Open
Better Homes Ottawa
Offers low-interest, long-term loans for energy-efficient home upgrades
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 10,000 - $ 125,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program offers homeowners in Ottawa low-interest loans of up to $125,000 or 10% of their property value to support energy efficiency and climate resilience upgrades. Eligible activities include improvements such as heat pumps, insulation, solar systems, window and door replacements, and electric vehicle charging stations.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 125,000 $
- Minimum amount : 10,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ottawa
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Energy efficiency retrofits and upgrades for residential properties.
- Installation of air or ground source heat pumps.
- Enhancement of building insulation in basements, attics, and walls.
- Replacement of windows and doors to improve energy performance.
- Integration of solar energy systems and battery storage solutions.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Property owners of detached, semi-detached, townhouse, or multi-unit residential buildings (three stories or less) located within the City of Ottawa
- Property owners offering affordable rental units in Ottawa
Who is not eligible
- Commercial or industrial companies are not eligible, as the program is targeted specifically at residential property owners.
- Properties involved in the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Mortgage Deferral Program or the City of Ottawa’s Tax Deferral Program are excluded.
Eligible expenses
- Installation of geothermal pumps and air-source heat pumps
- Insulation of the basement, attic, and walls
- Air sealing work (weather stripping, caulking, etc.)
- Replacement of windows and doors
- Solar water heating systems
- Installation of photovoltaic solar systems
- Energy storage in batteries
- Installation of level 2 charging stations for electric vehicles
- Residential improvements related to climate change adaptation (e.g.: permeable paving, basement waterproofing)
- Upgrades of electrical panels
- Creation of additional dwellings such as accessory apartments or basements (up to 30% of the total loan amount)
Eligible geographic areas
- Properties located within the City of Ottawa boundaries.
How to apply
1
Complete a pre-retrofit assessment
- Complete a pre-retrofit EnerGuide assessment for your home
- Obtain an NRCan EnerGuide rating and tailored recommendations
2
Submit the application form
- Fill out the Better Homes Ottawa - Loan Program Application Form
3
Obtain Notice to Proceed
- Receive a Notice to Proceed if you meet the eligibility criteria
- Obtain your Better Homes Loan Program File Reference Number
- This review process typically takes 1-2 weeks
4
Apply for rebates and collect estimates
- Apply to other eligible rebate programs if desired
- Get estimates from contractors for your retrofit work
- Only costs after the Notice to Proceed are eligible
5
Submit funding request and agreement
- Submit your Funding Request Form and signed Property Owner Agreement
- Option to request 50% of funds upfront for deposits
- Processing takes 3-5 weeks
6
Complete retrofit project
- Complete the home retrofit project as approved
- Consider using the project management service offered by EnviroCentre (optional, with fees)
7
Complete post-retrofit assessment
- Have a post-retrofit EnerGuide assessment conducted after project completion
- Obtain updated EnerGuide rating for your home
8
Submit completion report
- Submit your Project Completion Report including final project costs
9
Receive final loan disbursement
- The City of Ottawa disburses the remaining loan funds to you
- Final loan disbursement usually takes 3-4 weeks
10
Repay the loan
- Repay the loan over time via your property tax bill
- You may pay off the loan in a lump sum at any time without penalty
Additional information
- The program offers recurring monthly information sessions with City of Ottawa staff to provide updates and answer questions.
- The Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program can be combined with other energy efficiency rebate, incentive, and financing programs such as the Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate and Canada Greener Homes Loan.
- EnviroCentre offers home retrofit project management services for a fee to support applicants during their retrofit process.
- The program features a dedicated heat pump incentive to help reduce upfront costs for eligible participants.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Better Homes Ottawa Program
What is the Better Homes Ottawa?
The Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program offers homeowners in Ottawa low-interest loans of up to $125,000 or 10% of their property value to support energy efficiency and climate resilience upgrades. Eligible activities include improvements such as heat pumps, insulation, solar systems, window and door replacements, and electric vehicle charging stations.
How much funding can be received?
Better Homes Ottawa Funds up to $125,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Better Homes Ottawa program?
To be eligible for the Better Homes Ottawa program, you must:
The property must be a multi-unit residential building of three stories or less within the City of Ottawa.
The property must have a property tax account with the City of Ottawa, with all payment obligations in good standing or provide a credit check if not.
All registered owners must provide signed consent to participate.
What expenses are eligible under Better Homes Ottawa?
Energy efficiency retrofits and upgrades for residential properties.
Installation of air or ground source heat pumps.
Enhancement of building insulation in basements, attics, and walls.
Replacement of windows and doors to improve energy performance.
Integration of solar energy systems and battery storage solutions.
Who can I contact for more information about the Better Homes Ottawa?
You can contact City of Ottawa by email at betterhomes@ottawa.ca.
Where is the Better Homes Ottawa available?
The Better Homes Ottawa program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Better Homes Ottawa a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Better Homes Ottawa is a Loans and Capital investments