Government rebate programs for home renovation sound straightforward until you actually try to use them. You search online, find a program that looks perfect, call the number — and discover the program closed eight months ago. Or you learn the rebate requires a pre-assessment you didn’t get, making your completed project ineligible. Or two programs you planned to stack turn out to prohibit the same expense from being claimed twice.
The rebate landscape for Toronto homeowners has changed significantly in the past two years. Several high-profile federal programs — the Canada Greener Homes Grant, the Greener Homes Loan, and the Enbridge HER+ — have closed. At the same time, new programs have launched, existing programs have been expanded (the City of Toronto’s Basement Flooding Subsidy nearly doubled in May 2026), and the provincial Home Renovation Savings Program has become the primary energy efficiency rebate for Ontario homeowners.
At David Reno, we review rebate eligibility with every client before project planning begins. Too many Toronto homeowners discover a rebate opportunity after the work is done — at which point several programs can no longer be claimed retroactively. This guide gives you an accurate, up-to-date picture of every program that’s actually open in August 2026, what it covers, and how to claim it before your renovation starts.
Table of Contents
- 2026 Program Summary: Active at a Glance
- Federal Programs
- Ontario Provincial Programs
- City of Toronto Programs
- Programs That Are Closed — What to Watch For
- How to Stack Programs: Maximizing Your Savings
- Best Rebates by Project Type
- Critical Timing Rules
- How David Reno Helps You Capture Every Dollar
- Frequently Asked Questions
2026 Program Summary: Active at a Glance
| Program | Level | Max Value | Status | Pre-Assessment Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) | Provincial | Up to $7,700 (insulation) + other upgrades | ✅ ACTIVE | Yes — EnerGuide audit |
| Enbridge Gas Home Efficiency Rebate (HER) | Utility | Up to $5,000 | ✅ ACTIVE | Yes — EnerGuide assessment |
| Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy | Municipal | Up to $6,650 | ✅ ACTIVE (expanded May 2026) | No |
| City of Toronto HELP (Home Energy Loan) | Municipal | Up to $125,000 (loan, not grant) | ✅ ACTIVE | No |
| Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program | Federal | Free upgrades (low-income) | ✅ ACTIVE | Income-tested |
| Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program | Federal | Up to $10,000 | ✅ ACTIVE | Yes |
| Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit | Federal | Up to $7,500 (15% of $50,000) | ✅ ACTIVE | No |
| Green Roof / Cool Roof Rebate (Toronto) | Municipal | Up to $100,000 / $50,000 | ⚠️ LIMITED | Yes — application required |
| Canada Greener Homes Grant | Federal | Closed | ❌ CLOSED | N/A |
| Canada Greener Homes Loan (0%) | Federal | Closed | ❌ CLOSED | N/A |
| Enbridge HER+ (Home Efficiency Rebate Plus) | Utility | Closed | ❌ CLOSED | N/A |
Federal Programs
Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program ✅ ACTIVE
Free energy efficiency upgrades — income-tested
This program is the successor to the Canada Greener Homes Grant for low-to-moderate income households. Unlike the closed Greener Homes Grant, the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program remains open in Ontario as of 2026 and focuses on free upgrades rather than rebates — making it one of the few programs where you don’t need upfront cash.
What it covers:
- Home insulation (attic, walls, basement)
- Air sealing
- Heat pump installation (air-source)
- Windows and doors (Energy Star certified)
- Smart thermostats
Who qualifies: Household income thresholds apply. The program targets households who would not otherwise afford these upgrades. Eligibility is verified through a home energy assessment.
How to apply: Visit natural-resources.canada.ca and search “Greener Homes Affordability Program.” A registered energy advisor completes the home assessment and manages the upgrade process.
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program ✅ ACTIVE
Up to $10,000 federal grant
This program launched January 28, 2025, and continues into 2026. If your home still uses oil heat, this is one of the largest grants still available — a significant opportunity for Toronto homeowners in older homes that haven’t been converted to natural gas or electric heat.
What it covers: Replacement of an oil-fired heating system with a qualifying cold-climate air-source heat pump.
Who qualifies: Homeowners currently heating with oil who install an eligible heat pump. Income thresholds may apply for the maximum grant amount.
Grant amount: Up to $10,000. Combined with provincial and utility programs, total savings can be significantly higher.
How to apply: Visit natural-resources.canada.ca — search “Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program.” A pre-retrofit assessment is required before installation.
