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Case studies

What does an accessibility project look like?

Five sample scenarios, from a restaurant to a house: the obstacles, the work, the programs to check and the steps to follow, based on the programs' official rules.

These are examples built to illustrate the process, not real clients. The project amounts are fictitious: they are not prices.

Sample scenario 01

A neighbourhood restaurant in Montréal

A Montréal borough · 40-seat ground-floor restaurant, tenant

The situation

  • One step up from the sidewalk to the entrance.
  • A heavy front door with no push button.
  • A washroom too narrow for a wheelchair.

The proposed work

  • A bevelled threshold ramp or a short ramp, depending on the height and the space, with the borough permit.
  • Electric door opener and push buttons on both sides.
  • Washroom reconfiguration: door, grab bars, sink with clear space underneath.

Grants to check

Sample calculation · PAAC

On $30,000 of fictitious work at 90% (capped at $40,000), the estimated grant is $27,000 and the remaining cost is $3,000.

Assumes all costs are eligible. Only the program confirms the amount.

The steps

  1. Site visit and a detailed, item-by-item estimate (required by the program).
  2. The restaurant owner submits the application with the lease and the landlord's written consent.
  3. Only after the eligibility notice: permit, then work by a contractor holding the appropriate RBQ licence.
  4. Work completed within 18 months; a professional's sign-off, paid invoices and photos to receive the payment.

Good to know

  • Work started before the eligibility notice is refused.
  • The grant is paid in a single instalment after the work: you have to pay first.
  • Documents must be submitted before December 31, 2026, according to the official page.
Have my business assessed

Sample scenario 02

A clinic in the Montréal agglomeration

A city in the Montréal agglomeration (e.g., Dorval, Pointe-Claire) · Private ground-floor clinic, building owner

The situation

  • A vestibule with two doors close together.
  • Patients with walkers or wheelchairs who wait for someone to open the door.
  • The clinic wants to limit contact with door handles.

The proposed work

  • Two synchronized operators for the vestibule doors.
  • Touchless sensors and accessible push buttons.
  • Electrical supply by an electrical contractor who is a member of the CMEQ.

Grants to check

The steps

  1. Check with the city that the clinic's activity qualifies for the program (building used for commercial activities).
  2. Detailed estimate, application, eligibility notice, then permit and work.
  3. Adjusting the opening force and timing, then maintenance.

Good to know

  • The program covers access from the street when no existing entrance is compliant: check whether this applies to your entrance.
  • Tax deductions for accessibility renovations should be confirmed with your accountant.
Automate my door

Sample scenario 03

An apartment building with a tenant who uses a wheelchair

Anywhere in Québec · 12-unit apartment building, landlord

The situation

  • The lobby door is heavy and locks with a key.
  • A tenant in a wheelchair can't get in on their own.

The proposed work

  • Door opener on the lobby door, with a button outside and inside.
  • Access control linked to the operator (card or code), electric lock.
  • Lowered threshold if needed.

Grants to check

The steps

  1. The tenant and the owner register together for the Programme d'adaptation de domicile (PAD).
  2. An occupational therapist recommends the work; an accredited inspector determines what will be done.
  3. After the certificate of eligibility: work by a contractor holding the appropriate RBQ licence.
  4. The grant is paid to the owner when the work is finished.

Good to know

  • The PAD is for the needs of a person with a disability; the assessment can take several months.
  • Work done before the certificate of eligibility is not covered (Option 1).
Request a visit

Sample scenario 04

Adapting a house in Victoriaville

Victoriaville · Single-family house, owner-occupant

The situation

  • Three steps to get in.
  • A bathtub to step over, no grab bars.

The proposed work

  • Wheelchair ramp and a landing in front of the door.
  • Curbless shower and grab bars.
  • Plumbing by a contractor who is a member of the CMMTQ.

Grants to check

Sample calculation · VVI

On $8,000 of fictitious work at 50% (capped at $4,000), the estimated grant is $4,000 and the remaining cost is $4,000.

Assumes all costs are eligible. Only the program confirms the amount.

The steps

  1. Choose between the PAD options and check whether the grants can be combined (confirm with the city and the SHQ).
  2. Get the municipal permit.
  3. Do the work, then send the invoices to receive the payment.

Good to know

  • Victoriaville's residential component refuses work that has already started.
  • The year's funds can run out: check before planning.
Adapt my home

Sample scenario 05

A B&B or a tourist hotel

Anywhere in Québec · Registered tourist accommodation establishment

The situation

  • Main entrance with steps, no accessible room.
  • The owner wants Kéroul's “accessible” rating.

The proposed work

  • Ramp and automatic door at the entrance.
  • One accessible room and bathroom.

Grants to check

The steps

  1. Contact Kéroul, which manages the program, to start an application.
  2. At least two quotes from contractors holding an RBQ licence.
  3. Agreement, work, a visit from Kéroul for the “accessible” rating, then payment of the balance.

Good to know

  • The program ends on March 31, 2027, or when its budget runs out.
  • Don't commit to anything before your complete application has been submitted.
Talk to a specialist

Does your situation look like one of these?

Describe your building. We'll tell you what work to plan and which grants to check, with the sources.

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