Montréal Renovation Grants - What Programs to Choose From?

In Montréal, residential construction and renovation is a hot topic; one that's full of challenges as the city is lacking housing and the current real estate market features many units in dire need of renovation. Many homeowners and building owners are finding themselves needing to renovate their homes, yet are held back by financial limitations. Luckily, there are grant programs, offered by the city of Montréal, established for residential construction and renovation projects. 

• What grants are currently available in Montréal?

• Are there grants available from a different source?

• How can homeowners receive a home renovation grant?

These are just some of the questions answered in this article.

Which House Renovation Grants Are Offered by the City of Montréal?

A portion of the city’s budget is redistributed to citizens through subsidy or grant programs aimed at construction and renovation projects. The funding is yours if your home improvement project meets all eligibility criteria. Let’s take a look at the different funding made available at the moment.

Note: City-offered grants vary year-to-year while others run their course once the funds are allocated, and won’t be available until the next fiscal year (if renewed). Carefully review the funding details, such as the eligibility period and qualifying work, and hang on to your receipts (costs of professional services) and contracts as proof.

Heritage Home Renovation Grants

Montréal is filled with stunning heritage buildings, such as Beaux-Arts, Second Empire, and Victorian residences. However, these buildings were once demolished in droves and replaced by more utilitarian buildings.

And yet, thanks to committed activists who saw great value in a city’s heritage, several buildings were spared in the process. But now, we’re stuck having to maintain such precious architectural gems! To do so, renovation subsidies and tax credits, such as the Support program for the restoration and renovation of heritage buildings, are made available to eligible homeowners. 

RénoPlex Program (Single-Family Homes, Buildings with Less Than 6 Units)

Montréal is known for its single-family homes and small residential buildings (plexes), especially those in family-friendly boroughs. As such, a program was put together, tailored to such properties that were often built several decades ago.

This program is made available to homeowners and building owners with five or fewer units. The funding varies depending on the building type and the applicant (homeowners, non-profit organization, co-op), but one thing can’t be denied, the funding is rather generous. 

Qualifying individuals can request funding to strengthen their homes against flooding, update their heating system, replace lead pipes, or replace/restore brick cladding.

Check out this article about this recently upgraded program:

• RénoPlex - Grants and Funding for Small Buildings in Montréal

Affordable Housing Renovation Program (Buildings with 6 or More Units)

We must think acutely about urban development given the rate at which the city’s population is growing. Residential buildings are all the more prevalent, and since they’re massive, upkeep is expensive, hence the importance of financially assisting homeowners.

The Affordable Housing Renovation Program was specifically designed to support renovation projects that enhance building longevity, improve occupants' quality of life, and boost energy efficiency. Below is a partial list of qualifying work for both interior and exterior renovations:

• HVAC systems

• Electrical

• Plumbing

• Foundation

• Doors

• Windows

• Roofing

Find more detailed information on the city of Montréal webpage.

Other Programs Offfered by Montréal

Along with the programs detailed above, there are other financial incentives established to help offset some of the expenses associated with your home. See the following:

Equipment Repairs Under the HAP

Have you benefited from the Home Adaptation Program (HAP) for your needs or that of a relative living with you? Note that the city of Montréal offers financial support to cover the costs of repairing equipment covered under the HAP. Qualifying repairs include lifts, access ramps, and automatic door openers.

Home Purchase Assistance Program

Thinking about buying a property in Montréal? The city created the Home Purchase Assistance Program to help you. This subsidy is designed for both new homeowners and current homeowners, under specific terms and conditions. 

How to Submit a Subsidy Request with the City of Montréal

First, carefully read over the program details. Do you meet the eligibility period, required amounts, and qualifying work? Once you’ve read over everything and are sure your project will be covered by the subsidy in question, you can jumpstart the process.

Most subsidy request forms can now be submitted via an online platform. To ensure your application form is approved, make sure to gather and submit all the necessary paperwork. The latter often includes the property title, photos, receipts, and official contracts with contractors. For tax credits, you can do so directly through your personal income tax return.

Still in doubt? Feel free to call 3-1-1 or contact Montréal’s housing services (Service de l’habitation), for answers to your questions.

Are You Eligible for Other Home Improvement Financial Assistance?

