Ontario Launches EASE Grants to Boost Accessibility for Seniors and People with Disabilities

Toronto, July 4, 2025 — The Government of Ontario has unveiled a significant new initiative designed to enhance accessibility and foster active living among seniors and individuals with disabilities. The Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grant program, spearheaded by Minister Raymond Cho, is now open for applications, offering up to $60,000 per project to support community-driven efforts that make public spaces more inclusive and accessible.

EASE Grant Program: A New Era for Accessibility in Ontario

The EASE Grant program represents a strategic investment by the province to address longstanding barriers that prevent many Ontarians from fully participating in community life. By focusing on small capital projects and retrofits, the EASE Grant aims to create environments where older adults and people with disabilities can lead more active, healthy, and socially connected lives.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, incorporated not-for-profit organizations, and Indigenous governing bodies. The grant supports projects that go beyond the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Ontario Building Code, encouraging innovation and leadership in accessibility design.

Key Features and Application Process

• Funding Amount: Up to $60,000 per project for small capital improvements.
• Eligible Projects: Examples include mobility mats at beaches, charging stations for mobility devices along accessible trails, installation of ramps and benches on public trails, accessible outdoor fitness equipment, enhanced accessibility features at swimming pools, permanent entrance ramps, and expanded tactile directional indicators.
• Application Deadline: August 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET.
• Support for Applicants: The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility will host four webinars during the application window to guide organizations through the process and answer questions.

Historical Context: Building on Ontario’s Accessibility Legacy

Ontario has a long-standing commitment to accessibility, dating back to the introduction of the AODA in 2005. The act set ambitious goals for the removal of barriers in public, private, and non-profit sectors. While significant progress has been made, many communities still face challenges in ensuring that public spaces are fully accessible to everyone.

The EASE Grant builds on the success of previous programs, such as the Inclusive Community Grants, which since 2020 have provided millions in funding to projects that promote age-friendly and accessible environments across the province. These efforts have resulted in tangible improvements, such as accessible recreational trails and fully accessible parks with beach access, demonstrating the transformative impact of targeted investment in accessibility.

Economic Impact: Strengthening Communities and Stimulating Growth

Investing in accessibility is not only a matter of social justice but also delivers measurable economic benefits. By removing barriers, communities can attract a broader range of visitors, support local businesses, and reduce long-term healthcare and social service costs associated with isolation and inactivity among seniors and people with disabilities.

The EASE Grant is expected to:

• Stimulate Local Economies: Funding for construction and retrofitting projects creates jobs and supports local contractors and suppliers.
• Increase Community Participation: Accessible spaces encourage more residents to engage in recreational, cultural, and social activities, boosting demand for local services.
• Enhance Property Values: Improved accessibility can make neighborhoods more attractive to a diverse population, positively affecting real estate markets.
• Reduce Healthcare Costs: By promoting active lifestyles and reducing isolation, accessible environments can help lower rates of chronic illness and mental health issues among vulnerable populations.

Regional Comparisons: Ontario’s Leadership in Accessibility

Ontario’s approach to accessibility funding stands out in the Canadian context. While other provinces have launched similar initiatives, Ontario’s EASE Grant is notable for its scale, scope, and emphasis on community-driven solutions.

• British Columbia has offered accessibility grants focused on infrastructure upgrades, but funding amounts and eligibility criteria are often more limited.
• Quebec has implemented accessibility programs, but these are typically targeted at specific sectors, such as public transit or municipal buildings, rather than the broader community spaces addressed by EASE.
• Ontario’s Inclusive Community Grants have already demonstrated the province’s leadership, with projects ranging from accessible trails in Haliburton to fully accessible parks in Kenora, setting a benchmark for other regions to follow.

Public Reaction: A Step Forward for Inclusion

The launch of the EASE Grant has been met with strong support from advocacy groups, municipal leaders, and residents across Ontario. Many see the program as a critical step toward fulfilling the promise of the AODA and ensuring that all Ontarians, regardless of age or ability, have equal access to public spaces.

Minister Raymond Cho emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “Everyone benefits from inclusive communities that support independent, active living and help reduce social isolation by removing barriers.” This sentiment has been echoed by organizations working with seniors and people with disabilities, who highlight the urgent need for accessible infrastructure as Ontario’s population ages.

How to Apply: Next Steps for Interested Organizations

Organizations interested in applying for the EASE Grant should:

• Review the program guidelines to confirm eligibility and understand the requirements.
• Set up a My Ontario Account and register for a Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) account, allowing sufficient time for processing.
• Attend one of the upcoming webinars for detailed guidance on the application process.
• Submit their application online before the August 14, 2025, deadline.

For further information, applicants are encouraged to contact their Regional Development Advisor or visit the government’s official website for comprehensive details.

Looking Ahead: A More Accessible Ontario

As Ontario continues to invest in accessibility, the EASE Grant represents a pivotal opportunity for communities to create lasting change. By supporting innovative projects that remove barriers and promote active living, the province is taking concrete steps to ensure that everyone—regardless of age or ability—can fully participate in the vibrant life of their community.

The success of the EASE Grant will be measured not only in the number of projects funded but in the real-world impact on the daily lives of Ontarians. As applications roll in and new projects take shape, the province moves closer to its vision of a truly inclusive society—one where accessible spaces are the norm, not the exception.