This retailer assistance program aims to make buildings universally accessible so that any person, regardless of their physical ability, can use retail services independently. 

Owners and tenants of buildings (or parts of buildings) used for commercial activities can get a subsidy for alterations that fall into one of the following categories :

• Correct or reduce the number of barriers limiting the entrances and exits of commercial establishments.
• Carry out fit-up work to improve indoor circulation.
• Provide access to various washroom facilities.

To find out more, consult our Guide for accessible and profitable businesses.

The PAAC offers a subsidy equal to 90 per cent of the cost of the eligible work, up to a maximum of $15,000.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

• Be an owner or tenant of a building used for commercial activities, in the Montréal agglomeration.
• Plan to carry out work intended to make access to the building compliant with the barrier-free design standards set out in the Code or the regulations applicable at the time of application for the subsidy, and execute the work when no access to the building from the street is compliant, other than from an alley way.
• Obtain confirmation from an authorized professional stating that the building for which the application is submitted met the barrier-free construction standards set out in the Code and the applicable regulations, either at the time of its construction or at the time of the most recent renovation of the building in question.

Eligible expenses

• Replacement of a door providing access to the building from the street and the commercial space.
• Installation of an electric door opener providing access to the building from the street and the commercial space.
• Installation of a bevelled plan.
• Installation of a ramp or lift platform.
• Work to improve indoor circulation, such as levelling the floors, widening the door and change rooms, installing an elevator and lift platform.
• Work that facilitates access to dedicated washrooms for clients with limited mobility.
• Replacement of toilets.

The subsidy also covers professional services provided by architects, engineers and technologists, if they are required to complete the work.

Note: No subsidy will be awarded for work beginning before the date on which the subsidy application is declared eligible.

Execution of the work 

Once eligibility is confirmed, you must:

• Obtain the required permits to perform the eligible work.
• Ensure that the work is performed by a contactor holding the proper licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec;
• Complete the work within 12 months of the date of the notice of application eligibility.

To benefit from this program, you must submit the required documents by December 31, 2024, depending on whether you are an owner or a tenant.

• PDF file Application form – Retail Business Accessibility Program (PAAC) [PDF 123 KB]
• PDF file Owner's consent – Retail Business Accessibility Program (PAAC) [PDF 77 KB]

All the documents and the completed application must be sent by e-mail to the following address: [email protected]

You can write to the same address for more information.

Once the work has been completed, you must provide:

1. Certification signed by an authorized professional, confirming that the work has been completed in accordance with the barrier-free design standards set out in the Code and with the applicable regulations.
2. Invoices and other items detailing the work and showing the cost of the work and professional services.
3. Proof of payment, other than in cash, of each invoice. For example, you can provide a copy of the cheque cashed, a copy of a bank draft, or a banking or credit card statement. Receipts, itemized invoices and quittances will not be accepted.
4. A document summarizing the work and professional services, detailing, for each invoice submitted, the name of the supplier, the total amount before taxes, the method of payment, and a proof of payment reference.
5. A copy of any permit issued for the eligible work.
6. Photographs of any part of the building where the eligible work was done.

The subsidy is paid in one full installment either by cheque or electronic payment.