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 $40,000.

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.

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, whether fixed or moveable.
• Work to improve indoor circulation, such as levelling the floors, widening the door and change rooms, installing an elevator and lift platform.
• Replacement of toilets.
• Work that facilitates access to dedicated washrooms for clients with limited mobility.

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 project

Once eligibility is confirmed, you must:

• Get all permits required for your project.
• Ensure that all work is performed by a contractor who holds the appropriate Régie du bâtiment du Québec license.
• Complete the work within 18 months of the date of the notice of application eligibility.

To take part in the program, you must submit the required documents by December 31, 2026, depending on whether you are an owner or a tenant.

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 project is complete, you must provide:

1. Certification signed by an authorized professional stating that the project is complete and all work was performed in accordance with the barrier-free design standards set out in the CSA B651 Standard 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. If the project does not require a permit, a letter from the borough or municipality listing the acquisitions included in the application that do not require a building permit and confirming that they comply with current by-laws.
7. 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.

• PDF file Demande d'admission du programme d'aide à l'accessibilité des commerces
• PDF file Formulaire de permis requis