Assistance Programs for Seniors

Property tax deferrals for homeowners

What is it?

Provincial legislation provides for the City of St. Catharines to offer a deferral of tax increases for the current year to seniors who own and reside in their own residence and are receiving the monthly Guaranteed Income Supplement.

How it works

A homeowner may submit an application if:

• Property taxes have been paid in full for previous tax years
• Property taxes have increased by a minimum $200 from year to year
• Repayment must be made on transference of title of property, disposition of property or if applicant ceases to be eligible for deferral of taxes
• Proof of age and receipt of Guaranteed Income Supplement must accompany the application
• To be considered for a deferral for the current year, applications, including written proof of eligibility, must be filed by February 28 of the following year

Click here to open the tax deferrals for homeowners form

Click here to email Financial Management Services, Tax Billing Section

For more information, call 905.688.5601, ext. 1456.

Water/Wastewater Senior Homeowner Credit Program

What is it?

For residents 65 years of age and older, the City of St. Catharines offers a maximum $100 annual credit on water/wastewater fees.

How it works

A homeowner may submit an application if:

• The annual amount of the water/wastewater bill exceeds the $100 maximum credit allowance.
• Applicants must own and occupy the property as their principal residence.
• The water/wastewater account must be for a residential, single family dwelling to be eligible.
• Applicants must be receiving benefits from the Guaranteed Income Supplement program to be eligible. Proof of receipt of benefits must be submitted with the application.
• One credit per individual account billed will be granted. Tax and water/wastewater accounts must be in good standing.
• Approved credits are applied to the water/wastewater account in January of the next year. It will appear on the first bill issued after the adjustment is applied to the account.
• No cash refunds and the credit is non-transferable. Owners are required to pay their bills as they come due.
• For those using monthly pre-authorized payments, the credit will be taken into consideration in the annual equalization of the account.
• Applications must be submitted to the City of St. Catharines each year between October 1 and November 30. No deadline exceptions will be made.

Click here to open the Water/Wastewater Senior Homeowner Credit Program form

Click here to email the City of St. Catharines, Water Billing Section

Click here to email Financial Management Services, Collections

For more information, call 905.688.5605

Payment Extension Program for Seniors

What is it?

Senior citizens may register for a payment extension on their property taxes and their water and wastewater fees.

How it works

A person receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement who registers or this program is permitted to pay property taxes and water fees for their primary residence on the last working day of the month that payment is due without incurring a penalty.

To be eligible:

• Seniors older than 60 must register in person at Financial Management Services, City Hall
• Proof of date of birth is required

Click here to open the payment extension program form for seniors

For more information, call 905.688.5601, ext. 1416 

Snow Removal for Seniors

What is it?

The City of St. Catharines offers snow removal service for qualified seniors. The service consists of snow removal from city sidewalks and windrows left by snow plows at driveway entrances of the homes occupied by qualified seniors. It is not for the removal of snow from driveways or any walkway to a home.

How it works

A statement of physician is required from the family doctor of the person applying for this program. To qualify for snow removal service, applicants must:

• Have a disability that, in the opinion of your physician, renders the applicant incapable of carrying out snow removal
• Have no person who is physically capable of carrying out snow removal living in the same dwelling as the applicant
• Reside in a single family, semi-detached or duplex dwelling in the city's urban area
• Agree to a waiver of claims against the Corporation of the City of St. Catharines for any property damage or other damage that may arise from the service provided

Click here to open the application for snow removal for seniors