Eco-Roof Incentive Program

• Funding of $100 per square metre of vegetated area installed for green roofs, up to a maximum of $100,000 per project.
• Additional Structural Assessment Grant of up to $1,000 per project, covering the cost of structural assessment for existing buildings prior to green roof installation.
• Funding of $5 per square metre for installation of a new membrane cool roof, or $2 per square metre for a cool roof coating over an existing roof, with a maximum of $50,000 per project.

• The project must involve the installation of a green roof or cool roof on a building located in Toronto.
• The applicant's building must be an existing or new residential, industrial, commercial, or institutional structure (with specific limits for new builds based on floor area or unit number).
• Applications must be submitted and approved before any roof work begins.
• The eco-roof system (green or cool roof) must conform to program design and material standards, including minimum performance and coverage requirements.

Who is eligible?

• Residential buildings
• Industrial buildings
• Commercial buildings
• Institutional buildings
• Not-for-profit organizations (for new constructions)
• Toronto School Boards (for new constructions)

Who is not eligible

• Companies that wish to only install flower boxes or planters on roofs, as this does not meet the definition of an admissible ecological roof according to the regulation.
• Projects that have already started or are completed before the approval of the application are not eligible for funding.
• Structural assessments concerning additions unrelated to the green roof (e.g. terrace, pool, furniture) are not eligible for funding specific to the structural assessment.

Eligible expenses

• Installation costs for green roofs, including materials and labour associated with vegetated roof assembly (root-repellent system, drainage, filtering layer, growing medium, plants, and waterproof membrane).
• Installation costs for cool roofs, including materials and labour for a new membrane or a cool roof coating over an existing roof.
• Cost of a structural assessment by a licensed structural engineer (for green roofs on existing buildings), up to a maximum of $1,000.

Eligible geographic areas

• City of Toronto

• Applications are reviewed based on fulfillment of the program's eligibility criteria.
• Project approval is subject to funding availability.
• Applications are evaluated by a Review Committee composed of staff from relevant City of Toronto departments.

• Step 1: Review Program Requirements
  • Examine the eligibility requirements and Terms and Conditions for the Eco-Roof Incentive Program.
  • Determine whether your project qualifies for either the green roof or cool roof incentive.
• Step 2: Consult Professionals and Assess Your Project
  • For green roofs: Contact a Green Roof Professional (GRP) to obtain advice and a quote. (Optional, but recommended.)
  • For cool roofs: Research cool roof materials that meet program specifications and consider obtaining multiple contractor quotes.
  • Assess if a structural assessment is needed (for green roofs on existing buildings) and arrange for a licensed structural engineer if required.
• Step 3: Determine Coverage and Design
  • For green roofs: Use your building's Gross Floor Area (GFA) to establish the required roof coverage minimum.
  • Work with your chosen professional to select appropriate roofing systems and design plans, including plant material and growing medium (for green roofs).
  • Prepare a maintenance plan according to program standards.
• Step 4: Obtain Permits and Documentation
  • Apply for and obtain a building permit if installing a green roof.
  • Gather all required supporting documents:
  • Photo of roof prior to construction (not required for new construction).
  • Roof plan with measurements (total and proposed eco-roof area in m² and percentage coverage).
  • Design details (plant selections, roofing material specs, construction info).
  • Maintenance plan addressing ongoing upkeep.
  • For cool roofs: Obtain manufacturer documentation showing material meets SRI and emissivity requirements.
  • If applying for Structural Assessment Grant (SAG), include the structural assessment report and paid invoice.
• Step 5: Complete and Submit Application
  • Fill out the Eco-Roof Incentive Program online application form.
  • Upload all supporting documents as part of the submission process.
  • The property owner or roofing contractor can complete and submit the application.
• Step 6: Await Project Approval
  • Wait for acknowledgement of your application (within 5 business days).
  • Do not start any roof installation work before official approval.
  • If approved, proceed with installation of the eco-roof.
• Step 7: Complete Construction and Close Permit
  • Complete the installation of the approved eco-roof project.
  • Contact the Building Permit office to arrange inspection and closure of the building permit (for green roofs).
• Step 8: Submit Post-Installation Verification
  • Provide the following to the program staff via ecoroof@toronto.ca:
  • Photos of completed roof.
  • Declaration letter with final eco-roof size, dated and signed by the installer (or property owner for cool roofs).
  • Invoice for the completed installation.
  • Proof of closed building permit (for green roofs).
• Step 9: Sign Verification Documents and Arrange Site Visit
  • Sign and return the verification and direct deposit forms received from the City.
  • If required, book a site visit with Eco-Roof Program staff and ensure safe access to the roof.
• Step 10: Receive Rebate Payment
  • Upon completion of post-installation verification and documentation review, payment is issued by direct deposit to the registered property owner.

• Applications are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis, but must be submitted and approved before starting any roof work.
• Most roofing contractors can submit the application on behalf of the property owner; ask your contractor if they offer this service.
• Rebate payments are issued via direct deposit after project completion and verification of all required documentation.
• Applicants may attend free virtual information sessions to learn more about the program.