Flip Kitchen AIInterest rate
Bank of Canada policy rate held at 2.25%
The Bank of Canada announced its rate decision on October 28. Variable-rate mortgages and HELOCs usually follow the policy rate, so it matters if you plan to borrow for a renovation.
Flip Kitchen Community
The GTA Home Daily
012Issue
A short daily for homeowners in the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario: one renovation question answered, new rebates and benefits with their deadlines, product recalls and weather alerts that matter at home.
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Question of the Day
Should I install flooring before or after cabinets?
In about 90% of kitchens, flooring goes first — it gives a clean, continuous floor and makes appliances easier to swap later. The main exception is a floating floor (some laminate or vinyl plank): install the cabinets first and float the floor around them with an expansion gap, so heavy cabinets don’t trap it.
From the Flip Kitchen renovation guide
Full answer in the guide02
Local Notices
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Rebates & Benefits
Toronto
First home in Toronto: up to $4,475 back on the municipal land transfer tax
DeadlineNo end date posted
Buying in the City of Toronto means paying a municipal land transfer tax (MLTT) on top of Ontario’s. First-time buyers can claim a rebate of up to $4,475. You must be 18 or older, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, never have owned a home anywhere in the world (nor your spouse while married to you), and move in as your principal residence within nine months. The application and documents must be received within 18 months of the transfer, and a processing fee applies.
Official pageCity of Toronto — Municipal Land Transfer Tax · Checked 2026-10-20
Simcoe County
Simcoe County: up to $15,000 for home repairs and accessibility work
DeadlineNo end date posted
Simcoe County’s Ontario Renovates program funds essential repairs and accessibility modifications for eligible households, up to $15,000 per unit. Intake is year-round, but funding is limited and applicants may be placed on a waitlist.
Official pageCounty of Simcoe — Ontario Renovates · Checked 2026-10-20
Windsor
Windsor: up to $3,500 for basement flood protection
DeadlineNo end date posted
Owners of single-family homes and duplexes in Windsor can get up to $3,500 per property (lifetime) toward flood protection such as a backwater valve, which alone is covered up to $1,450; tenants can apply with the owner’s consent. Work must be approved before it starts and done by a City of Windsor licensed plumber. First come, first served.
Official pageCity of Windsor · Checked 2026-10-20
Amounts and conditions are as stated on the official site. Price information comes from the web; please verify it yourself.