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Lock In or Stay Variable? What Every Canadian Homeowner Must Decide Before April 29

   Bank of Canada headquarters, Ottawa. Overnight rate held at 2.25% since October 2025. Next decision: April 29, 2026.  The Bank of Canada has held its rate at 2.25% for three straight decisions — but with inflation creeping back up, a Middle East conflict pushing oil prices, and over one million mortgage renewals on the horizon, the stakes of getting this wrong have never been higher. The Canadian Money Brief April 25, 2026 6 min read THE CANADIAN MONEY BRIEF BANK OF CANADA 2.25% 2.25% POLICY RATE HELD SINCE OCT. 2025 · THIRD CONSECUTIVE HOLD NEXT DECISION: APR. 29, 2026 If your mortgage is coming up for renewal in the next six to eighteen months, the question keeping you up at night is probably this: do I lock in a fixed rate now — or do I ride out a variable rate and hope the Bank of Canada does something helpful? It's the right question to be asking. And right now, the answer is more complicated — and more consequential — than it has been in years. The Bank of Canada...
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Ottawa’s “Better Homes” Program: A Dual Solution for Climate Change and Affordability

 

Ottawa, the vibrant capital city of Canada, is stepping up its game to address two pressing challenges simultaneously: climate change and the affordability crisis. The recently launched “Better Homes” program aims to empower homeowners to retrofit their dwellings, making them more environmentally friendly while easing financial burdens.

The Better Homes Program: What You Need to Know

  1. Interest-Free Loans: Ottawa homeowners can now apply for low-interest loans to fund home retrofits. These upgrades include replacing windows, adding insulation, installing heat pumps, or setting up electric vehicle chargers. The loan amount is tied to the home’s value, allowing borrowers to access up to 10% of their property’s value, capped at $125,000.

  2. Long-Term Repayment: The loans are repaid over a 20-year period through property tax bills. This innovative approach ensures that the financial burden aligns with the benefits gained from energy-efficient improvements.

  3. Green Transition: Residential buildings contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. By focusing on heating, cooling, and electrifying homes and office spaces, Ottawa aims to reduce its carbon footprint. The Better Homes program encourages homeowners to embrace greener alternatives.

  4. Expert Guidance: The City of Ottawa has partnered with the environmental non-profit EnviroCentre to offer free energy retrofit planners to interested homeowners. These experts guide residents through the retrofit process, ensuring effective implementation.

Why It Matters

  • Climate Action: Retrofitting homes directly impacts Ottawa’s emissions. By enhancing energy efficiency, we move closer to achieving the city’s ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

  • Affordability: The Better Homes program recognizes that affordability and sustainability go hand in hand. It empowers homeowners to make cost-effective changes that benefit both their wallets and the planet.

  • Community Engagement: Educating diverse demographics about available support is crucial. City staff play a pivotal role in bridging this gap and ensuring that every homeowner can participate.

As Ottawa pioneers this initiative, it sets an example for other cities grappling with similar challenges. The Better Homes program proves that tackling climate change need not come at the expense of affordability—it’s a win-win for all.


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