Making your bathroom safe and accessible is important if you are a senior or living with a disability. The cost of any bathroom remodel project can feel overwhelming, but there are programs in Ontario and across Canada that help cover these expenses. If you live in Ottawa or anywhere in Ontario, this guide will show you where to get support and how to apply.
Why Upgrade Your Bathroom for Accessibility?
The primary goal of the accessible bathroom renovation project is to help homeowners prevent falls and injuries, support their independence, and make daily routines easier for their loved ones. Accessible bathrooms enable seniors to stay at home longer and enhance comfort for everyone in the household.
Most common accessible bathroom renovation features include:
- Walk-in or roll-in showers
- Grab bars
- Raised toilets
- Non-slip flooring
- Wider doors for wheelchairs
Available Funding Programs for
There are several options available for adding accessibility features to a bathroom in Ottawa, supported by both provincial programs and Canada-wide federal grants or tax credits. Most programs target people with disabilities, seniors, or those with substantial mobility impairments, and funding is typically available for renovations such as grab bars, accessible showers, widened doorways, and adaptive devices. Below are the main resources, eligibility, and application links.
Ottawa Bathroom Renovation Provincial Programs
Home & Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP)
This program, offered by March of Dimes Canada and funded by the Ontario government, provides up to $15,000 lifetime maximum to help modify homes (including bathrooms) for greater accessibility. Eligible expenses cover items like roll-in showers, grab bars, and widened doorways.
Ontario Renovates
This program offers $15,000–$25,000 to low-income seniors or people with disabilities for home accessibility modifications, including bathroom upgrades.
- Administered locally by municipal Service Managers; check with your municipality for application requirements.
- Overview: https://aidecanada.ca/resources/learn/asd-id-core-knowledge/funding-your-accessible-home
EASE Grant (Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone)
As of 2025, the EASE Grant provides up to $60,000 for small capital projects, including housing retrofits and accessibility improvements (may apply to not-for-profits or municipalities).
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
ODSP income support recipients may access benefits for home modifications required for accessibility.
Canada Federal Programs
Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF)
The EAF offers grants up to $200,000 for small projects and up to $12,000 for youth-driven projects that improve community accessibility, including accessible washrooms and doors.
- Details and applications: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/enabling-accessibility-fund.html
Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)
This federal non-refundable tax credit allows seniors (65+) and eligible persons with disabilities to claim 15% of up to $20,000 in renovation costs each year, for a maximum credit of $3,000.
Additional Support
- For veterans: Veterans Affairs Canada provides support for accessibility modifications.
EASE guidelines PDF: https://forms.mgcs.gov.on.ca/en/dataset/d9e5baef-8b9e-4406-b797-c01ce758a41e/resource/9146c498-0ccc-4c5c-b380-099b0b90be43/download/2025-26_ease_guidelines_en_final-ua.pdf
March of Dimes Canada and other community organizations may also offer aids and guidance in preparing grant applications.
Main Funding Programs
Here is a simple breakdown of programs that help pay for accessibility renovations in Ontario:
| Program | Funding Amount | Who Qualifies | What’s Covered | Website |
| HVMP (March of Dimes) | Up to $15,000 (lifetime) | People with disabilities affecting mobility | Roll-in showers, grab bars, wider doors | March of Dimes HVMP |
| Ontario Renovates | $15,000–$25,000 forgivable loan | Low-income seniors or people with disabilities | Bathroom upgrades, other accessibility renovations | Ontario Renovates Guide |
| EASE Grant | Up to $60,000 | Municipalities, non-profits, Indigenous groups | Housing retrofits, accessibility projects | Ontario Grants |
| ODSP | Varies | ODSP income support recipients | Home accessibility modifications | ODSP Info |
| Enabling Accessibility Fund (Federal) | Up to $200,000 (small projects) or $3M (mid-sized) | Community projects | Accessible washrooms, ramps, doors | Government of Canada EAF |
| Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC) | Up to $3,000 yearly tax credit | Seniors 65+ or those eligible for Disability Tax Credit | Walk-in tubs, grab bars, non-slip floors, wider doors | CRA HATC |
What You Should Do
- Decide what changes you need: grab bars, roll-in shower, or a full remodel.
- Get written quotes from licensed contractors.
- Apply to HVMP or Ontario Renovates if you qualify.
- Keep every receipt for tax credits.
- Check if federal programs or charities apply to your case.
Bathroom renovation costs Ottawa
- Grab bars: $200–$400
- Walk-in shower: $6,000–$12,000
- Roll-in shower: $10,000–$20,000
- Raised toilet: $500–$1,000
- Full remodel: $15,000–$30,000+
Funding programs lower these numbers when used together.
FAQs
1. Do I need to own my home to apply for funding?
Yes, most programs like Ontario Renovates and HVMP require you to be a homeowner. Renters should ask landlords if they qualify under community grants.
2. Can I combine different programs?
Yes. For example, you can receive Ontario Renovates funding and still claim the Home Accessibility Tax Credit.
3. How long does it take to get approved?
Processing times vary. Municipal programs may take several weeks to months. Tax credits are applied when you file your taxes.
4. Do contractors need to be licensed?
Yes. Programs require professional quotes and invoices. Work must meet accessibility and building code standards.
5. What if I don’t qualify for government funding?
You can still claim accessibility expenses on your taxes and explore nonprofit supports such as Easter Seals or the ALS Society. Some banks also offer low-interest home renovation loans.
How Miracle Dream Homes Helps
Miracle Dream Homes has renovated bathrooms in Ottawa since 2004.
We provide quotes that meet program requirements.
We install walk-in showers, grab bars, and full accessibility remodels.
We guide you through the process so you get the most out of available funding.