City Launches Pilot Snow Removal Subsidy Program For Low-Income Seniors Or Residents With Physical Disabilities

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The City of Peterborough has launched a new pilot Snow Removal Subsidy program that will provide financial assistance to eligible low-income seniors and residents with physical disabilities for snow removal during the 2026-2027 winter season.

The pilot program has 100 spaces available. If more than 100 eligible applications are submitted, a random selection process will be used to select the residents to give all eligible applicants an equal opportunity.

Applications open at 8:30 a.m. next Thursday and can be submitted online, by phone at 705-742-7777 or in person at City Hall. The application period will close on Oct. 21 at 4:30 p.m.  

Eligible applicants may receive up to $450 toward snow removal costs during the winter season. The subsidy will be provided in two installments of up to $225. 

To be eligible for the program, applicants must: 

  • be a resident of the City of Peterborough;

  • own and reside in the home during the winter season;  

  • not live in a condominium where snow removal is the responsibility of the condominium corporation;  

  • be unable to clear snow and have no other adult in the household physically able to do so;

  • be 65 years of age or older, or have a physical disability; and

  • have a total after tax household income below the current Statistics Canada Low-income Measure (LIM), adjusted for family size

Homeowners selected for the pilot program will receive the first payment of up to $225 via direct deposit once their application is approved. To receive the second payment, participants must submit copies of receipts confirming they used the first payment for eligible snow removal services. Once reviewed, the second payment of up to $225 will be issued at the end of February 2027.

The eligibility criteria will assist in keeping the program equitable by ensuring that funding is directed to residents who are in need of assistance and who have limited ability to arrange or complete snow removal independently. 

Residents are responsible for arranging their own snow removal service. Snow removal may be provided by a snow-clearing company or a neighbour willing to provide the service for a fee and provide receipts. 

The pilot Snow Removal Subsidy program provides financial assistance toward snow removal only. It was approved by City Council following community consultation conducted earlier this year and will be evaluated following the 2026-2027 winter season to help inform future program decisions. 

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