Renovation rebates and incentives can offset 5-20% of an Ottawa renovation project — but only if you know about them, apply correctly, and meet timing requirements. This 2026 guide consolidates every active rebate and incentive program for Ottawa homeowners, with eligibility, dollar amounts, application processes, and the critical timing deadlines that catch most applicants off guard.
**What it covers:** Heat pumps, insulation, windows, doors, air sealing, solar PV, thermal solar, smart thermostats. **Maximum rebate:** Up to $5,000 per household (varies by retrofit). **Eligibility:** Owner-occupied primary residence, pre-retrofit energy audit, install within 18 months, post-retrofit audit. **Key 2026 update:** Program continues but with revised eligibility — confirm current rules at natural-resources.canada.ca before starting. Pre-audit cost $400-$700, post-audit $300-$500, b...
**Cold-climate heat pump (qualifying):** Up to $5,000. **Air-source heat pump water heater:** Up to $1,000. **Attic insulation to R-60:** Up to $1,500. **Exterior wall insulation:** Up to $4,000. **Basement insulation:** Up to $1,000. **Air sealing:** Up to $1,000. **Windows (Energy Star Zone C):** $250/window, max $5,000. **Doors:** $250/door, max $1,000. **Smart thermostat:** $100. Most projects combine 2-4 measures for cumulative rebates of $2,000-$8,000.
**Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+):** Up to $10,000 for combined upgrades including high-efficiency furnace ($2,000-$3,000), attic insulation, exterior wall insulation, windows. **Furnace-only rebate:** $500-$1,000 for ENERGY STAR-certified equipment. **Requires:** Pre-retrofit energy audit, install within 12 months, post-retrofit audit. Often stacks with Canada Greener Homes for larger total rebates. Check enbridgegas.com for current program details.
**What it is:** CMHC mortgage insurance program offering preferred financing rates for projects that add 1+ rental units, improve energy efficiency 25%+, or improve accessibility. **Benefits:** Lower CMHC insurance premium (up to 0.5% rate reduction), longer amortization (up to 50 years for select projects), 95% LTV financing on construction loans. **Most common Ottawa use:** Basement secondary dwelling unit conversions ($90K-$175K) financed through MLI Select at favorable terms.
**Property Tax Deferral for Seniors and Low-Income Homeowners:** Property tax deferral for qualifying renovation costs that improve accessibility or energy efficiency. **Better Homes Ottawa:** Periodic municipal incentive programs for fuel switching (gas to electric heat pump). Check ottawa.ca for current program status — programs cycle on/off based on budget cycles.
**Hydro Ottawa SaveOnEnergy:** Periodic rebates for electric heat pump water heaters, smart thermostats, induction cooktops. Programs change annually — check saveonenergy.ca. **Federal Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC):** Up to $7,500 (15% of $50,000) for qualifying secondary dwelling unit construction supporting seniors or adults with disabilities. Claimed on personal tax return — check current 2026 eligibility rules.
Yes — Canada Greener Homes continues with revised eligibility. Enbridge HER+ continues. CMHC MLI Select continues. Specific City of Ottawa programs cycle on/off. Always check program websites for current intake status before starting work.
You can apply yourself, but most homeowners use their contractor or energy advisor to manage the application process. Cost: $300-$700 contractor admin fee typical. Worth it to avoid disqualifying mistakes that lose the entire rebate.
Canada Greener Homes: 4-12 weeks after post-audit submission. Enbridge HER+: 6-10 weeks. CMHC MLI Select benefits applied at mortgage closing. Plan cash flow assuming you'll pay full project cost upfront and receive rebates 2-4 months later.
Yes for most programs — Canada Greener Homes stacks with Enbridge HER+ stacks with provincial credits stacks with federal MHRTC. Some restrictions apply for the same dollar (you can't double-claim the same expense across two programs).
Programs are continually announced and adjusted. Subscribe to natural-resources.canada.ca and ottawa.ca update notifications. Local Ottawa contractor associations (GoHBA) also distribute rebate updates to members and customers.