use practical, community-based examples and measurable outcomes
- Show readiness to implement within Ontario
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Ontario EASE Grant 2026–2027?
It is a grant from the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility that funds projects to improve accessible and inclusive community spaces in Ontario for older adults and people with disabilities.
2. How much funding is available?
Successful applicants may receive up to $60,000, covering up to 100% of eligible project costs.
3. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Municipalities
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
- Indigenous governing bodies
4. Do projects need to be located in Ontario?
Yes. All funded projects must take place within Ontario.
5. Is cost-sharing required?
No. The grant can cover up to 100% of eligible costs, so cost-sharing is not mandatory.
6. What types of projects are supported?
Examples include accessible washrooms, mobility mats, mobility device charging stations, and assistive water access infrastructure, among other accessibility-focused capital improvements.
7. Do projects need to exceed accessibility standards?
Projects that go beyond current accessibility standards under the AODA and Ontario Building Code are given priority.
Final Takeaway
The Ontario EASE Grant 2026–2027 is a strong opportunity for municipalities, nonprofits, and Indigenous governing bodies to fund practical accessibility upgrades that improve community life for people with disabilities and older adults. With up to $60,000 in funding and support for 100% of eligible costs, it is especially useful for public-facing small capital projects that create safer, more inclusive spaces across Ontario.
For more information, visit Government of Ontario.