Toronto relevance: Less common in newer Toronto homes heated by gas, but relevant for older detached homes — particularly in Etobicoke, Scarborough, and North York — that still have oil tanks and oil furnaces.
Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC) ✅ ACTIVE
15% of up to $50,000 in eligible expenses = up to $7,500 tax credit
In 2026 specifically, the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit continues to be an active and underused program. It’s a refundable federal tax credit — meaning you get money back even if you owe little or no tax — for creating a secondary suite in your home for a qualifying family member.
What it covers: Eligible renovation expenses for creating a self-contained secondary dwelling unit within an existing home — for a senior (65+) or a person eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.
Qualifying secondary suite must include:
- Private entrance (separate from main home)
- Kitchen (at minimum a basic kitchenette)
- Bathroom
- Sleeping area
Who qualifies: The qualifying individual must be a family member (parent, grandparent, adult child, sibling, or similar), and they must occupy the new unit as their principal residence.
How to claim: Claimed on your annual income tax return (T1) using the MHRTC schedule. Keep all receipts — the CRA may request documentation.
Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC) ✅ ACTIVE
Up to $1,500 federal tax credit
The Home Buyers’ Tax Credit is a $10,000 non-refundable federal tax credit for first-time home buyers — worth up to $1,500 in tax savings. While not a renovation rebate per se, it’s relevant context for Toronto homeowners who purchased recently and are now planning their first major renovation.
Who qualifies: First-time home buyers (or buyers who haven’t owned a home in the past four calendar years) who purchased a qualifying home in Canada.
How to claim: Line 31270 of your T1 income tax return for the year of purchase.
Ontario Provincial Programs
Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) ✅ ACTIVE
Up to $40,000+ in combined rebates (multiple eligible upgrades)
Ontario’s primary rebate program in 2026 is the Home Renovation Savings Program, delivered through Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy. It consolidated much of the earlier patchwork of rebates and is a major opportunity for Toronto homeowners planning energy efficiency upgrades. This is the most comprehensive active provincial program and the starting point for any energy-related renovation.
How it works: Two pathways, depending on your upgrade combination:
- Simple pathway: Some upgrades (like windows) qualify for straightforward rebates without the full EnerGuide process
- Bundled pathway: Complete at least two qualifying upgrades — higher rebates but requires a pre- and post-renovation EnerGuide audit (which itself receives a $600 rebate)
Key rebate amounts (as of August 2026):
| Upgrade Type | Maximum Rebate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Attic / ceiling insulation | Up to $7,700 | Most popular rebate; no pre-assessment needed for simple pathway |
| Air-source heat pump | Up to $7,500 | Includes cold-climate models rated for Ontario winters |
| Wall insulation | Up to $4,000 | Exterior or interior wall insulation |
| Basement / crawlspace insulation | Up to $3,000 | Foundation wall insulation |
| Windows (Energy Star certified) | $100 per window | Minimum 3 windows required; no pre-assessment needed |
| Exterior doors (Energy Star) | $125 per door | Energy Star certified only |
| Air sealing | Up to $250 | Professional blower door test required |
| EnerGuide home audit (pre-assessment) | $600 rebate on audit cost | Rebate covers most or all of the assessment fee |
| Smart thermostat | Up to $75 | Wi-Fi enabled, compatible models only |
Who qualifies: Ontario homeowners — renters are not eligible. No income threshold for most upgrades.
Where to apply: homerenovationsavings.ca or through Save on Energy (for electricity customers) or Enbridge Gas (for gas customers).
Enbridge Gas Home Efficiency Rebate (HER) ✅ ACTIVE
Up to $5,000 total
For homeowners in the GTA who heat with natural gas, the Enbridge Gas Home Efficiency Rebate program offers additional rebates of up to $5,000 for qualifying energy efficiency improvements. This program works alongside the Ontario HRSP and can be stacked with it on eligible projects.
Requirements:
- Must be an active Enbridge Gas customer
- Minimum of two qualifying upgrades must be completed
- A pre-retrofit EnerGuide home energy assessment must be completed before work begins
- Post-retrofit assessment required after work is complete
Qualifying upgrades include: Insulation, air sealing, windows and doors, heat pumps, furnace upgrades, water heaters, and smart thermostats.
How to apply: Through Enbridge Gas at enbridgegas.com/her. A Registered Energy Advisor manages both assessments.
