Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program – Stream 3
BC, Canada
Enhance irrigation infrastructure and water management in British Columbia's agricultural sector.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMay 30, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateJune 20, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) – Stream 3 provides cost-shared funding to BC-based applicants for assessments, engineering studies, or plans to enhance agricultural water supply and management. Eligible activities include water supply assessments, engineering studies for water system upgrades, dam engineering assessments, dam emergency plans, dam safety reviews, other professional consultative services, and drainage or dike engineering projects.
grant_single_labels|projects
There are eligible projects or activities for this grant under Stream 3: Assessments, Engineering Studies or Plans.
- Water supply assessments or feasibility studies
- Engineering studies or plans for water purveyors
- Dam engineering assessments including redetermination of Consequence Classification
- Dam Emergency Plans
- 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
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$55,000
Burnaby
Feasibility study on new water supply sources for an urban farming initiative
$80,000
Penticton
Conduct a dam safety review and create an emergency plan for a local farm dam
$95,000
Vancouver
Engineering study for upgrading the existing agricultural water system
$65,000
Kelowna
Conduct a comprehensive water supply assessment for agricultural use
$120,000
Surrey
Engineering study for dike reinforcement in an agricultural area
$75,000
Victoria
Development of a drainage master plan for a farming cooperative
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be considered eligible for Stream 3, applicants must be BC-based and fall under specific categories outlined below.
- 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 who use water for a mix of agricultural and non-agricultural uses are eligible.
- Community water supply groups, including Indigenous groups, that provide a combination of irrigation/drainage/diking services to a mix of agricultural and non-agricultural water users are eligible.
- Public corporate bodies incorporated or formed under specific provincial legislations which allow them to legally acquire/hold/control property and licenses and conduct works are also eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
There are eligible types of companies for this grant. To be considered eligible for Stream 3, applicants must be BC-based and meet specific criteria.
- 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
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The grant guidelines specify that there are certain types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.
- Non-agricultural individuals or groups (including seafood/aquaculture)
- Provincial and federal governments
- Crown Corporations
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The eligible expenses for this grant are:
- Consulting services by Qualified Professionals.
- Assessment components such as hydrogeological assessments and environmental flow needs assessments.
- Engineering studies and plans, including schematics and drawings.
- Dam engineering assessments, emergency plans, and safety reviews.
- Hydraulic, hydrological, seismic, geological or geotechnical analyses.
- Development of an Operations, Maintenance, and Surveillance (OMS) manual.
- Field reconnaissance, geotechnical investigation, and topographic survey.
- Hydraulic modelling and structural analysis for diking and drainage infrastructure.
- Consultation with stakeholders.
- Compilation and in-depth analysis of water resource information/data.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible applicants for the grant must be based in British Columbia, Canada. Various entities including governmental, Indigenous, and private organizations are qualified to apply.
- 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
grant_single_labels|criteria
All complete applications to Stream 3 will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served model. The evaluation and selection criteria include:
- Organization / applicant eligibility check.
- Ensuring application completeness.
- A detailed project / budget eligibility check.
- Confirmation of alignment with program eligibility.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Create an Account and Organization Registration
- If you’ve applied for IAF-delivered funding in the past year, ensure your contact details and organization information are up to date.
- If you don’t have an account, create a personal profile (name and email).
- Provide organization information, including name, contact details, type of organization, BC ID/CRA numbers, and primary contact.
- Step 2: Draft Your Application Starting May 30, 2024
- Select Agriculture Water Infrastructure | Stream 3 from the Funding Opportunities section of the IAF Client Portal.
- Provide Applicant Type, Project Name, Project Summary, Proposed Start and End Dates, selected activities, water problems/issues, project location, performance measurement information, and total project cost.
- Upload relevant documents including quotes, estimates, permits, licensing, assessment reports, studies, plans, design drawings, maps, photos, letters of support, cost-breakdown, Cost-Benefit Analysis, project schedules, and project-related correspondence.
- Step 3: Submit Your Application Starting June 20, 2024
- Submit your completed application starting at 9 AM on June 20, 2024 through the IAF Client Portal.
- Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is fully committed.
- Step 4: Wait for Adjudication
- IAF will complete adjudication within eight to twelve weeks of receiving your complete application.
- IAF may contact you for additional information or clarification during this period.
- Step 5: Receive Notification of Funding Decision
- You will be notified of the funding decision via email and the IAF Client Portal.
- If the project is approved, IAF will provide details of the decision and any associated terms and conditions.
- If the project is not approved, you will be notified via email and the IAF Client Portal.
- Step 6: Project Implementation
- Project activities requiring financial resources cannot commence until the project is approved.
- Begin project activities upon approval and ensure completion within 24 months.
- Step 7: Reporting and Payments
- Submit required progress reports or a single final report based on the amount of funding approved, project length, and complexity/risk.
