Ontario

Waterloo

Ontario Renovates Program

Easy application

Need you to file taxes and apply separately

Ontario Renovates is part of the Investment in Affordable Housing for Ontario program and is being delivered by the Region of Waterloo on behalf of the Federal and Provincial governments.

The program has limited funding available to assist qualified low to moderate-income households by providing funds to do home repairs and home modifications for persons with disabilities.

While the Region accepts applications on an ongoing basis, funding for 2025 will be available starting April 1, 2025.

Households must apply before December 1, 2025, to participate in the 2025 Ontario Renovates program and, if eligible, will be placed on the Ontario Renovates List on a first come first serve basis. Eligible households will be contacted by phone to set up a home inspection.

If you have an emergency concerns (i.e. Heating issues, urgent plumbing leak) please call 519-575-4400.

There is a maximum of $25,000 per dwelling for homeowner repairs as a fully forgivable loan and/or up to $25,000 for eligible accessibility modifications for persons with disabilities.

To qualify for this program:

  • You must own a home in Waterloo Region as your sole and principal residence (cannot own other property; including a cottage or have partial ownership of a property) with a maximum value of $505,469.
  • Your property taxes and mortgage payments must be up to date
  • You must have insurance coverage in place for the full value of the home
  • Repairs to the home are required to bring it to acceptable standards and/or increase accessibility to the home through modifications and adaptations
  • You must not be in the process of applying for bankruptcy or have an active bankruptcy file
  • The total gross income of all household members (including those with disabilities) must be at or below the following amounts based on family size, or the household receives Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program financial support as the households’ sole source of income.
  • If applicable, for households with disabled members, you can deduct the applicable Canada Revenue Agency (C.R.A.) tax credit for Persons with Disabilities, for the previous year (line 316 or 318)

Proof of birth

A document with first name, last name, and date of birth. For example:

  • Birth certificate or birth registration
  • Hospital record of birth or record of the physician/nurse/midwife who attended the birth
  • Passport
  • Record of landing or confirmation of permanent residence issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
  • Citizenship certificate
  • Note of decision or temporary resident’s permit issued under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
  • Certificate of Indian status card
  • Provincial identity card

Proof of legal status

A document showing citizenship or immigration status in Canada. For example:

  • citizenship certificate
  • confirmation document
  • record of landing, confirmation of permanent residence;
    • permanent resident card
    • visitor record
    • temporary resident permit
    • study permit
  • positive notice of decision
  • verification of status document
  • registration date with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
  • passport
  • foreign passport

Record of Employment

This is an official form, filled out by your employer, that says how long you worked and how much you earned when you worked for that employer. When you leave your job for whatever reason, your employer must give you a Record of Employment within 5 days after your last day of employment.

Photo ID

For example:

  • driver’s license
  • passport
  • other government-issued photo ID, such as a non-driver photo ID (Saskatchewan), British Columbia Services Card, Ontario photo card, General identification card (Nunavut), Voluntary ID (PEI), etc.

Proof of housing situation

For example:

  • letter from landlord about your housing situation
  • eviction notice
  • disconnection notice
  • police report about an incident involving your housing
  • moving company quote or invoice
  • list of repairs needed in home
  • list of expenses for renovations needed for independence in the home
  • proof of home ownership (mortgage, property ownership)

Notice of Assessment

A statement from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to each taxpayer, every year, after you have filed a tax return. It tells you the amount of income tax you owe, or the amount of the refund you will get.

To apply:

  • You can print an application from the Region website (www.regionofwaterloo.ca)

  • You can also call the Region at 519-575-4821 or e-mail Ontario Renovates ([email protected]) and ask for the application package be sent to you by email, fax or mail.

  • Drop off, mail, email or fax your completed application to:

    Region of Waterloo, Housing Division
    Attn: Affordable Home Ownership Program
    99 Regina Street, South,
    4th Floor, Waterloo,
    ON
    N2J 4V6

    Fax: 519-575-4026
    Ontario Renovates E-mail ([email protected])

Please Note: Deadline to submit application is December 1, 2025

Last updated: January 24, 2025