Better Homes Ottawa

• Low-interest loans available up to the lesser of $125,000 or 10% of the current value of the home, with a minimum loan amount of $10,000.
• Standard loan terms are 20 years at a 4.33% interest rate.
• 0% interest loans for 20 years are available to households meeting specified income thresholds or offering affordable rental units.
• Up to 30% of the total loan amount can be used for the addition of secondary dwellings, such as granny suites or basement apartments.

• The applicant must own a detached, semi-detached, townhouse, or 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.
• All payment obligations to the City of Ottawa for the past five years (including property tax and utility bills) must be in good standing or a suitable credit check must be provided.
• The mortgage lender must not prohibit participation in the program.
• All registered owners of the property must provide signed consent to participate in the program.

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.

• 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.