- Payments are made based on actual expenses reported and completed reports.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
awp@iafbc.ca
Apply to this program
Summary of the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) – Stream 3
The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) – Stream 3, funded by the Government of British Columbia, aims to support assessments, engineering studies, and planning activities that enhance the agricultural water supply and management in British Columbia. With a focus on efficient irrigation infrastructure, this program seeks to improve stream flows, fish populations, and sustainable food production.
Understanding the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) – Stream 3
The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) – Stream 3 is an initiative designed to bolster the agricultural water supply and management infrastructure in British Columbia. This program, administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF), is specifically tailored to fund assessments, engineering studies, and plans that are crucial for water supply improvements within agricultural communities.
Objective of AWP – Stream 3
The primary objective of AWP – Stream 3 is to facilitate the adoption of efficient irrigation infrastructure and enhance the understanding of water supply operational limitations. The program strives to: - Improve stream flows and fish populations. - Increase and sustain food production. - Ensure that funded projects remain viable and resilient under predicted climate change scenarios.
Eligible Activities
AWP – Stream 3 encompasses seven key activities eligible for funding: 1. **Water Supply Assessments or Feasibility Studies**: These studies involve evaluating available water supply in key agricultural areas, identifying fully subscribed streams or aquifers, and assessing potential future storage capacities. 2. **Engineering Studies or Plans for Water Purveyors**: Designed to identify opportunities for upgrades and expansion of existing purveyed water systems, these studies aim to enhance water supply systems and reduce water constraints for agricultural producers. 3. **Dam Engineering Assessments**: These assessments, including redetermination of consequence classification, follow guidelines to evaluate dam risks and identify necessary upgrades. 4. **Dam Emergency Plans**: Development of comprehensive dam emergency plans following provincial guidelines to ensure preparedness and response strategies. 5. **Dam Safety Reviews**: Conducting detailed dam safety reviews by Qualified Professionals according to provincial guidelines to ensure ongoing safety and regulatory compliance. 6. **Other Professional Consultative Services**: Includes hydraulic, hydrological, seismic, geological, or geotechnical analyses required under the Dam Safety Regulation (DSR). 7. **Drainage Master Plans, Dike Engineering Studies or Design Plans**: Focused on assessing and determining opportunities for the upgrade or expansion of existing diking and drainage infrastructure.
Funding Structure
The program offers cost-shared funding with a ratio of 50%, supporting a minimum of $20,000 and a maximum of $200,000 per project. This means that applicants must contribute 50% of the eligible project costs, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Food will retroactively fund the remaining 50%. The stacking of funds from other government programs is permissible up to 100% of project costs, as long as these programs are not delivered by IAF.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants for AWP – Stream 3 must be based in British Columbia and include entities such as: - Diking Districts - Indigenous Communities, Cooperatives, Corporations, Governing Bodies, Organizations (both for-profit and non-profit), and Producers - Water Users’ Communities - Local Governments or Regional Districts - Non-Profit Organizations (Agriculture or Conservation) - Producers (Cooperative, Corporation, LLC, Partnership, or Sole Proprietorship) Ineligible applicants include: - Non-agricultural individuals or groups (including seafood/aquaculture) - Provincial and federal governments - Crown Corporations
Application Process
Applications for AWP – Stream 3 can be made through the IAF Client Portal, starting from May 30, 2024. Submissions will begin on June 20, 2024, and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is fully committed. The application process involves several steps: 1. **Create an Account and Register your Organization**: Applicants must first create a personal profile and provide detailed organization information for validation. This process can take up to two business days. 2. **Complete the Application**: Within the IAF Client Portal, applicants must complete sections including project name, summary, proposed dates, activities, location, performance metrics, and budget details. Relevant documents such as quotes, assessments, plans, and permits must be uploaded for review. 3. **Review and Adjudication**: Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served model by the IAF Team. The review includes checks for eligibility, completeness, project and budget details, and alignment with program goals. Adjudication of applications can take between eight to twelve weeks.
Approval and Payment
Upon approval, applicants will be notified of the funding decision via the IAF Client Portal. Projects can begin upon approval and must be completed within 24 months. Payments are made based on actual expenses incurred and reported, and are processed in arrears. Reporting requirements include interim and final reports, which must be submitted through the IAF Client Portal.
Reporting and Acknowledgment
Successful applicants must meet specific reporting requirements to receive reimbursements. This includes submitting detailed reports with all necessary documentation. Additionally, any public communications about funded projects must acknowledge the support of the Government of BC.
Conclusion
The AWP – Stream 3 is a significant opportunity for eligible entities in British Columbia to enhance agricultural water infrastructure through crucial assessments, engineering studies, and plans. By supporting these foundational activities, the program aims to ensure sustainable water management and agricultural productivity amidst evolving climate conditions.
