Home Improvement Incentives & Rebates Available to Toronto Homeowners | Own In Toronto
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Homeowners Guide

Home Improvement Incentives & Rebates in Toronto

Grants, rebates, forgivable loans, and tax credits from three levels of government — most Toronto homeowners qualify for several and don't know it.

💡 15+ active programs across City, Province & Federal  ·  Many can be stacked on the same project  ·  A home energy audit unlocks most programs
01

Municipal Programs

The City of Toronto runs some of the most accessible and least-publicized home improvement programs available. These are funded and administered locally — applications go directly through the City, not a federal or provincial portal — which often means faster turnaround and fewer hoops to jump through.

Verify Before You Apply
Government programs change. Funding runs out, intake windows close, and eligibility criteria are updated regularly. Confirm current availability directly with the program before investing time in an application. Links to official sources are included throughout this guide.
01
City of Toronto · Subsidy
Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy
Up to $3,400 per household

One of the most widely applicable City programs. Covers installation of a backwater valve (up to $1,250), sump pump with battery backup (up to $1,750), downspout disconnection (up to $400 for first downspout, $100 each additional), and window well covers ($50 each, up to $200). No income testing — available to all Toronto homeowners.

Work must be done by a licensed plumber and permits are required for the backwater valve and sump pump. The City reimburses after inspection and approval.

02
City of Toronto · Loan
Toronto Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)
$5,000–$125,000 · Repaid through property tax bill

A Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program. You borrow money from the City for energy efficiency upgrades and repay it over 5–20 years as a charge on your property tax bill. The rate is competitive, and because repayment is tied to the property rather than the borrower, it can transfer to a future owner when you sell.

Eligible upgrades include insulation, air sealing, heat pumps, windows and doors, solar panels, EV charging, and more. Available to all Toronto homeowners regardless of income.

03
City of Toronto · Rebate + Financing
Better Homes TO
Rebates up to $10,000 + low-interest financing

Toronto's flagship deep energy retrofit program, launched in 2022. Connects homeowners with rebates, low-interest financing, and a concierge service that helps navigate the process end-to-end. The program is designed for comprehensive upgrades — think insulation, heat pumps, windows, and air sealing done together — rather than single measures.

A home energy audit is required as the starting point. The program then identifies which upgrades are recommended and what incentives you qualify for. It's also designed to stack with provincial and federal programs on the same project.

04
City of Toronto · Grant
Eco-Roof Incentive Program
$100/m² for green roofs (up to $100,000) · $2–$5/m² for cool roofs

Available to residential, commercial, and institutional properties in Toronto. Green roofs — covered with plants and growing medium — receive $100 per square metre, up to a maximum of $100,000. Cool roofs, which use highly reflective materials to reduce heat absorption, receive $2–$5 per square metre depending on the surface type.

Both types reduce stormwater runoff, lower energy costs, and extend roof lifespan. The program requires pre-approval before installation and a post-installation inspection. Contact City of Toronto Environment & Climate Division to apply.

05
City of Toronto · Forgivable Loan
Toronto Renovates Program
Up to $25,000 · Income-tested

A forgivable loan program for low-to-moderate income homeowners and landlords. Funds can be used for emergency health and safety repairs, accessibility modifications (ramps, grab bars, stair lifts, widened doorways), and essential maintenance. If you remain in your home for the required period after receiving funds, the loan is fully forgiven — you don't repay it.

Eligibility is based on household income relative to the City's affordability thresholds. Administered by the City's Shelter, Support and Housing Administration division. Applications open in cycles — check the City's website for current intake windows.

06
City of Toronto · Incentive
Rainwater Harvesting & Stormwater Incentive
Varies by installation · Contact City for current amounts

The City of Toronto supports water conservation through incentives for rainwater harvesting systems and stormwater management improvements. Eligible installations include rain barrels, cisterns, and permeable paving that reduces stormwater runoff into the City's sewer system. Some programs have offered rebates on purchase and installation costs.

This program is especially relevant for homeowners with larger lots, gardens, or flat roofs where rainwater collection is practical. It complements the Eco-Roof program for properties looking to address stormwater holistically. Check the City of Toronto's Environmental Grants & Incentives page for current intake and available amounts, as this program is periodically updated.

