If you are planning a home renovation in Winnipeg or anywhere in Manitoba, there is a good chance you are leaving money on the table. Between provincial utility rebates, federal grant programs, and tax credits, Manitoba homeowners can recover thousands of dollars on qualifying renovation work. The challenge is knowing which programs exist, what they cover, and how to apply.
This guide covers every major grant, rebate, and tax credit available to Manitoba homeowners in 2026. We update this article as programs change, so bookmark it for reference.
Summary of Available Programs
| Program | Type | Maximum Value | What It Covers | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manitoba Hydro Home Energy Efficiency Loans | Low-interest loan | Up to $7,500 | Insulation, windows, heating systems | Manitoba Hydro residential customers |
| Manitoba Hydro Rebates | Cash rebate | Varies ($50–$2,500+) | Insulation, air sealing, heating, windows | Manitoba Hydro customers |
| Canada Greener Homes Grant | Federal grant | Up to $5,000 | Energy-efficient upgrades | Canadian homeowners (pre/post audit required) |
| Canada Greener Homes Loan | Interest-free loan | Up to $40,000 | Deep energy retrofits | Canadian homeowners |
| GST/HST New Housing Rebate | Tax rebate | Up to $6,300 (federal portion) | Substantial renovations (90%+ of interior) | Homeowners completing major renovations |
| Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC) | Federal tax credit | Up to $3,000 (15% of $20,000) | Accessibility improvements | Seniors (65+) or persons with disabilities |
| Manitoba Education Property Tax Credit | Provincial tax credit | Up to $700 | Property taxes (general) | All Manitoba homeowners and renters |
| Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit | Federal tax credit | Up to $7,500 (15% of $50,000) | Adding a secondary suite for senior/disabled family | Families adding a qualifying secondary unit |
Manitoba Hydro Rebates and Loans
Manitoba Hydro offers the most accessible and widely used incentive programs for Winnipeg homeowners. These are not income-tested — any residential Manitoba Hydro customer can apply.
Home Energy Efficiency Loan
Manitoba Hydro provides low-interest financing of up to $7,500 for qualifying energy efficiency upgrades. The loan is repaid through your monthly hydro bill over up to five years, making it budget-friendly. Qualifying improvements include:
- Attic, wall, and basement insulation upgrades
- High-efficiency windows and doors
- High-efficiency natural gas furnaces
- Air sealing and weather stripping
Insulation Rebates
Manitoba Hydro offers direct cash rebates for insulation upgrades:
- Attic insulation — rebates based on the area insulated, typically $0.50–$1.00 per square foot for top-ups to R-50 or higher
- Wall insulation — rebates for adding insulation to uninsulated exterior walls in older homes
- Basement insulation — rebates for insulating basement walls, which is particularly valuable in Winnipeg where basement finishing projects are common
A pre-upgrade home energy audit is typically required. Manitoba Hydro can arrange this for a nominal fee (around $150), and the cost is often refunded if you complete the recommended upgrades.
Window and Door Rebates
Replacing old single-pane or double-pane windows with ENERGY STAR certified triple-pane windows can qualify for Manitoba Hydro rebates. Given Winnipeg’s extreme winter temperatures — regularly dropping to −30°C and below — window upgrades deliver substantial energy savings and comfort improvements. Rebates vary by window type and performance rating.
Canada Greener Homes Grant
The federal Greener Homes Grant provides up to $5,000 for energy-efficient home improvements. The program requires a two-step process:
- Pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation — a certified energy advisor assesses your home and identifies eligible upgrades. Cost: $150–$600 (partially reimbursed).
- Complete qualifying upgrades — choose from the recommended improvements, have them professionally installed, and keep all receipts.
- Post-retrofit evaluation — the energy advisor returns to verify the upgrades and measure the improvement.
- Submit your application — receive your grant payment based on the upgrades completed.
Qualifying Upgrades and Grant Amounts
| Upgrade | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| Attic insulation | Up to $1,800 |
| Basement/crawlspace insulation | Up to $1,800 |
| Wall insulation (exterior) | Up to $1,800 |
| Air sealing | Up to $1,000 |
| Windows and doors | Up to $250 per unit (max varies) |
| Heat pump (air source) | Up to $5,000 |
| Heat pump (ground source) | Up to $5,000 |
| Solar panels | Up to $5,000 |
Important: The Canada Greener Homes Grant can be combined with Manitoba Hydro rebates. This means you can receive both provincial and federal incentives for the same upgrade, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket cost.
