Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone

Overview of the Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone program:

The 2025–26 EASE Grant, administered by Ontario’s Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, is designed to fund small capital projects that enhance accessibility in communities across Ontario. This initiative replaces the former EnAbling Change Program and Inclusive Community Grants Program, streamlining accessibility funding into one program focused on tangible, infrastructure-based improvements. Its objective is to improve quality of life for people with disabilities and older adults by creating more inclusive and accessible public spaces and built environments, including housing. Projects must align with a municipal or organizational accessibility or strategic plan and are encouraged to exceed the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and Ontario Building Code. Examples of eligible projects include universal design retrofits, accessible washrooms, mobility mats at beaches, sensory play structures, and improved wayfinding systems. Applications must clearly identify how the project will benefit the target populations and be implemented between November 2025 and September 30, 2026. The program offers up to $60,000 per project, fully funding eligible expenses. Applicants must submit through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) and include mandatory documentation to be considered.

Benefits of the Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone program:

• Up to $60,000 in grant funding for eligible projects
• Supports 100% of eligible costs (no matching funds required)
• Projects that exceed AODA and Building Code requirements may receive extra evaluation points
• Encourages partnerships and community collaboration
• Funding enables retrofits and new installations in parks, housing, public trails, transportation systems, etc.
• Improves health, safety, and social inclusion for older adults and people with disabilities

Eligibility criteria of the Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone program:

• Eligible applicants include:
• Municipalities (especially those with Accessibility Advisory Committees)
• Not-for-profit organizations, incorporated for at least one year (as of July 1, 2024)
• Indigenous governing bodies, recognized under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982
• Ineligible applicants:
• Individuals
• For-profit entities
• Schools, hospitals, post-secondary institutions
• Organizations in default with the Ontario government
• Political, lobbying, or unincorporated groups
• Projects must:
• Occur in Ontario
• Benefit older adults (55+) and/or people with disabilities
• Take place between November 2025 and September 30, 2026
• Comply with all Ontario accessibility laws