02

Provincial Programs

Ontario's energy rebate landscape was significantly upgraded in 2025 with the launch of the Home Renovation Savings Program — a consolidated, high-value program replacing the patchwork of utility-delivered rebates that preceded it. This is now the primary entry point for most Ontario homeowners seeking energy upgrade incentives. Income-based renovation assistance programs remain separate and continue independently.

01
Ontario · Rebate Program — Active 2025/2026
Home Renovation Savings Program
Up to $12,000+ in rebates · No income testing

Ontario's flagship home energy rebate program, launched in 2025 and expanded in 2026. This is now the single most important program for Toronto homeowners making energy upgrades — and the one to register for first. It covers the widest range of improvements of any provincial program, with no income testing required.

Eligible upgrades and rebate amounts include: Cold-climate heat pumps (up to $12,000), insulation — attic, walls, basement (up to $7,700 combined), rooftop solar panels (up to $5,000), home battery storage (up to $5,000), ENERGY STAR windows and doors (~$100 per rough opening), ENERGY STAR appliances (up to $200 per appliance), smart thermostats, and air sealing.

A home energy audit by a NRCan-registered energy advisor is required before starting work. The audit cost is partially rebated. Rebates are paid after the upgrade is completed and verified by a post-retrofit assessment. Designed explicitly to stack with Toronto HELP financing and applicable federal programs on the same project.

02
Ontario / Enbridge Gas · Closed to New Applicants
Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+)
Closed — superseded by Home Renovation Savings Program

HER+ was co-funded by Enbridge Gas and the Province of Ontario and offered rebates up to $10,000 for insulation, heat pumps, windows, doors, and air sealing for natural gas customers. As of 2025/2026, this program has closed to new applicants and has been largely superseded by the Home Renovation Savings Program above.

If you applied to HER+ before it closed, your application may still be processing — contact Enbridge directly for status. New applicants should register for the Home Renovation Savings Program instead.

03
Ontario (IESO) · Rebate
Save on Energy — Home Assistance Program
Free upgrades for low-income households · Up to $5,000

Administered by Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and delivered through local electricity distributors (Toronto Hydro for most Toronto residents). The Home Assistance Program provides free energy-efficient upgrades — LED lighting, smart thermostats, insulation, draft-proofing, ENERGY STAR appliances — to low-income households.

For non-low-income homeowners, Save on Energy also offers rebates through business and commercial streams, and periodic residential rebate windows for smart thermostats and other measures. Check Toronto Hydro's website for current available rebates for your account type.

03
Ontario / CMHC · Forgivable Loan
Ontario Renovates Program
Up to $25,000 · Income-tested

A provincially administered, CMHC-co-funded program providing forgivable loans to low-income homeowners for critical repairs, accessibility modifications, and energy efficiency improvements. In Toronto, this program is often delivered in tandem with the Toronto Renovates Program — homeowners may access both simultaneously if they qualify under each program's criteria.

Eligible work includes structural repairs, roof replacement, plumbing and electrical upgrades, accessibility modifications, and insulation. The loan is forgivable after a specified residency period (typically 10–20 years depending on the amount). Apply through the City of Toronto's housing programs office.

04
Ontario · Rebate
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Rebate
Up to $1,000 for Level 2 home charger installation

Ontario and Toronto Hydro have periodically offered rebates for the installation of Level 2 EV chargers at home. Rebates cover the cost of the charger unit and installation by a licensed electrician. Eligibility and amounts vary by program intake — Toronto Hydro's residential rebate program has historically provided $500–$1,000 toward installation costs.

Check the current status directly with Toronto Hydro, as these programs open and close with available funding. Some federal programs (below) also offer overlapping rebates for EV infrastructure.

Heads up on Enbridge HER+: Program details, rebate amounts, and eligible measures are updated periodically. The program requires a pre-retrofit home energy audit by a Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) registered energy advisor before you start any work — upgrades completed before the audit are not eligible. Book the audit first.
03

Federal Programs

Federal programs include both direct financial support (loans and rebates) and tax credits you claim on your annual return. The tax credits in particular — the Home Accessibility Tax Credit and the Multi-Generational Home Renovation Tax Credit — are underused by Toronto homeowners who qualify but don't know these credits exist.

