Canadian homeowners are now eligible for the Home Renovation Tax Credit outlined in the Harper Government's 2009 Federal Budget. Families can claim a 15 per cent non-refundable tax credit for eligible home renovation expenditures for work performed, or goods acquired after Jan. 27, 2009 and before Feb. 1, 2010. The credit will apply to expenditures in excess of $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum credit of $1,350 ($9,000 x 15 per cent).

Download Home Renovation Tax Credit pamphlet here.

Examples of HRTC eligible and ineligible expenditures:

Eligible
-     Building an addition, deck, fence or retaining wall
-     Painting the interior or exterior of a house
-     Resurfacing a driveway
-     Laying new sod

Ineligible
-     Purchase of tools
-     Maintenance contracts (furnace cleaning, snow removal, lawn care, pool cleaning, etc.)

CNLA, Landscape Ontario and the other provincial horticulture associations have been raising awareness among politicians regarding the value of landscapes, gardening and greenscapes for the last few months. By educating them about the environmental and economic benefits of green spaces, the ornamental horticulture industry has successfully emphasized the importance and the value of the work of our members.