Closed
Ontario Renovates - Secondary Suite Program
Funding for affordable secondary suites
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 25,000
Timeline
- Closing date : December 1, 2023
Location
Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $25,000 per property to help create or legalize a secondary suite in Waterloo Region. It supports eligible home repairs, accessibility modifications, and related costs for approved projects.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Renovate or expand facilities
- Renovate or adapt facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : December 1, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Real estate and rental and leasing
Location
- Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Create a new secondary suite
- Legalize an existing secondary suite
- Repair or rehabilitate a secondary suite to make it accessible
Documents Needed
- 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
Eligibility
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
Processing and Agreement
- 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
Additional information
- 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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Renovates - Secondary Suite Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ontario Renovates - Secondary Suite Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Ontario Renovates - Secondary Suite Program?
This program provides up to $25,000 per property to help create or legalize a secondary suite in Waterloo Region. It supports eligible home repairs, accessibility modifications, and related costs for approved projects.
How much funding can be received?
Ontario Renovates - Secondary Suite Program Funds up to $25,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Renovates - Secondary Suite Program program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Renovates - Secondary Suite Program program, you must:
Owner-occupied single-family home
Property value within program limit
Home and rent meet program rules
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Renovates - Secondary Suite Program?
Create a new secondary suite
Legalize an existing secondary suite
Repair or rehabilitate a secondary suite to make it accessible
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Renovates - Secondary Suite Program?
You can contact Region of Waterloo by email at OntarioRenovates@regionofwaterloo.ca or by phone at 519-575-4821.
Where is the Ontario Renovates - Secondary Suite Program available?
The Ontario Renovates - Secondary Suite Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Ontario Renovates - Secondary Suite Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ontario Renovates - Secondary Suite Program is a Grant and Funding