If you planned to use the Canada Greener Homes Grant, you have likely heard it is closed to new applicants. That is frustrating when you want to cut energy bills or prep your home for the market. In this guide, you will find what the closure means in Niagara Falls, the deadline if you already applied, and the best rebates and financing options you can still use. Let’s dive in.
What changed and why it matters
The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant is closed to new applicants. You can confirm current status on the official program page from Natural Resources Canada. See NRCan’s grant status page.
If you already applied, you still have time to finish. NRCan states that existing applicants must complete retrofits, book the post retrofit EnerGuide evaluation, and submit their grant request by December 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Review NRCan’s important deadline notice.
The Canada Greener Homes Loan intake also closed. NRCan indicates the last day to apply was October 1, 2025 on the same status page linked above.
Already applied? Do this now
- Confirm your application status in the Greener Homes portal and note whether your file is in the national system or a provincial co delivery stream. Check NRCan’s program page.
- Complete and pay for all eligible retrofits before the deadline, then request payment. Follow NRCan’s deadline steps.
- Book your post retrofit EnerGuide evaluation early. Reports take time to process, and they are required for payment. NRCan explains the retrofit and evaluation process.
- Keep dated invoices and receipts, and make sure work matches your energy advisor’s recommended measures.
- Watch for scams. Program operators in Ontario warn they do not solicit door to door. Use official registries and contact the program if you are unsure.
Did not apply? Your best rebate options
Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program
This provincial program from Save on Energy and Enbridge Gas supports energy upgrades across Ontario, including Niagara Falls. It offers rebates for assessments, bundled upgrades like insulation and air sealing, windows and doors, heat pumps, solar, and more. Start with the program’s help and support page.
Typical offers can include a $600 home energy assessment, per opening rebates for windows and doors, and significant incentives for cold climate heat pumps. Some paths reward bundling two or more upgrades, and some single measures do not require an assessment. Exact amounts and eligibility vary, so check the portal for current details.
Eligibility can depend on your home’s heating fuel and your utility. The program advises you to verify contractors and avoid unsolicited sales calls.
Enbridge Gas customer notes
If you heat with Enbridge Gas, review their customer guidance and legacy program updates. Enbridge is a delivery partner in the provincial program and posts details for Enbridge customers. See Enbridge’s program page.
Niagara Region supports for modest incomes
Niagara Renovates is a regional program that offers forgivable loans for essential repairs and accessibility work and may include energy saving items. As of 2025, applications are paused and may reopen pending budget. Check the Region for current availability. See Niagara Renovates.
Federal programs still running
- CMHC Eco Plus mortgage insurance refund. If you buy or renovate to certain energy standards with an insured mortgage, you may qualify for a partial premium refund. Learn about CMHC Eco Plus.
- Targeted federal offers. NRCan continues to deliver programs such as the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program and is developing affordability supports for lower to median income households. Check NRCan’s initiative overview.
Financing your upgrades without the federal loan
With the Canada Greener Homes Loan intake closed, compare other paths:
- Green mortgage products or a mortgage top up through your lender
- CMHC Eco Plus premium refund if your mortgage is insured and you meet criteria
- Contractor or vendor financing with a clear view of total costs
- Municipal or regional low interest or forgivable loans when available
- Provincial rebates that reduce upfront costs
Always compare interest rates, terms, and total cost, and confirm availability with your lender.
What to upgrade first in Niagara Falls homes
High impact improvements
- Insulation and air sealing in the attic and walls. These often deliver strong savings and comfort gains. NRCan outlines the retrofit process.
- Selective window and door replacements with efficient products to reduce drafts and improve comfort.
- A cold climate air source heat pump where feasible, especially if you heat with electric resistance, oil, or propane. The provincial program supports heat pumps. Review Home Renovation Savings details.
- Heat pump water heaters and smart thermostats for quick, steady savings.
- Solar PV and battery storage if your site is suitable and you want to manage bills or improve resilience.
Plan your project
- Start with a professional assessment if your rebate path requires or rewards it.
- On a tight budget, prioritize the building envelope first, then upgrade equipment.
- Bundle two or more eligible measures when possible to increase rebates.
- Get multiple quotes and use registered contractors listed by the program.
Consumer protection checklist
- Verify the contractor and any energy advisor with the program’s official registries before signing.
- Be cautious of unsolicited door to door or phone sales. Program operators state they do not solicit this way.
- Get written quotes that list scope, model numbers, and timelines. Keep all invoices and receipts.
- Hold back final payment until you pass any required post retrofit evaluation and confirm your rebate submission.
The bottom line for Niagara Falls homeowners
The Greener Homes Grant is closed to new applicants, but you still have solid options. Prioritize the deadline if you already applied, then pivot to Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings, Enbridge resources, Niagara Region supports, and financing tools like CMHC Eco Plus. Make a simple plan, get quotes, and use registered pros so your upgrades add comfort, cut costs, and strengthen resale appeal.
Thinking about which improvements add value for your specific neighborhood or investment goals along the Niagara corridor? Reach out to Joe Callari for local, practical guidance that connects your upgrade plan to your real estate strategy.
FAQs
Can I still apply for the Canada Greener Homes Grant in Niagara Falls?
- No. The grant is closed to new applicants, and only existing applicants can finish their files by the published NRCan deadline.
What is the deadline if I already applied to Greener Homes?
- NRCan states you must complete eligible work, get the post retrofit EnerGuide evaluation, and request payment by December 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
What programs replace Greener Homes for Niagara Falls homeowners?
- Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings Program, Enbridge customer rebates and guidance, Niagara Renovates for eligible households, and federal options like CMHC Eco Plus are the main alternatives.
Is financing available now that the federal loan portal is closed?
- Yes. Consider lender green mortgages or a top up, CMHC Eco Plus if your mortgage is insured, contractor financing, or local low interest programs when available, and compare total costs.
Which upgrades usually deliver the biggest impact locally?
- Start with insulation and air sealing, then look at a cold climate heat pump, targeted window and door replacements, a heat pump water heater, smart thermostats, and solar if your site is suitable.
