Free City Programs

Below is a selection of outstanding FREE City of Toronto programs that I am trying to promote in Ward 17. Please contact my office for more information about any of them at 416-392-7011 or councillor_palacio@toronto.ca

FREE Lead Testing – Toronto Water

Residents living in single-family homes built prior to the mid-1950s may have lead pipes connecting their property to the City’s water supply system. Homes built after this time are not connected with lead pipes. Residents in homes with lead pipes and who are concerned about lead in their water can request a free test from Toronto Water. These residents should practice flushing (see below) in the interim. Residents must pick-up a testing kit from an appropriate Toronto Public Health office, collect their water sample and return the sample. Public Health analyzes the samples and contacts the residents with their results. Residents should contact the Toronto Water Laboratory at 416-392-2894 to pre-register for the test, or residents can email waterqualityline@toronto.ca with their full name, mailing address and phone number to register. Residents should only use cold, flushed water for drinking and cooking. They should never use hot water from the tap for consumption as heated water may contain higher lead levels. Boiling water does not remove lead.

FREE Home Renovation Program

The Homeowner Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) is funded by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and administered by the City of Toronto. The program offers substantial financial assistance to eligible homeowners with low incomes or disabilities who own and occupy properties that require repairs to bring them to acceptable housing standards and make them accessible. I urge you to apply for this program as I have helped dozens of residents secure this very helpful grant.

FREE Trees (front yard – from the City)
Help our Urban Forest keep growing!
Trees provide many benefits:  For the average Toronto home, three well-placed trees can cut air conditioning needs by up to 40% and heating needs by up to 10%; filter air pollution; generate oxygen; increase property values, trees beautify our City and make it a better place to live. If you would like a free tree planted in front of your home, please contact my office; or call 416-338-TREE

FREE Trees (backyard – from Trees Davenport)
GreenHere is excited to announce its second Free Backyard Tree Planting project to residents of Davenport West. This spring, GreenHere is offering a broad variety of native and fruit trees, free!

To be eligible you must: Have a 4x4 meter plantable, unpaved area in your backyard; Be able to provide basic watering, mulching and pruning for the young tree, to ensure proper growth and health. If you meet these requirements, call GreenHere at 416-901-2006 or go to www.greenhere.ca/freetree

GreenHere will conduct a backyard site assessment , plant and mulch the tree, show you how to care for your tree and provide you with a resource kit, all free of charge!  This offer is open to residents who live between Bloor and Davenport, from The Junction Rail Corridor, to Christie Street, or between Davenport and St.Clair, from Old Weston Road to Dufferin St.

FREE Water Service Upgrade

If you are experiencing poor water pressure or water flow in your home, you may be able to upgrade your water service, free of charge on the City property portion only, through the Water Service Repair Program. Please contact my office for more information.

 

Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program

This financial assistance program is to implement measures to help guard against basement flooding, such as a backflow prevention valve. Detailed information about this program is available through my office.

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