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Saving Money on Home Renovations in 2026: Every Grant, Rebate, and Tax Credit Available to Ontario Homeowners

  • Writer: Chris Rouse
    Chris Rouse
  • 4 days ago
  • 12 min read

In 2026, Ontario homeowners have access to a wide range of renovation rebates and incentives, but the landscape has shifted significantly since last year. Several popular federal programs have closed, new ones are launching, and existing provincial and municipal programs have been updated with higher amounts. If you are planning a renovation, custom build, or energy upgrade this year, understanding what is available, and what has changed, is key to stretching every dollar.


This guide gathers the most important 2026 grants, rebates, tax credits, and money saving strategies in one place, from federal and provincial programs to local Oakville and Toronto incentives and practical cost saving tips, so you can make the most of your renovation investment.


Looking for a specific type of program? Jump to:



Federal Programs and Tax Credits, Canada Wide


The federal landscape for renovation incentives looks different in 2026. The Canada Greener Homes Grant and the Canada Greener Homes Loan are now closed, but several important tax credits remain, a new affordability program is being rolled out, and the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program continues.


What is closed in 2026


Canada Greener Homes Grant, closed


The Canada Greener Homes Grant provided grants from 125 dollars to 5,000 dollars for eligible home retrofits, plus up to 600 dollars toward EnerGuide evaluations. It stopped accepting new applications in February 2024. December 31, 2025, was the final day for existing applicants to upload documents and complete their grant request.



Canada Greener Homes Loan, closed


The companion interest free loan, up to 40,000 dollars over 10 years, is also closed to new applicants. October 1, 2025, was the last day to apply. Existing borrowers can continue with their loans, but no one new can apply under this program.


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What is still available, or new, in 2026


Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program, CGHAP, (NEW)


The Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program is the federal successor to the Greener Homes Grant and focuses on low and median income households. It has 800 million dollars in funding over five years. Instead of homeowner paid projects with rebates, it uses a direct install model. That means delivery partners design and install eligible retrofits such as insulation, air sealing, heat pumps, solar, windows, and doors, and eligible households do not pay upfront. Tenants in qualifying buildings can also benefit.


The program is being implemented through agreements with individual provinces and territories. Manitoba was the first province to sign an agreement in September 2025. As of early 2026, Ontario has not yet announced its agreement, so Ontario homeowners should watch for updates.


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Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program, OHPA, (still active)


The Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program provides federal grants to help low and median income households that use oil as their primary heating fuel switch to electric heat pumps. In participating provinces, including Ontario, the total support can reach up to 15,000 dollars when federal and provincial or utility contributions are combined.


Key points:


  • Federal base grant up to 10,000 dollars

  • Additional top up funding from some provinces and utilities, bringing the total to as high as 15,000 dollars in Ontario and other participating provinces

  • Funding can cover the heat pump, electrical upgrades, oil tank removal, and other eligible costs

  • The grant is paid upfront, not as a reimbursement after the fact


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Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit, MHRTC, (still active)


The Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit is a refundable federal tax credit that helps families create a secondary self contained dwelling unit for a senior relative or an adult who qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit.

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Key points:


  • You can claim up to 50,000 dollars in qualifying renovation expenses for one eligible dwelling unit

  • For the 2025 tax year, the credit rate is 14.5 percent, so the maximum credit is 7,250 dollars

  • For the 2026 tax year, the rate is expected to be 14 percent, with a maximum credit of 7,000 dollars, reflecting changes in the lowest federal tax bracket

  • The secondary unit must be a self contained dwelling with a private entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, intended for a qualifying relative


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Home Accessibility Tax Credit, HATC, (still active)


The Home Accessibility Tax Credit is a non refundable federal tax credit that helps cover the cost of renovations that improve safety and accessibility for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

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Key points:


  • Credit rate is 15 percent of eligible expenses

  • Maximum of 20,000 dollars in eligible expenses per year

  • Maximum annual credit of 3,000 dollars

  • Eligible work includes ramps, walk in tubs, grab bars, non slip flooring, wider doorways, and similar permanent changes that make the home safer and more accessible

  • Starting with the 2026 tax year, certain expenses can no longer be claimed under both the Home Accessibility Tax Credit and the Medical Expense Tax Credit. This change was highlighted in CRA’s information on 2025 to 2026 tax updates.