Canada Greener Homes Grant — Closed to New Applicants
The Canada Greener Homes Grant, which offered up to $5,000 in rebates for energy-efficient upgrades plus a $600 audit rebate, was closed to new applicants in early 2024. If you applied before the deadline, your application may still be processing. Successor programs are expected — check Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) for the latest. The loan program has also been subject to funding changes; confirm current availability at nrcan.gc.ca before planning your retrofit around it.
01
Federal · Tax Credit
Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)
15% on up to $20,000 = up to $3,000 back annually

A non-refundable federal tax credit for seniors (65+) and persons with disabilities — or anyone making renovations to a home where a qualifying individual lives. Covers a wide range of modifications: wheelchair ramps, stair lifts and elevators, grab bars and handrails, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, non-slip flooring, and more.

Up to $20,000 in eligible expenses per year qualifies, generating up to $3,000 in tax savings. The credit is claimed on your personal income tax return (Schedule 12). Multiple qualifying family members living in the same home can each claim separately in some circumstances — consult your accountant.

02
Federal · Tax Credit
Multi-Generational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MGHRTC)
15% on up to $50,000 = up to $7,500 back (refundable)

Introduced in 2023, this refundable tax credit helps families add a secondary suite to accommodate a senior (65+) or adult with a disability. Unlike most renovation tax credits, it's refundable — meaning you can receive the money back even if your tax owing is zero.

The secondary suite must be a self-contained unit with its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. Eligible expenses include construction, renovations, permits, and certain professional fees. This credit stacks exceptionally well with the CMHC Secondary Suite Loan (below) for families building in-law suites or basement apartments for family members.

03
Federal · Loan
CMHC Secondary Suite Loan Program
Up to $40,000 at 2% fixed interest · 10-year repayment

Launched in 2024 by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, this loan program provides low-interest financing for homeowners adding a secondary suite — basement apartment, garden suite, coach house, or in-law suite. The goal is to increase Canada's rental housing supply by making it financially accessible to build secondary units.

Available to owner-occupants of the property. The suite must be self-contained and intended for long-term rental (not short-term/Airbnb). When combined with the Multi-Generational Home Renovation Tax Credit, a Toronto homeowner building a basement apartment for a senior parent could receive up to $7,500 in tax credits plus access to a $40,000 low-rate loan.

04
Federal · Rebate
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program
Up to $10,000 (up to $15,000 for low-income households)

For homeowners currently heating with oil, propane, or electric resistance — switching to an air-source or ground-source heat pump qualifies for a federal rebate of up to $10,000. Low-income households can receive up to $15,000. This program is separate from (and can stack with) provincial rebates for the same upgrade.

While fewer Toronto homes rely on oil heating than rural Ontario properties, this program is worth checking if your home has oil or propane. A heat pump installation that qualifies under this program can also generate Enbridge HER+ rebates (for homes on gas) and Better Homes TO financing in the same project.

05
Federal · Tax Rebate
GST/HST New Housing Rebate — Substantial Renovation
Rebate on GST/HST paid — varies by project scope

If you undertake a "substantial renovation" — defined by CRA as renovating 90% or more of the interior of an existing home — you may be eligible to claim back a portion of the GST/HST paid on construction costs. This applies to major gut-and-rebuild renovation projects, not incremental upgrades.

The rebate applies to the tax paid on labour and materials. The exact rebate amount depends on the home's fair market value after renovation. This is a complex claim best handled with a tax professional, but it can represent tens of thousands of dollars for large-scale renovations in the Toronto market.

06
Federal · Loan (Verify Status)
Canada Greener Homes Loan
Up to $40,000 interest-free · 10-year repayment

When fully active, the Canada Greener Homes Loan offered interest-free financing of up to $40,000 for qualified energy efficiency retrofits — insulation, heat pumps, windows, doors, and more. The program was administered through NRCan and required a pre- and post-retrofit home energy evaluation.

As of 2024, the program's status and intake were subject to federal funding reviews. Visit nrcan.gc.ca to confirm whether the loan or any successor program is currently accepting applications before planning around it. Federal energy retrofit financing is expected to continue in some form given Canada's climate commitments.

