Ontario Renovates up to $20,000 in Ottawa funding.

In Ottawa, the homeowner program offers up to $20,000 in combined financial assistance: a 10-year forgivable loan of up to $15,000 for essential home repairs and/or accessibility modifications, PLUS a grant of up to $5,000 specifically for accessibility modifications. The grant portion does not need to be repaid. The loan is forgiven if you own and live in the home for 10 years after the work is completed. Funding covers the scope the City approves, up to these limits.

A forgivable loan is technically a loan, but it does not need to be repaid as long as you continue to own and live in the home for the full 10-year forgiveness period. Each year you remain in the home, 10 percent of the loan is forgiven. If you sell the home before 10 years, you repay the remaining balance.

You must own a home in Ottawa as your sole and principal residence, with property taxes, mortgage and home insurance up to date. You must be 65 or older, have a disability, or live with a senior or a person with a disability. The home's assessed value must be at or under $670,908. Total gross household income must be at or under the City's limit: $40,000 for 1 person, $53,400 for 2, $65,400 for 3, $78,400 for 4, $88,400 for 5, $99,350 for 6 and $109,000 for 7 or more. The City also reviews liquid assets for all household members, and accessibility work must be reasonably related to a household member's disability.

For the forgivable loan: essential health and safety repairs including roof, furnace, plumbing, electrical, structural issues, and accessibility modifications. For the grant portion: strictly accessibility modifications, walk-in showers, grab bars, ramps, stair lifts, doorway widening, and similar items that support independent living. Cosmetic renovations, landscaping, and non-essential upgrades do not qualify.

Applications are submitted to the City of Ottawa's Housing Services department. You will need: proof of ownership, government-issued ID, most recent Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment, proof of home insurance, confirmation of liquid assets, and two work estimates after a City of Ottawa home inspection. Contact the City of Ottawa at 613-580-2424 ext. 12300 or ontariorenovates@ottawa.ca for the current application package. Funding is limited and first come, first served, with the current intake open until March 31, 2027.

Timing depends on application volume and the City's home visit. Work can't begin until you have written approval. Contact us early so the approval is in place before you need the work done.

Yes. Federal tax credits like the HATC are not reduced by Ontario Renovates funding. The MHRTC can't be claimed on costs Ontario Renovates paid. Ontario Renovates and HVMP can't fund the same item, and HVMP expects other available funding to be used first.