High-Rise Retrofit Improvement Support Program

Overview of the High-Rise Retrofit Improvement Support Program program:

The Hi-RIS Program is part of the City of Toronto’s Tower Renewal Initiative, a strategic effort aimed at revitalizing older high-rise apartment buildings to improve tenant living conditions, energy efficiency, and building resilience. The program specifically supports private-sector apartment building owners by offering financing and guidance for undertaking major retrofits and capital upgrades. Toronto’s high-rise rental buildings, especially those built between 1945 and 1984, often face issues such as aging infrastructure, poor energy performance, and deferred maintenance. Hi-RIS addresses these challenges by helping property owners plan and implement building improvements such as window and roof replacements, insulation, mechanical system upgrades, energy-efficient lighting, and water-saving fixtures. The program offers access to low-interest financing through the City’s Energy Retrofit Loans and partners with programs like Toronto’s Green Will Initiative and Enbridge Gas incentives. It also helps applicants navigate the retrofit process by providing technical guidance, assistance in scoping retrofit opportunities, and support with identifying available incentives and grants. By participating in Hi-RIS, building owners not only reduce operating costs but also contribute to the City’s climate goals and improve tenant comfort, safety, and satisfaction. Participation is voluntary, but building owners must meet certain eligibility criteria and work closely with City staff to identify feasible and impactful retrofit measures.

Benefits of the High-Rise Retrofit Improvement Support Program program:

• Access to low-interest loans for capital and energy retrofits
• Assistance identifying and applying for rebates and incentives (e.g., Enbridge Gas, Canada Greener Homes)
• Technical support to scope and plan retrofit opportunities
• Reduced energy and water consumption leading to lower utility bills
• Improved indoor comfort, building safety, and tenant satisfaction
• Increased climate resilience and property value
• Contribution to Torontos net-zero emissions goals
• Connection to additional City-led sustainability initiatives like the Green Will Initiative

Eligibility criteria of the High-Rise Retrofit Improvement Support Program program:

• To qualify for Hi-RIS, applicants must:
• Own a privately operated, purpose-built rental apartment building in the City of Toronto
• Typically, buildings are high-rise and constructed between 1945 and 1984
• Have three or more stories and at least ten units
• Be committed to improving energy efficiency, water use, and tenant comfort
• Willing to work with City staff on project planning and reporting
• Demonstrate capacity to undertake the retrofits, including financial readiness and property management coordination