Renovating your home can be a costly endeavor, but fortunately, there are various grants and incentives available in Toronto, Canada, to help alleviate some of the financial burden. These grants are designed to promote energy efficiency, accessibility, and overall home improvement.

In this blog, we’ll explore different renovation grants available to Toronto homeowners, providing details on eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.

Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)

Overview:

The Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) is an initiative by the City of Toronto that provides low-interest loans to homeowners for energy-efficient upgrades.

This program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency in residential properties.

Eligibility:

• Homeowners in Toronto with no property tax arrears.
• The home must be a detached, semi-detached, or row house.

Benefits:

• Low-interest loans with flexible repayment terms (up to 15 years).
• Loans can cover a range of upgrades, including insulation, windows and doors, high-efficiency furnaces, and more.
• The loan is attached to the property, not the homeowner, making it transferrable upon sale.

How to Apply:

• Visit the City of Toronto HELP program page to access the application form and additional resources.
• Complete the application and submit required documents for review.

Ontario Renovates Program

Overview:

The Ontario Renovates Program, part of the Investment in Affordable Housing for Ontario program, provides financial assistance to low-to-moderate-income homeowners for necessary home repairs and accessibility modifications.

Eligiblity:

• Homeowners with a household income below a certain threshold (varies by region).
• The property must be the homeowner’s sole and principal residence and meet the value limits set by the program.

Benefits:

• Grants up to $25,000 for home repairs and modifications.
• Eligible repairs include structural, plumbing, heating, and electrical repairs, as well as accessibility modifications.

How to Apply:

• Contact the local municipal office or visit the Ontario Renovates Program page for application details.
• Submit the application along with required documentation for income verification and property assessment.

Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate

Overview:

The Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate program offers rebates to homeowners who undertake energy-efficient renovations. This program encourages energy-saving upgrades to reduce utility costs and improve home comfort.

Eligibility:

• Homeowners who use Enbridge Gas for heating.
• Must complete a pre- and post-renovation energy audit by a certified energy advisor.

Benefits:

• Rebates up to $5,000 for various upgrades, including insulation, windows, doors, and heating systems.
• Additional rebates for achieving higher energy savings.

How to Apply:

• Book a pre-renovation energy audit with a certified energy advisor through the Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate program page.
• Complete eligible upgrades and schedule a post-renovation audit to apply for rebates.

Toronto Renovates Homeowners Program

Overview:

The Toronto Renovates Homeowners Program provides financial assistance to low-income seniors and persons with disabilities for essential home repairs and accessibility modifications. This program is funded by the federal and provincial governments.

Eligibility:

• Low-income seniors (65+) and persons with disabilities.
• Must own and live in the home in need of repair, and meet income and property value criteria.

Benefits:

• Grants up to $15,000 for home repairs and up to $25,000 for accessibility modifications.
• Eligible projects include roof repairs, electrical upgrades, and installation of ramps, handrails, and other accessibility features.

How to Apply:

• Visit the Toronto Renovates Homeowners Program page to access application forms and guidelines.
• Submit a completed application with required documentation for assessment.

Canada Greener Homes Grant

Overview:

The Canada Greener Homes Grant is a federal initiative to help homeowners make their homes more energy-efficient. This grant supports retrofits that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Eligibility:

• Homeowners in Canada, including single and semi-detached homes, row houses, townhomes, and mobile homes on a permanent foundation.
• Must complete pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations.

Benefits:

• Grants up to $5,000 for eligible retrofits, such as insulation, windows, doors, heat pumps, and renewable energy systems.
• Up to $600 for the cost of pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations.

How to Apply:

• Register through the Canada Greener Homes Grant portal.
• Schedule and complete a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation, undertake eligible retrofits, and then complete a post-retrofit evaluation to receive the grant.

Conclusion

Renovating your home can be more affordable with the various grants and incentives available in Toronto. Whether you’re looking to make energy-efficient upgrades, essential repairs, or accessibility modifications, there are programs designed to support your needs. By taking advantage of these grants, you can enhance your home’s value, comfort, and sustainability.

For more information and to start your application, visit the respective program websites and take the first step toward your home renovation project.