Besides the funding offered by the city of Montréal, other programs are made available by the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada. You may also qualify for other funding if the project in order meets other program-specific criteria.

What Are the Other Renovation Grants Available in Quebec?

Rénoclimat

The Rénoclimat program was designed to offer residents of Quebec the possibility of improving their home's energy efficiency.

Qualifying work: 

• Improving insulation

• Improving the home’s air sealing

• Updating doors and windows for energy-efficient designs

• Installing or replacing mechanical systems: heat recovery ventilator, drain water heat recovery system

Energy Rebate Program: LogisVert Program (Heat Pumps & Energy Efficiency)

This program was initiated by Hydro-Québec, funding the purchase of energy-efficient residential devices, such as:

• Installing an energy-efficient heat pump

• Induction range

• Heat pump dryer

• Pool pump and solar heating system

• Improving roof insulation and caulking work

For subsidy-specific details, see:

What Exactly Is the LogisVert Subsidy? 

Chauffez Vert

Is your home fitted with an oil-fired furnace or boiler? Maybe an upgrade is in the books! The Chauffez vert program could help you by covering your expenses.

Home Adaptation Program (HAP)

There is funding available to reduce the costs of adapting your home to suit the needs of an individual with reduced mobility. You can receive financial support toward installing structures and devices serving to facilitate their comings and goings, streamlining equipment use.  

Check out our article:

• Adapting and Renovating a Home for the Elderly

Partial GST and QST Rebate

If you’re planning large-scale or total property renovations, you may qualify for a partial GST and QST rebate that you already paid during the course of your project. To qualify, hang on to all your renovation-related receipts to provide details in your request application form.

On a Federal Level: Canada Greener Homes Loan

The federal government also offers financial incentives to promote residential building renovations.

Are you dreaming of a more eco-friendly home? The Government of Canada now offers loans allowing you to undertake such projects. This unsecured personal loan is interest-free for 10 years, and should you qualify, you could have access to between $5,000 to $40,000.  

Retrofit examples: 

• Improving insulation

• Improving air sealing

• Windows and doors

• Heating system

• Smart thermostats

• Renewable energy

• Water heater

Here’s everything to know about this program: 

• Canada Greener Homes Loan initiative

FAQ About Home Renovation Funding

How can I apply for home renovation funding?

All subsidy programs are unique, featuring specific terms and conditions. Carefully read over program descriptions that appeal to you and follow the steps as detailed. To give you a general idea, here’s how the process usually unfolds:

• Check eligibility criteria

• Submit an application form paired with the required paperwork

• Wait for assessment by the organization or government authority

• Learn the outcome

• Receive funds, if your request was granted

In some cases, the subsidy will only be paid out at the end of the project, but sometimes the funds are available before that. It hinges on the program's specificities. 

Is there reroofing financial assistance in Quebec?

The options certainly aren’t lacking if you’re looking for financial assistance to fund your roof renovation (flat roof, sloped roof, green roof): RénoPlex, RénoClimat, and if you own a heritage home, the Support program for the restoration and renovation of heritage buildings. Choose the one that best suits your project, as you can’t claim the same expenses twice.

What subsidy is best for replacing windows?

In Montréal, you can receive financial assistance through the RénoPlex Program. The RénoClimat subsidy also offers funding for replacing windows. Once again, follow all program terms and conditions to the letter to ensure at least one of your requests is granted.

Are there green renovation subsidies?

Yes. Several subsidies were established for green-related renovations specifically. Said programs are designed to improve home energy efficiency, favouring eco-friendly, sustainable materials and devices.

For more information: 

• 5 Financial Aid Programs for a Greener Home

How can I finance my renovations?

Grants, tax credits, funding… When undertaking renovations, financial assistance is always welcomed since it can alleviate some of the financial burden that comes with home improvement projects that have a genuine impact on your day-to-day life.

Besides the funding provided by the different levels of government, there are also tax credits and financial solutions designed to help homeowners undertake renovation projects.

How to apply for a window rebate in Ontario?

The province of Ontario, just like Quebec, is supported by the Canada Greener Homes Grants, which offers Canadian residents funding for green-related home improvements, whether these include window replacements or others. Carefully read over the program criteria to determine your eligibility, submit an application form, and wait for approval.