Discover Grants for Your Land and Water Projects
The Landowner Action Fund provides funding and technical expertise to rural landowners in the Credit River Watershed for stewardship projects that enhance natural areas, support wildlife and improve water quality.
Since 2014, CVC has allocated over $300,000 to stewardship projects. Read about some of the projects supported by the fund.
How to Get Started
You’ll connect with a CVC stewardship coordinator to discuss project ideas and opportunities.
All applicants must complete a landowner action plan or environmental farm plan. An action plan helps you better understand the needs of your property and prioritize project ideas.
Your application must also include a detailed project budget, including quotes from preferred service provider(s). Seeking several quotes is recommended and may be required in some cases.
Grants Available
Grants are available to eligible landowners for the following projects. Grant rates are subject to change and are determined on a project-by-project basis.
Land Enhancement
Projects that create and restore natural habitats and biodiversity.
Tree Planting and Forest Projects
| Project | Grant Rate |
|---|---|
| Forest Management: Activities that encourage forest health | 30 per cent up to $500 for Forest Management Plan preparation 30 to 65 per cent up to $6,000 for inventories, prescriptions, tree marking, non-commercial thinning and vegetation management |
| Tree and shrub planting: Tree seedlings and potted trees and shrubs | 50 to 100 per cent of project costs. Maximum grant amount depends on project type. Minimum property size and project quantities may apply for eligibility |
Habitat Enhancement Projects
| Project | Grant Rate |
|---|---|
| Habitat Structures | 50 per cent up to $1,000 for the purchase and installation of nesting and shelter structures for wildlife |
| Invasive Plant Management: Inventory, management plans and removal | High Priority Invasives: 50 to 100 per cent up to $8,000 Other Eligible Invasives: 30 to 65 per cent up to $3,000 |
| Native Grassland Restoration | 50 to 100 per cent up to $15,000 capped at $2,000 per acre for projects of 0.5 acres or more |
| Pollinator Gardens | 50 to 100 per cent up to $1,500 for projects of 0.5 acres or less |
| Sustainable Gardening | 50 per cent up to $200, one-time use only, for the selection and purchase of native plants |
Wetland, Stream and Pond Enhancement
Projects that restore or enhance aquatic habitat and water quality of wetlands, streams and ponds. Dredging and pond creation are ineligible.
| Project | Grant Rate |
|---|---|
| Aquatic Vegetation Planting | 50 to 100 per cent up to $1,000 |
| Invasive Plant Management: Inventory, management plans and removal | High Priority Invasives: 50 to 100 per cent up to $8,000 Other Eligible Invasives: 30 to 65 per cent up to $3,000 |
| Tree and shrub planting: Tree seedlings and potted trees and shrubs established next to wetlands, stream and ponds to create natural buffers | 50 to 100 per cent of project costs. Maximum grant amount depends on project type Minimum property size and project quantities may apply for eligibility |
| Stream Improvements: Restore natural stream form, flow and movement | 30 to 85 per cent up to $5,000 for detailed design and $10,000 for construction |
| Wetland Restoration and Rehabilitation | 50 to 100 per cent up to $10,000 |
Groundwater Protection
Projects that protect groundwater from contamination and improve the safety of drinking water sources.
| Project | Grant Rate |
|---|---|
| Septic System Repair, Upgrade or Decommission | 50 per cent up to $4,000. Available on a limited basis |
| Private Well Upgrade | 50 per cent up to $500 grant is applied to remaining project costs after eligible municipal well upgrade programs |
| Private Well Decommissioning | 50 per cent up to $1,500 grant is applied to remaining project costs after eligible municipal well decommissioning programs |
Innovative Projects and Consulting Fees
Includes technical studies in support of project development or projects that are not listed in the other project categories but meet the objectives of the grant program.
| Project | Grant Rate |
|---|---|
| Technical Studies: Preliminary site plans or studies to determine project feasibility | 50 to 100 per cent up to $2,500 |
| Innovative Projects: Support for other projects not otherwise listed | 50 to 100 per cent up to $2,500 Connect with a CVC stewardship coordinator to discuss project ideas and opportunities. |
Frequently Asked Questions
We evaluate applications using science-based criteria to assess the project’s environmental merit. If approved, projects are awarded grants of 30 to 100 per cent of project costs depending on the project category and the project’s environmental merit.
The application review and approvals process can take up to 60 days.
If your project is approved, you’ll receive a letter outlining your grant rate (percentage of total cost) and maximum grant amount. All funding decisions are final. The applicant is responsible for paying all project costs up front and submitting eligible costs for reimbursement.
Applicants have one year from the date of approval of their application to complete their project. Once the project is complete, the applicant must submit all required documentation to CVC for review and approval and then a grant cheque will be issued.
Yes, grants may be combined. Where other funding sources exist, the applicant is required to pursue these opportunities first. This requirement may be waived in some circumstances.
Yes, in some cases a separate application form may be required.
Recently completed projects may be eligible for funding. Please contact a CVC stewardship coordinator to confirm your eligibility.
Use our property look up tool to check to see if your property is located in the Credit River Watershed.
The Landowner Action Fund provides incentives to rural homeowners, businesses and private institutions. It also provides incentives to registered farm operators in Halton where no local farm based incentive program exists.
To be eligible, landowners must meet the above criteria and live in the middle or upper Credit River Watershed on property of one or more acres. For properties less than one acre some exceptions may be made given the environmental merit of the proposed project.
The Landowner Action Fund does not provide support for projects on public property or property managed by publicly owned organizations and agencies.
We are here to help you. For detailed eligibility and project requirements or to discuss your project, connect with a CVC stewardship coordinator to get started.
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