City of Toronto Programs
City of Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy ✅ ACTIVE — Expanded May 2026
Up to $6,650 per property (nearly doubled from previous $3,400)
The City of Toronto launched its most comprehensive Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program effective May 1, 2026. The expanded program now almost doubles the financial support available — from $3,400 to $6,650 — to help homeowners protect their homes and prevent flooding. This is one of the most significant City of Toronto home improvement programs and is especially relevant given Toronto’s increasingly intense summer storm seasons.
Who qualifies: Owners of single-family, duplex, triplex, or fourplex residential properties within the City of Toronto.
Eligible work and subsidy amounts:
| Eligible Work | Subsidy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Home plumbing assessment | 80% of cost, up to $500 | One-time; licensed plumber required |
| Backwater valve installation | 80% of cost, up to $1,600 per device | Maximum 2 devices |
| Sump pump installation | 80% of cost, up to $1,750 per pump | New installation or replacement |
| Sump pump alarm | 80% of cost, up to $200 | High-water alarm |
| Sump pump battery backup (NEW) | Up to $300 | New in 2026 expansion |
| Pipe severance / capping (storm sewer) | 80% of cost, up to $2,800 | Disconnecting storm sewer connection |
Important requirements:
- Work must be completed by contractors with a valid City of Toronto business licence
- Permits required where specified by the City — David Reno manages this
- Properties have a lifetime maximum per eligible work type — check your property’s history at BasementFlooding@toronto.ca
- Subsidies are subject to funding availability — apply promptly after eligible work is completed
- The expanded amounts (up to $6,650) apply to work completed on or after November 12, 2025
How to apply: Online at toronto.ca (search “Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy”) after eligible work is completed and inspected.
City of Toronto Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) ✅ ACTIVE
Low-interest financing up to $125,000 — repaid through property taxes
HELP is not a grant — it’s a financing tool. But it’s one of the most practical ways for Toronto homeowners to fund major energy efficiency upgrades without a traditional home renovation loan. HELP is a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program. You borrow from the City for energy efficiency upgrades and repay it through your property tax bill. Loans run from $5,000 up to the lesser of $125,000 or 10% of the property’s current value assessment.
Loan terms:
- 5, 10, or 15-year terms available for most projects
- 20-year terms for qualifying projects (heat pumps, solar, geothermal, windows)
- 2% administrative charge on the loan amount
- Interest rate: approximately 3.08%–4.67% over 20 years
- Repayment is tied to the property — the balance may transfer to a buyer at sale
Qualifying upgrades: Windows, insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, geothermal systems, and other energy efficiency improvements.
How to apply: Through the City of Toronto at toronto.ca/HELP. No pre-assessment required to begin the application, but improvement specifications are needed.
Green Roof & Cool Roof Rebates (City of Toronto) ⚠️ LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Green roof: $100/sq metre (up to $100,000) | Cool roof: $2–$5/sq metre (up to $50,000)
The City of Toronto offers subsidies for green roofs ($100 per square metre, up to $100,000) and cool roofs ($2–$5 per square metre, up to $50,000). These are primarily applicable to larger residential or commercial properties, though some homeowners with flat-roof Toronto homes may qualify.
Green roof: A vegetated roof system with growing medium and plants. Reduces stormwater runoff, urban heat island effect, and improves building insulation.
Cool roof: High-reflectivity roofing material that reflects sunlight and absorbs less heat. Relevant for Toronto homes with flat or low-slope roofs.
How to apply: Through the City of Toronto’s environment office. Application required before installation. toronto.ca/greenroof
Programs That Are Closed — What to Watch For
Several programs that still appear prominently in search results and contractor marketing are closed to new applications in 2026. Before committing to any project based on an expected rebate, verify the program is still open directly with the administering body.
❌ Canada Greener Homes Grant — CLOSED
The Canada Greener Homes Grant closed to new applications on December 31, 2025. Applications submitted before that date are still being processed, but new applications aren’t accepted. This was the flagship federal renovation rebate (up to $5,600) and is now unavailable for any project beginning in 2026.
❌ Canada Greener Homes Loan (0% Interest) — CLOSED
The Canada Greener Homes Loan program also closed in late 2025. This was a 0% interest loan of up to $40,000 for energy efficiency upgrades. It is no longer available for new applicants. The City of Toronto’s HELP program is the most practical alternative.