04

Stack Your Programs — Most Projects Qualify for Several

The biggest mistake Toronto homeowners make is applying to one program when they qualify for three. Most of the programs above are designed to be layered — a single project can pull from city, provincial, and federal incentives simultaneously, dramatically reducing your out-of-pocket cost.

Here's how a typical Toronto homeowner adding insulation and a heat pump might stack programs:

ProgramLevelMax BenefitType
Basement Flooding Protection SubsidyCity of Toronto$3,400Rebate (no income test)
Better Homes TOCity of Toronto$10,000Rebate + financing
Toronto Home Energy Loan (HELP)City of Toronto$125,000Low-rate loan
Home Renovation Savings ProgramOntario$12,000+ (heat pumps) · $7,700 (insulation) · $10,000 (solar+battery)Rebate (no income test)
Save on Energy Home AssistanceOntario / IESO$5,000Free upgrades (income-tested)
Canada Greener Homes LoanFederal$40,000Interest-free loan*
Oil to Heat Pump ProgramFederal$10,000–$15,000Rebate (oil/propane homes)
Home Accessibility Tax CreditFederal$3,000/yrNon-refundable tax credit
Multi-Gen. Home Renovation CreditFederal$7,500Refundable tax credit
CMHC Secondary Suite LoanFederal$40,0002% fixed loan
* Canada Greener Homes Loan — verify current intake status at nrcan.gc.ca before including in your plan. The grant portion is closed; loan availability subject to federal funding.

The steps to maximizing what you receive aren't complicated, but order matters — some programs require steps to be completed before work begins:

1
Book a home energy audit first — before any work begins
Most energy programs require a pre-retrofit audit by a NRCan-registered energy advisor. Upgrades completed before the audit are disqualified from most rebate programs. The audit costs $400–$600 and is partially or fully rebated by several programs — it's the essential first step.
2
Check income eligibility for Toronto Renovates and Ontario Renovates
If your household income falls within the City's affordability thresholds, you may qualify for forgivable loans (free money you never repay if you stay in your home). Apply to these before doing any work — approval is required before construction starts.
3
Register for the Home Renovation Savings Program and Better Homes TO before any work starts
Both programs require registration and a pre-approval step before work begins — upgrades completed before registration are typically disqualified. The Better Homes TO concierge service can help you navigate multiple programs simultaneously and is a good first call. Register for the Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program at the same time, as both use the same pre-retrofit energy audit.
4
Claim your tax credits when you file — don't leave them on the table
The Home Accessibility Tax Credit and Multi-Generational Home Renovation Tax Credit are claimed on your annual tax return. Keep all receipts, contracts, and permits. These credits don't require pre-registration — just proper documentation at tax time. If you missed a year, you can refile up to 10 years back.
5
Arrange project financing last, using programs to reduce what you borrow
Once you know which rebates and grants you'll receive, you'll have a clearer picture of your net renovation cost. The HELP loan and CMHC suite loan offer better rates than most personal loans or lines of credit — use them for the portion that remains after grants and rebates are applied.
05

The Single Best First Step

If you're planning any energy-related improvement — insulation, a heat pump, new windows, air sealing — book a home energy audit before you do anything else. A NRCan-registered energy advisor will assess your home, identify where energy is being lost, and produce a report that is the required prerequisite for the majority of programs listed in this guide.

The audit costs $400–$600, takes 2–3 hours, and unlocks access to Better Homes TO, Enbridge HER+, the Canada Greener Homes programs, and others. Most programs rebate the audit cost as part of the incentive — so the net cost to you is often zero.

For accessibility upgrades (ramps, lifts, grab bars), the process is simpler — no audit required. Keep your receipts and claim the Home Accessibility Tax Credit when you file. If the person living in the home is a senior or has a disability, that credit alone can save $3,000 per year on eligible expenses.

For flooding protection, the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy is the most straightforward program in this guide — get quotes from licensed plumbers, apply through the City, do the work, and claim your rebate. It applies to virtually every Toronto homeowner with a basement.

Buying or selling? If you're planning to list your home, completed incentive-funded upgrades — particularly energy retrofits — can be meaningful selling points. A home with documented energy improvements, an updated EnerGuide rating, and remaining HELP loan financing that transfers to the buyer at a below-market rate is a genuinely differentiated listing in Toronto's market. I'm happy to talk through how improvements affect value and marketability before you start a project.
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