Landowner Action Fund

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

Step 1: Request a free site visit or property assessment

You’ll connect with a CVC stewardship coordinator to discuss project ideas and opportunities.

Step 2: Complete an Action Plan

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.

Step 3: Complete and submit your application

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

ProjectGrant Rate
Forest Management: Activities that encourage forest health30 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 shrubs50 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

ProjectGrant Rate
Habitat Structures50 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 removalHigh 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 Restoration50 to 100 per cent up to $15,000 capped at $2,000 per acre for projects of 0.5 acres or more
Pollinator Gardens50 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.

ProjectGrant Rate
Aquatic Vegetation Planting50 to 100 per cent up to $1,000
Invasive Plant Management: Inventory, management plans and removalHigh 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 buffers50 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 movement30 to 85 per cent up to $5,000 for detailed design and $10,000 for construction
Wetland Restoration and Rehabilitation50 to 100 per cent up to $10,000

Groundwater Protection

Projects that protect groundwater from contamination and improve the safety of drinking water sources.

ProjectGrant Rate
Septic System Repair, Upgrade or Decommission 50 per cent up to $4,000. Available on a limited basis
Private Well Upgrade50 per cent up to $500 grant is applied to remaining project costs after eligible municipal well upgrade programs
Private Well Decommissioning50 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.

ProjectGrant Rate
Technical Studies: Preliminary site plans or studies to determine project feasibility50 to 100 per cent up to $2,500
Innovative Projects: Support for other projects not otherwise listed50 to 100 per cent up to $2,500
Connect with a CVC stewardship coordinator to discuss project ideas and opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are funding applications reviewed?

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.

When will I hear if my project has been approved?

The application review and approvals process can take up to 60 days.

What happens when your application is approved?

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.

When will I be reimbursed?

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.

Can funding be combined with other grants?

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.

Can I apply for more than one project that takes place over multiple years?

Yes, in some cases a separate application form may be required.

Can I still qualify for funding if my project is already complete?

Recently completed projects may be eligible for funding. Please contact a CVC stewardship coordinator to confirm your eligibility.

How do I know if my property is in the Credit River Watershed?

Use our property look up tool to check to see if your property is located in the Credit River Watershed.

What types of landowners are eligible?

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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