The purpose of this program is to provide landowners with technical and financial help to complete projects that protect or improve water quality. By reducing soil erosion along waterways and improving the conditions of on-line ponds, water quality and aquatic habitat can be greatly improved.

Funding

Landowners within the Lake Simcoe watershed may qualify for grants of 50 per cent of project costs for eligible projects, to a maximum of $10,000. Additional funds may be available from other environmental grant funding sources. LSRCA watershed coordinators will ensure that you are made aware of all the grant funding programs available to you.

What projects are eligible?

Streambank stabilization using bioengineering techniques.
Dam or weir removal.
Pond bottom draw conversions.
Creation of pond bypass channels.
Natural channel design.
Fish habitat improvement.

What costs may be covered?

Professional design fees.
Material and labour associate with the approved project.
Permit fees.

What isn't covered?

Work that proceeds prior to funding approval.
Replacement of existing retaining walls or other structures.
Gabion Basket walls, steel retaining structures, concrete or solid retaining walls.
Pond maintenance, including dredging, removal of aquatic plants, or enlargement.
Stocking or removal of fish other aquatic life.
Enhancements for recreational or aesthetic purposes.
Machinery or equipment used by the applicant, family dependents or the applicant's business.

Conditions

Bypass channels and dam or weir removals must be designed to reflect natural channel design principles and must allow for unimpeded passage of fish and other aquatic life.
Disturbed soils must be fully revegetated.
All collected water must be taken to a sufficient and legal outlet.
If you have an outstanding violation with the LSRCA or any other regulatory agency, you may not be eligible.

How to Apply

Contact an LSRCA watershed coordinator

Application Form (PDF)

Project Profile - Streams (PDF)

Project Profile - Ponds (PDF)