Open
Source verified March 4, 2026
Toronto — Capacity Buyback Program
Rewards businesses for implementing permanent water-saving measures
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Toronto Capacity Buyback Program offers a one-time cash rebate of up to 30 cents per litre of water saved per average day to industrial, commercial, and institutional organizations that implement permanent water-saving measures. The program aims to encourage water conservation through free water audits and supports upgrades such as cooling towers, boilers, refrigeration, process equipment, and other site-specific water efficiency improvements.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Toronto
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Implementation of permanent water-saving measures in industrial, commercial, or institutional operations.
- Upgrading water efficiency in process equipment, such as cooling towers, boilers, and refrigeration equipment.
- Adoption of site-specific solutions like grey water reuse or rainwater harvesting systems.
- Execution of recommendations identified in professional water audit reports to reduce overall water consumption.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Industrial organizations
- Commercial organizations
- Institutional organizations
Who is not eligible
- Organizations seeking incentives for domestic water fixtures, irrigation systems, or rain barrels, as these upgrades are not eligible for cash incentives under this program.
Eligible expenses
- Upgrades to cooling towers to improve water efficiency.
- Improvements or replacements of boilers for water conservation.
- Enhancements to refrigeration equipment to reduce water use.
- Modifications to food service equipment for water savings.
- Upgrades to process equipment and implementation of site-specific water-saving measures, such as grey water reuse or rainwater harvesting systems.
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies located in the City of Toronto.
How to apply
- Step 1: Express InterestContact the City of Toronto by emailing savewater@toronto.ca or calling 416-392-7000 to express your organization's interest in the Capacity Buyback Program.
- Step 2: Eligibility and Program DiscussionThe City will reach out to discuss your organization's eligibility.
- If eligible, the City will arrange for a professional engineer to conduct a comprehensive walkthrough and review of your water consumption.
- Step 3: Water AuditA professional engineer will visit your organization to perform a detailed water audit.
- The engineer will produce a comprehensive audit report listing potential process or equipment changes and estimated water savings.
- Step 4: Implement Water-Saving MeasuresReview the audit report to determine which recommendations to implement.
- Carry out some or all of the water efficiency measures suggested.
- Contact the City if additional support or discussion regarding the recommendations is required.
- Step 5: Completion and VerificationAfter implementing water-saving measures, complete the Notice of Completion form.
- Email the finished form to savewater@toronto.ca.
- The City will schedule a site visit to verify the water savings achieved.
- If measures are implemented in phases, submit the form after each completed measure.
- Step 6: Receive IncentiveUpon verification, the City will issue a cheque to your organization for up to 30 cents per litre of water saved per average day.
Additional information
- Professional engineering support is provided for the water audit process.
- Participants receive a detailed report outlining potential water-saving measures and estimated savings.
- The program offers both financial incentives and long-term utility cost savings benefits.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Toronto — Capacity Buyback Program Program
What is the Toronto — Capacity Buyback Program?
The Toronto Capacity Buyback Program offers a one-time cash rebate of up to 30 cents per litre of water saved per average day to industrial, commercial, and institutional organizations that implement permanent water-saving measures. The program aims to encourage water conservation through free water audits and supports upgrades such as cooling towers, boilers, refrigeration, process equipment, and other site-specific water efficiency improvements.
Who is eligible for the Toronto — Capacity Buyback Program program?
To be eligible for the Toronto — Capacity Buyback Program program, you must:
Industrial, commercial, or institutional organizations located in Toronto
Must implement permanent water-saving measures
What expenses are eligible under Toronto — Capacity Buyback Program?
Implementation of permanent water-saving measures in industrial, commercial, or institutional operations.
Upgrading water efficiency in process equipment, such as cooling towers, boilers, and refrigeration equipment.
Adoption of site-specific solutions like grey water reuse or rainwater harvesting systems.
Execution of recommendations identified in professional water audit reports to reduce overall water consumption.
Who can I contact for more information about the Toronto — Capacity Buyback Program?
You can contact City of Toronto by email at savewater@toronto.ca or by phone at 416-392-7000.
Where is the Toronto — Capacity Buyback Program available?
The Toronto — Capacity Buyback Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Toronto — Capacity Buyback Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Toronto — Capacity Buyback Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Toronto — Capacity Buyback Program?
Toronto — Capacity Buyback Program is funded by City of Toronto