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GST and HST New Housing Rebate, including substantial renovations, still active


The GST and HST New Housing Rebate can help if you build or substantially renovate your home. It applies when you build a new primary residence, rebuild on an existing foundation, or substantially renovate to the CRA standard, which typically means at least 90 percent of the interior is removed or replaced.


In Ontario:


  • A provincial new housing rebate can return up to 24,000 dollars of the provincial portion of HST on eligible projects

  • A federal GST new housing rebate is also available within certain price ranges

  • In late 2025 and early 2026, the federal government also discussed new GST relief for certain first time buyers of new homes up to about 1 million dollars, potentially eliminating GST on qualifying purchases. Because this is evolving policy, it is important to verify current rules before relying on a specific amount.


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CMHC eco related mortgage insurance refunds, (still active)


CMHC’s Eco Improvement and related eco product options can provide a partial refund of your mortgage insurance premium for energy efficient homes and upgrades.

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Key points:


  • Up to 25 percent of the CMHC mortgage insurance premium may be refunded when homes meet certain energy performance thresholds

  • Applies to CMHC insured mortgages for new or existing homes with qualifying energy efficient features or retrofits


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Ontario Wide Programs, Provincial


Home Renovation Savings Program, (extended to 2026)


The Home Renovation Savings Program is Ontario’s flagship rebate program for energy efficient home upgrades. It is delivered by Save on Energy and Enbridge Gas, with support from the Ontario government.


According to Save on Energy, the program:


  • Offers rebates for a wide variety of eligible upgrades

  • Allows either bundled upgrades with an energy assessment, or single upgrades without an assessment

  • Is available to homeowners who heat with electricity, natural gas, oil, propane, or wood

  • Highlights from Save on Energy’s current list of rebates include:

  • Up to 7,700 dollars for eligible insulation upgrades when combined with an assessment

  • 100 dollars per rough opening for qualifying ENERGY STAR windows and doors

  • Up to 250 dollars for air sealing

  • Up to 500 dollars for qualifying heat pump water heaters

  • Up to 7,500 dollars for certain cold climate air source heat pumps

  • Up to 12,000 dollars for certain ground source, geothermal, heat pumps

  • An increase from 75 dollars to 100 dollars for qualifying smart thermostats

  • Up to 10,000 dollars combined for certain solar and battery installations

  • Up to 200 dollars for certain efficient appliances

  • In bundled upgrade paths, up to 600 dollars is available for pre and post energy assessments when you complete the required measures.


Enbridge and program portal: https://www.homerenovationsavings.ca

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Ontario Renovates and similar municipal programs


Ontario Renovates and related municipal programs provide home repair and accessibility assistance to low and moderate income homeowners, often as forgivable loans or grants. Program names, funding levels, and eligibility criteria vary by municipality.

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To learn more, check your municipality’s housing services or community housing pages.


Development charge relief for additional residential units


Ontario’s recent housing legislation significantly reduces or removes development charges for certain additional residential units, such as basement suites and garden suites, in many cases. This can reduce costs for homeowners who are adding legal second units.

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Details vary by municipality and the type of project, so it is important to confirm current rules directly with your planning department.

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Oakville and Halton Region Incentives


Halton Region Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program


Halton Region offers financial support for residents who install basement flooding prevention measures. The Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program provides subsidies for four main types of work.


Key components and typical maximum subsidy amounts include:


  • Weeping tile disconnection and sump pump installation, often up to 5,000 dollars of eligible costs covered at 100 percent

  • Backwater valve installation, 50 percent of eligible costs up to approximately 1,600 dollars, which is higher than earlier limits that were under 700 dollars

  • Sewer lateral, pipe, lining and repair, 50 percent of eligible costs up to approximately 4,000 dollars, increased from about 2,000 dollars

  • Downspout disconnection, 100 percent of eligible costs up to approximately 900 dollars, increased from about 500 dollars

  • Taken together, a single property can receive up to a five figure total in subsidies if all measures are used, subject to program caps and eligibility.


