Ontario homeowners love saving money and 2026 is one of the strongest years yet for rebates, grants, and tax credits. Whether you’re upgrading your home’s energy efficiency, planning a renovation, or entering the market as a first‑time buyer, there are thousands of dollars available through federal, provincial, and municipal programs.
This guide breaks down every major incentive clearly and accurately, with verified sources and direct links for our Toste & Co readers to be able to take action.
1. Energy Efficiency Rebates (Ontario‑Wide)
Energy upgrades continue to be the most heavily incentivized category in 2026. These programs help homeowners reduce utility bills, improve comfort, and increase property value.
Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP – Ontario’s 2026 Flagship Program)
Ontario’s HRSP replaced several older programs and now offers rebates for heat pumps, insulation, windows, air sealing, solar, and more.
Available rebates include:
- Up to $7,500 for cold‑climate air‑source heat pumps
- Up to $12,000 for ground‑source heat pumps
- Up to $7,700 for insulation upgrades
- $600 toward energy assessments (when completing bundled upgrades)
More information:
Ontario Energy Rebates – https://www.ontario.ca/page/your-energy-rebate-programs
Enbridge Gas Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+)
For Enbridge customers completing eligible upgrades:
- Insulation: up to $3,200
- Exterior wall insulation: up to $4,800
- Air‑source heat pump: up to $4,000
- Smart thermostat: $75–$150
Program details:
Enbridge HER+ – https://www.enbridgegas.com/residential/rebates-energy-conservation/home-efficiency-rebate-plus
Federal Home Retrofit Support Program (HRSP – Federal)
This federal program replaced the Greener Homes Grant and continues to support major energy upgrades.
- Cold‑climate heat pump: up to $8,000
- Ground‑source heat pump: up to $12,000
- Insulation, windows, and smart thermostats also eligible
Federal program info:
Natural Resources Canada – https://natural-resources.canada.ca
2. Renovation Tax Credits (Federal & Provincial)
Tax credits help offset renovation costs, especially for accessibility and multigenerational living.
Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC)
A 15% refundable tax credit on up to $50,000 in eligible renovations to create a secondary suite for a senior or adult with a disability.
Maximum value: $7,500
Details:
Government of Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-credits-deductions
Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)
A 15% credit on up to $20,000 in accessibility renovations.
Maximum value: $3,000
HST New Housing Rebate (Major Renovations)
If a renovation qualifies as “substantial” (generally 90% of the interior replaced), homeowners may recover a portion of the HST.
More info:
CRA HST Rebate – https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/rc4028
3. First‑Time Buyer Incentives (Ontario & Toronto)
First‑time buyers can stack multiple programs for significant savings.
First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
- $40,000 lifetime contribution limit
- Contributions are tax‑deductible; withdrawals for a first home are tax‑free
RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)
- Withdraw up to $60,000 tax‑free per person to purchase a first home
Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund
- Up to $4,000 for eligible first‑time buyers
Toronto Municipal Land Transfer Tax Rebate
Toronto charges its own municipal land transfer tax — but first‑time buyers can receive:
- Up to $4,475
City of Toronto details:
https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/property-taxes-utilities/municipal-land-transfer-tax
First‑Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (Federal)
- $1,500 non‑refundable credit
2026–2027 HST Rebate on New Builds
A temporary federal measure offering up to ~$130,000 on new homes priced up to $1M.
4. Toronto‑Specific Programs (City Programs & Utility Incentives)
Toronto homeowners have access to additional incentives beyond provincial and federal programs.
Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program
- Up to $6,650 for eligible flood‑prevention upgrades
HELP – Home Energy Loan Program
Low‑interest financing for energy upgrades:
- Loans up to $125,000
- Terms up to 20 years
Green & Cool Roof Incentives
- $2–$5/m² for cool roofs
- Up to $100/m² for green roofs
5. How Homeowners Can Maximize Savings in 2026
1. Start with an energy audit
Many rebates require pre‑approval or an audit before work begins.
2. Combine programs strategically
Federal, provincial, and municipal incentives often stack.
3. Keep all documentation
Invoices, model numbers, photos, and contractor details are essential for claims.
4. Toronto homeowners should check city programs separately
Municipal incentives operate independently from provincial rebates.
5. Work with certified contractors
Many programs require licensed installers to qualify.
2026 Is the Best Year to Save Money as an Ontario Homeowner
With stacked rebates, generous tax credits, and city‑specific programs, Ontario homeowners have more opportunities than ever to reduce renovation costs, improve energy efficiency, and make homeownership more affordable. Whether you’re upgrading your home, planning a major renovation, or entering the market for the first time, these incentives can save you thousands — but only if you take advantage of them while they’re active.
Toste & Co clients are encouraged to review eligibility early, plan upgrades strategically, and use this guide as a roadmap to maximize every available dollar in 2026.
