Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB)

The Community Employment Centre provides residents of the Township with information and advice in their search for employment. The centre also provides free services such as access to computers, the internet, fax & photocopier, newspapers and to their resource area.

Location:  385 Railway Street
Business Hours: Mon to Fri 8:30 am - 11:45 am & 1:00 pm - 4:15 pm
July and August: Mon to Fri 8:00 am - 11:45 am & 1:00 pm - 3:45 pm
Telephone: 705-273-2334
Fax: 705-273-2767

Contact:

Employment Consultant 

cindy.mccombe@cdsb.care 

Program Support

paige.lachapelle@cdsb.care 

The CDSB Housing Department

The CDSB Housing Department is responsible for the administration and funding of housing, affordable and homelessness programs in the Cochrane District.

The department is the Service Manager for the District of Cochrane and is responsible for the oversight of 2428 Housing Units (175 Co-operative Housing Units, 611 Non-Profit Units, 124 Rent Supplement Units, 32 Supportive Living Units and 1284 LHC) housing units. Of those Housing Units, CDSB directly manages a housing portfolio of 1284 units, 178 rent supplement units. There is a mixed ratio of market rent & rent geared-to-income units for families, seniors, couples and single people.  Eligible applicants are placed on a chronological centralized waitlist with special priority status assigned based on an eligibility criteria set out in the Housing Services Act, 2011 and CDSB Local Rules. 

 Ontario Priority Housing Initiative provide grants from the Ministry for home renovations (shingles, foundation repairs, accessibility modifications etc) & 10% down payment for homeowners are administered through the Housing Department.

Applicants are encouraged to apply and inquire on the various Housing Programs and grants available.

The Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 Homeownership Down Payment Assistance Program. This program helps households across the Cochrane District achieve homeownership with up to ten per cent down payment assistance.

Program Criteria

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Reside in and be purchasing a home in the Cochrane District
• Be a renter or first-time homebuyer
• Have a maximum combined household income of $141,200
• Be purchasing a home for a maximum price of $302,463
• Purchase a home in 2026

Program Highlights

• Forgivable Down Payment Assistance: This program provides up to 10% of the purchase price, forgivable after 20 years, provided program requirements are met.
• Eligible Homes: New or resale homes (detached, semi-detached, townhomes, condos) that are modest in size and amenities. Mobile homes are not eligible under this program.
• Legal Fees: Not covered
• Home Inspection: Required for resale homes at purchasers’ cost
• Educations and Training: Approved applicants will receive guidance on the home buying process and financial responsibilities

Priority will be given to individuals and families living in community housing who want to buy their first home.

Application forms are available online here: 2026 Homeownership Down Payment Assistance Program | CDSB.

Applicants must complete and submit their application to webinquiries@cdsb.care. Applications are processed first come, first served. For more information, please call Housing Services at 1-705-268-7722 Ext. 273.