High level program description: https://halton.cioc.ca/record/OAK0100

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Halton basement flooding program page and links to individual subsidy details: https://www.halton.ca/for-residents/water-and-wastewater-services/basement-flooding


Oakville Heritage Grant Program


The Town of Oakville offers a Heritage Grant Program that provides matching funding for approved conservation work on designated heritage properties.

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Key points:


  • Grants can cover up to a certain percentage, often 50 percent, of eligible costs

  • There is a maximum grant per property, and a total annual budget for all grants

  • Work must preserve or restore heritage attributes and be approved in advance by Town staff

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Halton water efficient toilet rebate


Halton Region also offers a residential toilet rebate program that provides a one time rebate when homeowners replace older toilets with qualifying water efficient models. The program has historically offered a 75 dollar rebate for eligible high efficiency toilets.


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Toronto City Programs and Rebates


Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program


The City of Toronto’s Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program offers subsidies to help homeowners pay for flood prevention measures such as backwater valves, sump pumps, and foundation drainage improvements.

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Following severe storms in 2024, the City proposed major enhancements to this program.


The proposed changes include:


  • Increasing the maximum subsidy per property from 3,400 dollars to 6,650 dollars

  • Raising subsidy amounts for backwater valves and sump pumps by about 28 percent to reflect higher costs

  • Adding a subsidy for a home plumbing assessment

  • Allowing a second backwater valve subsidy for homes with multiple sewer connections

  • Adding a subsidy, around 300 dollars, for sump pump battery backup systems

  • Extending the time to apply after work from one year to two years

  • If adopted as proposed, many of these changes are expected to begin with the 2026 budget implementation, possibly as early as May 1, 2026. Homeowners should confirm effective dates and amounts on the City’s official page before planning.


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Home Energy Loan Program, HELP


Toronto’s Home Energy Loan Program provides low interest financing for energy related home improvements such as insulation, windows, heat pumps, and solar photovoltaic systems.

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Key points:


  • Loans can be up to 125,000 dollars per property, subject to conditions

  • Repayment is made through the property tax bill over up to 20 years

  • The loan can, in many cases, be transferred to a new owner when the property is sold, so future owners help repay the investment

  • HELP loans can be combined with rebates from the Home Renovation Savings Program and other incentives



Eco Roof Incentive Program


The City of Toronto Eco Roof Incentive Program provides grants for green roofs and cool roofs on certain buildings in the City.

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Key points:


  • Grants are calculated on a per square metre basis, with different rates for green roofs and cool roofs

  • Maximum total incentive amounts apply per project

  • Applications must be submitted and approved before work begins


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Utility Company Programs, Energy and Gas


Energy Affordability Program, Save on Energy


The Energy Affordability Program provides free energy saving upgrades for income eligible electricity customers in Ontario. It is funded by the Independent Electricity System Operator and delivered through Save on Energy.


Key points:


  • Provides tailored support based on income level and housing type

  • For lower income households, a free home assessment can lead to upgrades such as efficient lighting, replacement of inefficient fridges or window air conditioners, and draft proofing and insulation for electrically heated homes

  • Moderate income participants may receive a free energy saving kit with LEDs, weatherstripping, and other simple upgrades

  • Recently expanded to integrate with the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program, so some eligible households that heat with oil can receive a cold climate heat pump at no cost

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Peak Perks, smart thermostat program


Peak Perks is a smart thermostat program supported by Save on Energy that rewards customers for allowing brief, limited thermostat adjustments on hot summer days to reduce peak demand.


Key points:


  • Participants receive a financial incentive for enrolling, commonly about 75 dollars, and an annual incentive, often about 20 dollars, for continued participation

  • Program works with certain smart thermostats connected to central air conditioners or heat pumps

  • Events are limited in duration, and homeowners can override them if they choose


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Enbridge Gas efficiency programs


Enbridge Gas co delivers the Home Renovation Savings Program and supports some components of the Energy Affordability Program. It may also have additional offers for its natural gas customers, especially lower income households, such as free insulation and air sealing in some cases.


