Updated: April 2025  |  bremo.io financial guides

Ontario Home Renovation Tax Credits and Grants

Ontario homeowners have access to several tax credits, rebates, and grants that can reduce the cost of home renovations. From the Seniors' Home Safety Tax Credit to energy-efficiency rebates through Enbridge and Hydro One, here's a comprehensive look at what's available in 2025 and how to claim it.

Ontario Seniors' Home Safety Tax Credit

One of the most valuable Ontario renovation tax credits is the Seniors' Home Safety Tax Credit. This refundable credit helps seniors and family members who live with seniors make their homes safer and more accessible.

Who Qualifies?

• Ontario residents who are 65 or older
• Or individuals who live with a senior family member
• The property must be the senior's principal residence in Ontario

What's Covered?

• Grab bars and handrails
• Wheelchair ramps and walkways
• Stair lifts and elevators
• Walk-in bathtubs or showers
• Non-slip flooring
• Wider doorways for wheelchair access
• Motion sensor lighting

Credit Amount

The credit equals 25% of eligible expenses up to $100, providing a maximum credit of $2,500. It is refundable — meaning you receive it even if you owe no provincial tax.

Ontario Renovates Program (CMHC / Regional)

The Ontario Renovates program provides grants and forgivable loans to low-to-moderate income homeowners for necessary repairs and accessibility modifications. Funding is delivered through municipal housing providers and varies by region.

Typical support includes:

• Forgivable loans of up to $15,000 for critical repairs (become grants if you stay 10+ years)
• Accessibility grants up to $100 for modifications for people with disabilities
• Available to homeowners below income thresholds (varies by municipality)

Contact your local municipality or visit Ontario.ca to check if your area has an active Ontario Renovates program. Many municipalities have waitlists.

Enbridge Gas Rebates (Ontario)

Enbridge Gas — one of Ontario's major natural gas distributors — offers substantial rebates for energy-efficiency upgrades:

• Smart thermostat: $75 rebate
• Insulation upgrades: Up to $2,500
• High-efficiency furnace (95%+ AFUE): Up to $500
• Heat pump (air-source): Up to $5,000
• Home energy assessment: Free or subsidized through the program

Enbridge rebates can be stacked with the Canada Greener Homes programs and Ontario government programs for maximum benefit.

Hydro One and Local Utility Rebates

Hydro One and local electricity distributors offer rebates under the Save on Energy program. Key rebates for renovations include:

• LED lighting upgrades
• ENERGY STAR certified appliances
• Smart thermostats
• Home insulation (in some programs)

Check the saveOnEnergy.ca portal and your local utility's website for current rebate amounts — programs change frequently.

Ontario's Home Energy Retrofit Accelerator

Through programs connected to the Canada Greener Homes initiative, Ontario homeowners can access interest-free loans for deep energy retrofits. This is administered federally but applies to Ontario residents. See the Canada Greener Homes Loan guide for full details.

Federal Tax Credits Available to Ontario Homeowners

Don't overlook federal programs on top of provincial ones:

First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

Not directly a renovation credit, but if you're a first-time buyer purchasing a home that needs renovations, contributions to the FHSA reduce your taxable income.

Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit

Introduced for the 2023 tax year, this federal credit provides 15% on up to $50,000 of eligible renovation expenses to create a secondary suite for a qualifying relative (senior 65+ or person with a disability). Maximum credit: $7,500. This is significant for Ontario homeowners adding in-law suites or garden suites.

HST New Residential Rental Property Rebate

If you're renovating to create a rental unit (secondary suite, laneway house), you may be eligible for an HST rebate on construction costs. This applies when the renovation creates a new residential unit for long-term rental. Speak with a tax professional as the rules are specific.

How to Maximize Your Ontario Renovation Credits

1. Determine what type of renovation you're doing (accessibility, energy, structural)
2. Check federal programs first (Greener Homes, Multigenerational Credit)
3. Check Ontario provincial programs (Seniors' Credit, Ontario Renovates)
4. Check utility rebates (Enbridge, Hydro One, your local distributor)
5. Stack every qualifying program — these don't generally cancel each other out
6. Keep all receipts, contractor information, and product spec sheets

Summary: Top Ontario Renovation Incentives

• Seniors' Home Safety Tax Credit: up to $2,500 (refundable)
• Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit: up to $7,500 (federal)
• Ontario Renovates forgivable loans: up to $15,000
• Enbridge rebates: up to $5,000+
• Canada Greener Homes Loan: up to $40,000 at 0%