Canada Greener Homes Loan
For homeowners planning larger energy retrofits, the federal government offers interest-free loans of up to $40,000 with repayment terms of up to 10 years. This program is designed for deeper retrofits — such as complete insulation overhauls, heating system replacements, or combined upgrade packages. The loan process follows the same EnerGuide evaluation steps as the grant program.
GST/HST New Housing Rebate on Substantial Renovations
If your renovation qualifies as a “substantial renovation” under CRA guidelines, you may be eligible for a GST rebate worth up to $6,300 on the federal portion. In Manitoba (where GST is 5% and PST is 7%, charged separately), this applies to the GST component.
What Qualifies as a Substantial Renovation?
The CRA defines a substantial renovation as one where “all or substantially all” (generally 90% or more) of the interior of the building has been removed or replaced. This means:
- A kitchen-only or bathroom-only renovation does not qualify
- A full gut renovation of an entire home does qualify
- Adding a new floor or major addition may qualify
The rebate is 36% of the GST paid, up to a maximum purchase price of $350,000. For a $200,000 renovation, this could mean a rebate of approximately $3,600. Consult a tax professional to confirm your project qualifies before relying on this rebate in your budget.
Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)
The HATC is a non-refundable federal tax credit designed to help seniors and persons with disabilities make their homes more accessible. It provides a 15% tax credit on up to $20,000 in eligible expenses per year, for a maximum credit of $3,000.
Eligible Improvements Include:
- Walk-in bathtubs or roll-in showers
- Grab bars and handrails
- Wheelchair ramps
- Widening doorways and hallways
- Lowering kitchen counters and cabinets for wheelchair access
- Stair lifts or elevators
- Non-slip flooring
- Hands-free faucets and motion-sensor lighting
This credit is available to individuals who are 65 or older at the end of the tax year, or who qualify for the disability tax credit. A supporting family member can also claim the credit on their behalf.
Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit
Introduced in 2023, this federal tax credit supports families building a secondary suite within their home for a senior parent or grandparent (65+) or a family member with a disability. The credit is 15% of up to $50,000 in eligible renovation costs, providing a maximum tax credit of $7,500.
The secondary suite must be a self-contained living unit with a private entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. Common projects that qualify include:
- Converting a basement into an in-law suite
- Building an addition with a separate entrance
- Renovating a garage into a living space
This credit is especially relevant in Winnipeg, where multigenerational housing is increasingly popular and basement conversions are one of the most common renovation projects.
Manitoba Education Property Tax Credit
While not a renovation-specific program, every Manitoba homeowner should ensure they are claiming the Education Property Tax Credit on their annual tax return. This credit provides up to $700 to offset the education portion of property taxes. For seniors (55+), the credit can be even higher. It is claimed annually on your Manitoba income tax return (Form MB479).
How to Maximize Your Savings
The key to getting the most from these programs is stacking — applying for multiple incentives that cover different aspects of the same renovation. Here is an example:
A Winnipeg homeowner finishing their basement with new insulation, windows, and a secondary suite for an aging parent could potentially claim:
- Manitoba Hydro insulation rebate — $500–$1,500
- Canada Greener Homes Grant for insulation and windows — up to $3,600
- Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit — up to $7,500
- Home Accessibility Tax Credit (if applicable) — up to $3,000
That is potentially $15,600 or more in combined savings on a single project.
Important Tips
- Apply before you start work — most programs require pre-approval or a pre-renovation energy audit. Starting work before applying can disqualify you.
- Keep every receipt — you will need detailed receipts and invoices for all claims. Ensure they show the contractor’s name, business number, description of work, and amount paid.
- Use licensed contractors — some programs require that work be completed by licensed, insured professionals. DIY work often does not qualify.
- Check program status — federal programs can change with each federal budget. Verify current eligibility at canada.ca before planning around specific grant amounts.
- Consult a tax professional — for the GST rebate and tax credits, a qualified accountant can confirm your eligibility and ensure you claim the maximum amount.
Need Help Planning Your Renovation?
We help Winnipeg homeowners navigate these programs every day. When you contact us for a renovation quote, we can identify which grants and rebates your specific project may qualify for and help you coordinate the application process with your renovation timeline. The money is there — you just have to know where to look.