For current Enbridge offers, visit: https://www.enbridgegas.com/rebates

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Budgeting and Renovation Tips to Save Money


Stack your savings


Combining multiple incentives on a single project can significantly reduce your net cost. For example, you could:


  • Use the Home Renovation Savings Program to get rebates for a heat pump and insulation

  • Claim federal tax credits such as the Home Accessibility Tax Credit or the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit when applicable

  • In Toronto, finance the remaining cost through the HELP program

  • Enroll in Peak Perks to collect additional annual incentives for your smart thermostat


Plan thoroughly and stick to a budget


Build a realistic budget that includes a contingency of about 10 to 15 percent for unexpected findings behind walls or under floors. Define your scope clearly, finalize material selections up front, and communicate your budget and priorities clearly to your design build team. This reduces the risk of midproject changes that drive up costs.


Prioritize high return improvements


Focus first on upgrades that improve energy efficiency, durability, and building performance. Insulation, air sealing, windows, and mechanical systems can deliver lower energy bills and a more comfortable home, and they may qualify for multiple rebates. Kitchens and bathrooms also provide strong lifestyle and resale value, but make sure the underlying structure and building envelope are sound first.


Time your project wisely


If your project is not urgent, you may be able to benefit from scheduling interior work in the slower season, such as late fall or winter, when contractors may have more availability and some suppliers have shorter lead times.


Choose the right contractor


Selecting the right contractor is just as important as choosing the right programs. Compare two or three detailed quotes, look for clear scopes and schedules, and prioritize firms that communicate well and have experience with permits and rebate paperwork in your municipality. An engineering led, design build contractor can help you avoid design errors and coordination issues that lead to costly change orders.


Invest in quality where it matters most


Use durable, code compliant solutions for key elements such as structure, building envelope, roofing, windows, and major mechanical systems. These elements are expensive to fix later, so it pays to get them right the first time. Cheaper options with a shorter lifespan often cost more in the long run.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine multiple grants and rebates on the same project?

Often, yes. Many federal, provincial, municipal, and utility programs allow stacking, as long as you respect each program’s rules and caps and do not exceed the allowed portion of project costs. For example, you might combine Ontario Home Renovation Savings rebates, a federal tax credit such as the MHRTC, a municipal flooding subsidy, and utility incentives. Always confirm stacking rules on each official program site.

The Canada Greener Homes Grant and Loan are closed. What should I look at instead?

For Ontario homeowners, the Home Renovation Savings Program is now the main source of rebates for energy efficient upgrades. If you heat with oil, the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program is a major source of upfront funding. Lower income households can also look to the Energy Affordability Program, and once Ontario signs on, the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program will provide additional no cost retrofit options.

Is the Home Renovation Savings Program definitely running through 2026?

Save on Energy indicates that the program is available and currently accepting applications. Government announcements describe it as part of a multiyear energy efficiency plan that runs to at least late 2026, but all programs are subject to funding. It is smart to take advantage of the program sooner rather than later.

Do I need an energy assessment to get rebates?

Some rebates, such as certain heat pump and smart thermostat incentives, do not require an assessment. Others, especially bundled upgrades that combine multiple measures, do require pre and post energy assessments. The Home Renovation Savings Program reimburses part of the assessment cost when you complete eligible upgrades.

Do do it yourself projects qualify for rebates?

In most cases, no. Programs typically require that work be carried out by licensed or qualified contractors, and some programs require contractors from approved lists. Permits and inspections are often mandatory. Always review the eligibility rules and keep all invoices and documentation.

Should I delay work to wait for higher subsidies?

This depends on your risk tolerance and the urgency of the work. If you have a serious flooding or safety issue, waiting for slightly higher subsidies is rarely worth the risk. For planned, non urgent upgrades, it can make sense to time your project to align with known program dates, such as the enhanced Toronto flooding subsidies or the Home Renovation Savings Program timeline.


Bringing it all together


The 2026 incentives landscape is more complex than it was a year ago, but there is still significant financial support available for Ontario homeowners who plan renovations carefully. The most effective approach is to start with a clear scope, understand which programs apply, sequence your project so you do not miss required steps such as energy assessments, and work with a contractor who understands both construction and the rebate environment.


Imperio Construction is an engineering led design build firm that helps homeowners in Oakville, Toronto, and the GTA navigate this complexity. We can help you plan your project, manage permits and inspections, and identify and coordinate the grants, rebates, and tax credits that fit your specific renovation, so your renovation dollars go as far as possible. For a free consultation, contact us today.

 
 
 
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