Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program – Stream 3

Eligible applicants for this grant must be based in British Columbia and fall into specific categories.

• The applicant must be a BC-based entity.
• Eligible applicants include Diking District, Indigenous Community, Indigenous Cooperative, Indigenous Corporation, Indigenous Governing Body, Indigenous Organization – For-Profit or Non-Profit, Indigenous Producer – Limited Liability Company (LLC), Partnership, or Sole Proprietorship.
• Irrigation District or Improvement District are eligible.
• Local Government or Regional District can apply.
• Non-Profit Organizations focusing on Agriculture or Conservation are eligible.
• Eligible producers include Cooperatives, Corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLC), Partnerships, or Sole Proprietorships.
• Water Users’ Communities qualify to apply.
• Individual producers and Indigenous producers using water for both agricultural and non-agricultural purposes are eligible.
• Community water supply groups, including Indigenous groups that provide mixed irrigation/drainage/diking services, are eligible.
• Public corporate bodies incorporated under specific provincial legislation, legally able to acquire or control property and licenses, are eligible.

Who is eligible?

This grant is available for eligible applicants who are based in British Columbia (BC) and meet specific organizational criteria set by the program.

• Diking District
• Indigenous Community
• Indigenous Cooperative
• Indigenous Corporation
• Indigenous Governing Body
• Indigenous Organization – For-Profit
• Indigenous Organization – Non-Profit
• Indigenous Producer – Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Indigenous Producer – Partnership
• Indigenous Producer – Sole Proprietorship
• Irrigation District or Improvement District
• Local Government or Regional District
• Non-Profit Organization – Agriculture
• Non-Profit Organization – Conservation
• Producer – Cooperative
• Producer – Corporation
• Producer – Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Producer – Partnership
• Producer – Sole proprietorship
• Water Users’ Community
• Individual Producers and Indigenous Producers using water for agricultural and non-agricultural uses are also eligible.
• Community water supply groups providing irrigation/drainage/diking services to a mix of agricultural and non-agricultural users are eligible.
• Public corporate bodies incorporated under provincial legislations to legally acquire, hold, control property and licenses, and conduct works.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions ensure that funding targets specific eligible sectors related to agricultural water infrastructure.

• Non-agricultural individuals or groups (including seafood/aquaculture).
• Provincial and federal governments.
• Crown Corporations.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports initiatives that aim to enhance the agricultural water supply and infrastructure in British Columbia. Activities eligible for funding under this grant focus on comprehensive assessments, engineering studies, and strategic planning to ensure sustainable and efficient water management.

• Water supply assessments or feasibility studies in key agricultural areas to determine available water supply.
• Engineering studies or plans for water purveyors to assess and determine opportunities for upgrades and expansion of existing purveyed water systems.
• Dam engineering assessments including redetermination of Consequence Classification.
• Completion of Dam Emergency Plans.
• Conducting Dam Safety Reviews.
• Other Professional Consultative Services as required under the Dam Safety Regulation (DSR).
• Drainage master plans, dike engineering studies or design plans, or any professional consultative services on drainage or dikes to assess and determine opportunities for upgrades or expansion of existing diking and drainage infrastructure.

Eligible geographic areas

Eligible applicants for the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program – Stream 3 must be based in British Columbia, Canada. This geographic focus ensures that the funded projects directly benefit the agricultural and environmental needs of the province.

• Businesses based in British Columbia, Canada.

The evaluation and selection criteria for projects under this grant focus on ensuring applications align with program objectives and requirements.

Additional information about the grant includes specific requirements for various activities and guidelines on project timelines and reporting procedures.

• Applications open on June 20, 2024, and are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis until funding is fully committed.
• Projects must be completed within 24 months of approval, with a final deadline of January 15, 2032.
• Applicants must register through the IAF Client Portal before submitting an application.
• Funding ranges from $20,000 to $200,000, with a 50% cost-shared ratio.
• Eligible applicants must be BC-based entities like regional districts, Indigenous organizations, and various types of producers.
• Retroactive costs will not be reimbursed, and all projects require IAF approval before incurring any expenses.
• Comprehensive documentation, such as quotes, permits, and assessments, must be included in the application.
• Consultation with stakeholders and compliance with regulatory requirements may be necessary depending on the project's scope.
• Progress and final reports, along with financial documentation, are critical for reimbursement of expenses.
• Projects must comply with the Dam Safety Regulation and other relevant guidelines for specific activities like dam engineering or dike design.
• Successful applicants must acknowledge the funding from the Government of BC in any public communication about the project.