❌ Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) — CLOSED
Enbridge HER+ closed since February 2024. It still shows up in outdated blog posts and contractor marketing. The standard Enbridge HER remains active, but HER+ (which offered higher rebate amounts and wider eligible upgrades) is no longer accepting new applications. If a contractor quotes a price based on HER+ rebate assumptions, ask for current program verification.
How to Stack Programs: Maximizing Your Savings
The most sophisticated Toronto renovation budgets in 2026 combine multiple programs on the same project. Here are the practical stacking rules and the most powerful combinations.
Core Stacking Rules
- No double-dipping: The same expense cannot be funded by two different programs. If Program A covers 80% of your backwater valve cost, Program B cannot cover any of the remaining 20% for that same item.
- Tax credits stack with grants: The federal Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit is a tax credit, not a grant — it can generally be claimed alongside provincial rebates for the same project (not the exact same expense).
- Municipal programs are generally independent: The City of Toronto Basement Flooding Subsidy can be claimed alongside provincial HRSP rebates — they fund different types of work.
- HELP co-exists with rebates: The City’s HELP loan can finance the total project cost, and rebates received can be used to pay down the HELP loan balance.
Most Powerful Stacking Combinations (2026)
| Project Type | Programs to Stack | Potential Combined Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Attic insulation + windows (Enbridge customer) | HRSP + Enbridge HER | $9,000 – $14,000 |
| Heat pump installation (replacing oil) | Oil to Heat Pump Program + HRSP + Enbridge HER | $15,000 – $22,000 |
| Basement suite for senior parent | Multigenerational Tax Credit + Basement Flooding Subsidy (if applicable) | $7,500 – $14,150 |
| Basement waterproofing (backwater valve + sump pump) | City of Toronto Basement Flooding Subsidy | Up to $6,650 |
| Full energy envelope retrofit (insulation + windows + heat pump) | HRSP + Enbridge HER + HELP financing | $15,000+ in grants; HELP covers remainder at low interest |
| Low-income household full retrofit | Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (free upgrades) | Full cost covered for eligible households |
Best Rebates by Project Type
| Your Project | Programs to Check First | Pre-Assessment Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Window replacement | HRSP ($100/window), Enbridge HER (if combining upgrades) | No for HRSP simple pathway; Yes for Enbridge HER |
| Attic insulation | HRSP (up to $7,700), Enbridge HER | Yes — EnerGuide audit before starting |
| Heat pump installation | HRSP (up to $7,500), Oil to Heat Pump (if replacing oil), Enbridge HER | Yes |
| Basement waterproofing / flood protection | City of Toronto Basement Flooding Subsidy (up to $6,650) | No — apply after work is done |
| Basement in-law suite | Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (up to $7,500), Basement Flooding Subsidy if flood work included | No for tax credit; No for flooding subsidy |
| Large energy efficiency renovation | HRSP + Enbridge HER + HELP financing | Yes — book EnerGuide assessment first |
| Low-income household any energy upgrade | Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (free upgrades) | Yes — income verification and assessment |
Critical Timing Rules
The most common and most expensive mistake Toronto homeowners make with rebate programs is starting work before completing the required steps. Here’s what you need to know before any shovel hits the ground.
Programs Requiring Pre-Assessment BEFORE Work Begins
- Ontario HRSP (bundled pathway): EnerGuide audit must be completed before renovation starts. No exceptions, no retroactive applications.
- Enbridge Gas HER: Pre-retrofit EnerGuide assessment required before work begins.
- Oil to Heat Pump Program: Pre-assessment required.
- Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program: Assessment and enrollment required before upgrades are scheduled.
Programs You Apply for AFTER Work Is Complete
- City of Toronto Basement Flooding Subsidy: Apply after eligible work is done and inspected. No pre-application required.
- HRSP (windows only, simple pathway): Apply after installation is complete.
- Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit: Claimed on your annual tax return after the renovation year.
How David Reno Helps You Capture Every Dollar
Most renovation contractors focus on the work. David Reno focuses on the work and on ensuring you claim every rebate dollar you’re entitled to before, during, and after your project.
