Climate Ready Homes Resources – Toronto

Source	Resource
City of Toronto	Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program
City of Toronto	Mandatory Downspout Disconnection
City of Toronto	Property Tax, Water & Solid Waste Relief Programs

Coming soon.

Source	Resource
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)	Household Guide to Water Efficiency
City of Vaughan	Downspout Disconnect
City of Vaughan	Pool Drainage Tips
City of Vaughan	Water Conservation Brochure
City of Vaughan	Water Leak Detection Guide
Home Flood Protection Program	Top 10 Actions to Reduce Basement Flood risk
Peel Region	How to Find a Water Leak
Peel Region	How to Read Your Water Meter
Peel Region	Winterizing Your Pipes
Team Water Smart	Low Flow Toilets
Toronto and Region Conservtion Authority (TRCA)	Rainwater Harvesting
Town of Ajax	Basement Flooding Loan Program
University of Guelph	Grey Water Capture System Infographic
York Region	Protect Drinking Water Fact Sheet

Managing water resources efficiently and preparing for flood risks are essential for protecting homes, communities, and local ecosystems.

Poor water management can lead to flooding, property damage, and increased costs for homeowners, while inefficient water use can strain local water supplies. By implementing stormwater management strategies, reducing runoff, and using water wisely, residents can protect their homes, support biodiversity, and contribute to a more sustainable water cycle.

Gardening and eco-landscaping play a key role in water management. Planting rain gardens, native plants, and deep-rooted vegetation helps absorb excess rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding while also creating habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

Rain barrels can be installed to collect and store rainwater for later use, reducing reliance on municipal water for gardening and household tasks. Permeable paving allows rainwater to soak into the ground rather than creating runoff that can overwhelm storm drains and lead to flooding.

Improving flood resiliency at home includes elevating appliances, sealing basement cracks, installing sump pumps with battery backups, and using backwater valves to prevent sewer backups. Simple maintenance practices, such as keeping gutters and downspouts clear of debris, can further reduce water damage risks.

Beyond individual actions, community-wide stormwater management initiatives strengthen flood resilience. Residents can participate in local flood preparedness programs, neighborhood green infrastructure projects, and tree-planting initiatives that help absorb excess rainwater and mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Education and awareness campaigns help residents stay informed about flood risks, water conservation, and best practices for sustainable landscaping.

By using water wisely, improving stormwater management, and creating natural habitat, residents can reduce flood risks, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to a healthier, more climate-resilient community.

Small changes at home can protect homes and landscapes while ensuring that water resources are used efficiently for generations to come.

Source	Resource
City of Toronto	Home Energy Loan Program
Enbridge Gas	Helping You Stay Warm this Winter
Enbridge Gas	Home Efficiency Rebate Plus
Enbridge Gas	Home Winterproofing Program (HWP)
Hydro One	Net Metering
Natural Resources Canada	Canada Greener Homes Loan
Natural Resources Canada	Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program (OHPA)
Ontario Energy Board	Low-income Energy Assistance Program
Ontario Energy Board	Ontario Electricity Support Program
RBC Royal Bank	RBC Energy Saver Loan
Sagen	Energy Efficient Housing Program
Save on Energy	CoolSaver Program
Save on Energy	Home Renovation Savings Program
Save on Energy	Peak Perks Program
Toronto Hydro	Toronto Hydro – Residential Programs
Windfall Home Energy	Home Energy Evaluations and Incentives

Coming soon.

Source	Resource
Building Decarbonization Alliance	Canada’s Home Electrification Tool Kit
Canadian Real Estate Association	Homeowners Guide to Energy Efficiency
Consumers Energy	100 Ways to Save on Energy Bills
Energy Star	Duct Sealing with Energy Star
Energy Star	A Guide to Energy Efficient Heat and Cooling
Energy Star	Pool Pump Infographic
Government of Ontario	EV Fact Sheet
Hydro One	10 Tips for Saving Energy on Pools
NAIMA Canada	NAIMA Building Insulation
Natural Resources Canada	Buying ENERGY STAR Certified Products
Natural Resources Canada	Energuide Label for Homes
Natural Resources Canada	Energy Efficient Window Guide
Natural Resources Canada	Heat Pump Basics Pamphlet- Transitioning From Gas Heating
Natural Resources Canada	Heat Pump Basics Pamphlet- Transitioning From Oil Heating
Natural Resources Canada	Residential Pool Efficiency Guide
Natural Resources Canada	Solar Buyers Guide – Water Heating Systems
News Article	Drain Water Heat Recovery Gets a Boost in Ontario
Plug N Drive	Lead the Charge – EVs
Pool Supplies Canada	Pool Filter Comparison Guide
Renewability Energy	Power-Pipe Selection and Installation Guide
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency	Do-It-Yourself Guide to Sealing and Insulating with Energy Star

Reducing energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is crucial for fighting climate change and lowering utility bills.

Homes with poor insulation, outdated appliances, and inefficient heating and cooling systems consume more energy, leading to higher emissions and costs. By upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, improving insulation, and using smart thermostats, residents can reduce their carbon footprint while saving money.

Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar panels and solar water heaters can further cut energy costs and emissions. Upgrading to heat pumps for heating and cooling improves home efficiency by using less energy compared to traditional furnaces and air conditioners.

Moving toward decarbonization and net-zero homes means replacing fossil fuel-based heating with electric alternatives, improving energy performance, health and safety, and reducing overall household emissions.

Simple yet impactful actions, such as behavioural changes, sealing air leaks, and using programmable thermostats, can significantly enhance home energy comfort and efficiency. By adopting these strategies, residents can reduce their environmental impact, enhance comfort, and future-proof their homes against rising energy costs.

Source	Resource
City of Toronto	Recycling, Organics & Garbage

Coming soon.

Source	Resource
City of Vaughan	Curbside Giveaway Poster
City of Vaughan	What Not to Flush: Fats, Oils, and Grease Brochure
Queen of Green	Five Ways to End Food Waste Guide
UofT Trash Team	2 Week Home Waste Audit Instructions
UofT Trash Team	Waste Reduction Tips
York Region	Circular Economy Roadmap
York Region	Composting Made Easy Guide
York Region	Food Storage Chart
York Region	Repair Cafe Info Sheet
York Region	Waste Depot Guide

Diverting materials from landfills, repurposing items, and reducing unnecessary consumption are key strategies for sustainable living.

Residents can minimize waste by reducing single-use plastics, composting organic waste, and recycling properly.

Participating in repair cafés, swap events, and tool-sharing programs extends the lifespan of household items and prevents waste generation.

Proper disposal of hazardous materials, such as electronics, batteries, and household chemicals, ensures a cleaner and safer environment.

By adopting these waste reduction strategies, residents contribute to a more sustainable community while helping municipalities meet diversion and sustainability targets.

Source	Resource
City of Toronto	Eco-Roof Incentive Program
Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests (LEAF)	Multi-Units & Businesses: Is LEAF Right for You?

Coming soon.

Source	Resource
Hydro One	Planting Trees for Shade
Intact Centre	Intact Centre Working with Nature at Home
Ontario Invasive Plants	Grow Me Instead Guide
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)	Health Benefits of Trees
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)	Healthy Yards: Rain Gardens
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)	Healthy Yards: Rainwater Harvesting
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)	How Trees Protect Human Health from Extreme Heat
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)	Invasive Species Guide
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)	Native Plants Guide

By incorporating native plants, drought-resistant landscaping, and permeable surfaces, residents can reduce water use, improve soil health, and mitigate urban heat effects.

Native gardens and pollinator-friendly plants provide critical habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies.

Tree planting, green roofs, and bioswales enhance cooling effects and manage stormwater.

Rain gardens and mulching help improve soil moisture retention and reduce irrigation needs.

Urban agriculture, including backyard gardens, community plots, and rooftop gardening, provides fresh, locally grown food while fostering social connections. Residents can harvest and share food, participate in seed exchanges, and support food security through neighborhood initiatives.

Source	Resource
	Explore Ontario By Bike

Coming soon.

Indoor air quality improvements, such as better ventilation, radon mitigation, and mold prevention, help protect against respiratory issues.

Non-toxic building materials and low-emission products create safer living environments.

Access to green spaces, walkable streets, and active transportation options encourages healthier lifestyles. Community initiatives that promote biking infrastructure, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, and urban tree planting contribute to cleaner air and cooler streets.

Social connectivity is also essential—strong community ties improve mental health, reduce stress, and enhance resilience during crises. Local events, sustainability workshops, and neighborhood engagement programs foster stronger bonds and a greater sense of belonging.

Source	Resource
Government of Canada	Your Emergency Preparedness Guide

Coming soon.

Source	Resource
Alectra Utilities	Power Outage Preparedness Guide
Building Resilient Neighbourhoods	Neighbourly Actions to Prepare for Extreme Heat
City of Vaughan	Vaughan Emergency Preparedness Guide
Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR)	Protect Your Home from Basement Flooding
Intact Centre	Basement Flood Protection Checklist
Intact Centre	Home Flood Protection Check-Up
Intact Centre	Irreversible Extreme Heat: Protecting Canadians and Communities from a Lethal Future
Intact Centre	Three Steps to Cost-Effective Home Heat Protection
Intact Centre	Understanding Water Damage Insurance Coverage
Smart About Salt	Get Smart About Salt Postcard
Smart About Salt	Curb the Salt Poster
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)	Climate Change in your Community
York Region	Emergency Preparedness Guide

Homeowners who take proactive measures are more resilient to disasters and recover more quickly.

Key strategies include creating emergency kits, developing household preparedness plans, and improving home flood resilience. Moisture sensors and leak detection systems help prevent damage from burst pipes and aging plumbing infrastructure.

Residents should also be aware of flood risk zones, insurance options, and municipal emergency resources.

Beyond personal preparedness, community response networks strengthen resilience by coordinating local support systems, training residents, and enhancing emergency response efforts.