What renovation programs are available in Ontario in 2026
Several programs are currently active for Ontario homeowners doing eligible home improvement work. The key distinction is whether the program covers energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, windows, heating systems, heat pumps) or broader renovation work. Most of the significant rebates apply to energy-related upgrades rather than kitchens, bathrooms or cosmetic renovations.
| Program | What it covers and who offers it |
|---|---|
| Canada Greener Homes Grant | Federal: insulation, windows, doors, heat pumps, solar. Up to $5,600. Requires pre- and post-assessment by an energy advisor. |
| Enbridge Home Renovation Savings Program | Insulation, smart thermostats, water heaters. Available to Enbridge gas customers. Rebates by measure. |
| Ontario Energy Support Program (OESP) | Lower energy rates for eligible low-income households. Not a renovation grant. |
| CEAP (Clean Energy for All) | Federal support for low-income households on energy efficiency. Administered through local agencies. |
| Municipal programs | Some Grey and Simcoe municipalities offer grants for energy audits or accessibility upgrades. Check directly with your municipality. |
Canada Greener Homes Grant: what it covers
The federal Greener Homes Grant provides rebates for eligible energy efficiency improvements to existing homes. As of 2026, the program is ongoing but has had funding adjustments — check the Natural Resources Canada website for current availability in your region.
Eligible measures include: insulation (attic, basement, walls), air sealing, heat pumps (air source and ground source), windows and doors, solar panels and home energy storage. The maximum rebate is $5,600 per household.
The process requires a pre-retrofit energy assessment by a licensed energy advisor before work starts, and a post-retrofit assessment after. The assessment cost is partially covered. The contractor does not need to be registered under this program — any licensed contractor can do the work.
Note for Grey-Simcoe homeowners
Energy assessors serving the Collingwood to Owen Sound area book out several weeks in advance. If you are planning energy efficiency work, book the pre-assessment early — the grant application cannot proceed without it.
Enbridge Home Renovation Savings Program
If your home is heated by natural gas through Enbridge, the Home Renovation Savings Program offers rebates for eligible measures including attic insulation, smart thermostats, programmable thermostats, and in some cases water heating upgrades. The program has run continuously with updates to covered measures and rebate amounts.
Rebates vary by measure and are applied after installation with receipt submission. The program does not require a pre-assessment but does require that work be done by a qualified contractor. Check the Enbridge website for the current rebate schedule — amounts change periodically.
What is not covered by any rebate program
Kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, basement finishing, deck construction, and general repairs are not covered by any current Ontario or federal rebate program. These programs are specifically for energy efficiency and, in limited cases, accessibility.
Mold remediation and basement waterproofing are also not covered under rebate programs, even though fixing a moisture problem often improves energy performance. The relevant programs measure energy consumption outcomes, not building health.
If a contractor tells you that your kitchen or bathroom renovation qualifies for a rebate program, ask them to show you the program documentation. General renovation work does not qualify.
Accessibility upgrades: limited programs available
The federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit allows homeowners to claim up to $10,000 in eligible expenditures for accessibility work — grab bars, ramps, walk-in showers, wider doorways — as a 15% non-refundable tax credit ($1,500 maximum). This is a tax credit, not a grant, but it is available to all eligible homeowners and does not require pre-approval.
Some municipalities also have local accessibility programs for low-income homeowners. Contact your municipality directly.
How to combine a renovation with rebate-eligible work
If your renovation involves basement finishing, an addition, or significant work near exterior walls, it may make sense to combine it with insulation upgrades that qualify for rebates. The incremental cost of adding proper insulation while the walls are open is much lower than doing it later as a standalone project.
The practical sequence is: book the energy assessment before renovation work starts, identify which insulation and air-sealing measures qualify, include them in the renovation scope, and submit the post-assessment for rebate processing after work is done.
Ask us about rebate-eligible work
We can advise on which improvements in your project may qualify for rebates under the current Ontario and federal programs — and whether getting registered as a participating contractor applies to your job.