Here’s what we do at every David Reno project:
- Rebate eligibility review at the estimate stage: Before quoting, we review which programs apply to your project scope, confirm program status (active, closed, or modified), and identify any pre-assessment requirements
- EnerGuide assessment coordination: For projects qualifying for HRSP or Enbridge HER, we connect you with a Registered Energy Advisor and schedule the pre-assessment to fit your project timeline
- Specification to maximize eligibility: We specify Energy Star certified windows and doors where applicable, and ensure insulation upgrades meet program R-value thresholds
- Basement flooding subsidy documentation: We provide all invoices and work records in the format the City of Toronto requires for subsidy applications
- Licensed contractors for City of Toronto programs: David Reno holds a valid City of Toronto business licence — a requirement for the Basement Flooding Subsidy program
- Post-project rebate guidance: We provide a written summary of rebates to claim, programs to apply to, and deadlines to meet
The rebate landscape changes constantly. We stay current so you don’t have to — and so no eligible dollar slips through the cracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What home renovation rebates are available in Toronto in 2026?
The major active programs in August 2026 are: the Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program (up to $7,700 for insulation, $100 per Energy Star window, $7,500 for heat pumps); the Enbridge Gas Home Efficiency Rebate (up to $5,000 for Enbridge customers); the City of Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy (up to $6,650, expanded May 2026); the City of Toronto HELP financing program (low-interest loans up to $125,000); the federal Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (15% of up to $50,000 for qualifying in-law suite); the Oil to Heat Pump Program (up to $10,000 for homes heating with oil); and the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (free upgrades for low-income households).
Is the Canada Greener Homes Grant still available in 2026?
No. The Canada Greener Homes Grant closed to new applications on December 31, 2025. The Canada Greener Homes Loan (0% interest) also closed in late 2025. Neither is available for new renovation projects beginning in 2026. The most comparable active alternative for energy efficiency upgrades is the Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program.
Do I need a home energy assessment before claiming rebates?
It depends on the program. The Ontario HRSP bundled pathway and the Enbridge HER both require a pre-retrofit EnerGuide assessment before work begins — without it, you cannot claim the larger rebates. The HRSP simple pathway for windows doesn’t require a pre-assessment. The City of Toronto Basement Flooding Subsidy doesn’t require an assessment — you apply after work is complete. The Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit is claimed at tax time with no prior assessment needed. When in doubt, book the EnerGuide assessment first — it costs approximately $400–$600 and the HRSP rebates a $600 subsidy on that cost.
Can I stack multiple rebate programs on the same renovation?
Yes, with conditions. Some programs can be used within the same renovation, but the same expense may not be funded twice. The Ontario HRSP and Enbridge HER can both apply to the same project (insulation + windows) as long as each expense is only claimed once. The City of Toronto Basement Flooding Subsidy covers different work (flood protection) and can typically be claimed in the same year as provincial energy rebates. The Multigenerational Tax Credit is a federal tax mechanism and generally doesn’t conflict with provincial or municipal grants.
How do I apply for the Toronto Basement Flooding Subsidy?
Apply online through the City of Toronto’s water services page after eligible work is completed. Go to toronto.ca and search “Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy.” You’ll need invoices from your licensed contractor and documentation of the completed work. The subsidy reimburses up to 80% of eligible costs to the program maximum. Contractors must hold a valid City of Toronto business licence — confirm this before hiring. Processing time varies; the City inspects the work before disbursing the subsidy.
What is the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit?
If you are building a self-contained secondary suite for a senior aged 65+ or an adult eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, you can claim 15% of up to $50,000 in qualifying construction costs — a refundable credit worth up to $7,500 on your annual tax return. This is claimed on your T1 income tax return for the year the renovation is completed. Keep all contractor invoices and receipts. David Reno provides a complete expense summary to support your tax filing.
Don’t Leave Government Money on the Table
Toronto homeowners forfeit thousands of dollars in available rebates every year — not because the programs don’t apply to them, but because they start work before completing required pre-assessments, or because they didn’t know the right programs existed.
David Reno reviews rebate eligibility at every project estimate — free of charge. We identify every program that applies to your renovation scope, flag the ones that require pre-assessment before work begins, and provide the documentation you need to claim every eligible dollar.
Whether you’re planning basement waterproofing, attic insulation, window replacement, a heat pump, or an in-law suite — there’s almost certainly money available. Let us help you find it before your renovation starts.
We serve North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Leaside, Roncesvalles, The Beach, Mississauga, Markham, and all of Toronto and the GTA.
💰 Call us today: (647) 463-2246
📧 Email: info@davidreno.ca
📍 Serving all of Toronto & GTA
⚡ Several programs require pre-assessment before work begins — the best time to call is now, before your project starts.