Ontario Renovates - Secondary Suite Program

• Completed application form
• Proof of property zoning for secondary suites
• Photo identification for each owner
• Proof of Canadian status and age for each owner
• Latest property tax bill or property assessment notice

Who is eligible?

• Homeowners in Waterloo Region
• Households creating or legalizing a secondary suite
• Owners of single-family homes used as a principal residence

Who is not eligible

• Owners of more than one property or partial ownership in another property
• Households in active bankruptcy proceedings
• Homes that are not zoned for secondary suites
• Applicants who previously received a loan under the Region’s Affordable Home Ownership Program

Eligible expenses

• Construction, repair, or rehabilitation work for a new or legal secondary suite
• Accessibility modifications such as ramps, handrails, lifts, and bathroom changes
• Labour, applicable taxes, permits, inspections, appraisal fees, legal fees up to $850, and related reasonable costs

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Work completed before approval
• Landscaping, routine maintenance, and cosmetic renovations
• Supportive care or equipment for therapeutic purposes
• Work not directly related to creating a legal secondary suite or ensuring safe occupancy and accessibility
• Construction without area municipal approval

Eligible geographic areas

• Waterloo Region
• Wellesley Township
• Wilmot Township

• Eligibility of the household and property
• Compliance with zoning, building, and program rules
• Affordability of rent and tenant income
• Review of contractor quotations and approved scope of work

• Step 1: Confirm zoning and prepare the application
  • Contact the municipal planning department to confirm the property is zoned for secondary suites.
  • Complete the application form and gather required supporting documents.
• Step 2: Submit the application
  • Send the completed application by mail, fax, email, or drop it off at the Region of Waterloo office.
• Step 3: Program review and conditional approval
  • The Region reviews the application for eligibility.
  • If eligible, the Region issues a Conditional Letter of Commitment.
• Step 4: Permits, quotes, and final approval
  • Obtain the required building permits and drawings.
  • Submit at least three contractor quotations for review.
  • Sign the loan agreement and related security documents once approved.
• Step 5: Complete the work and receive payment
  • Start work within the required timeline.
  • Submit invoices and the occupancy permit after completion.
  • The Region verifies completion and arranges payment.

• Application is reviewed for eligibility by the Region of Waterloo
• If eligible, the project may receive conditional approval and a commitment letter
• Final approval requires contractor quotations, permits, and a loan agreement
• Approved work is inspected before funds are paid
• Annual compliance verification is required during the loan period

• Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, subject to annual funding availability.
• Eligible households may be placed on a waitlist if annual funds are exhausted.
• Applicants should read the fact sheet for full eligibility details.
• The program is delivered by the Region of Waterloo on behalf of the federal and provincial governments.