Open
Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program
Supports assessment and remediation of contaminated sites on reserves
Last Update: June 8, 2026
Funding available
$ 25,000,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program provides funding to First Nations to identify, assess, and remediate contaminated sites on reserve lands and other lands under ISC’s responsibility. The maximum amount payable is $25 million annually, and eligible activities include environmental site assessment, remediation, and preventive actions.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Educational services
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Assessment of contaminated sites.
- Remediation of contaminated sites.
- Preventive actions to reduce future contamination.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nations communities
- Band or settlement councils
- District councils or chief councils
- Tribal councils
- First Nations organizations, associations, and institutions
Who is not eligible
- Operating businesses and private fuel facilities
- Sites on Certificate of Possession lands
- Waste and dump sites currently in operation
- Sites established after First Nations Land Management became operational
Eligible expenses
- Environmental site assessment costs, including site visits, sampling, lab analysis, reporting, and monitoring wells.
- Remediation costs, including excavation, removal, grading, transportation, monitoring, sampling, and verification reports.
- Preventive activities, including inventories, asset repairs or decommissioning, training, and awareness sessions.
- Consulting, engineering, and other necessary expert services.
Eligible geographic areas
- Reserve lands
- Other lands under Indigenous Services Canada’s responsibility
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed and prioritized regionally and nationally.
- Priority is based on site classification, health and ecological receptors, and land use.
- ISC confirms its authority before entering into a funding arrangement.
- Applicants must comply with applicable conflict of interest codes.
Additional information
- The program follows a 10-step federal contaminated sites process for assessment and remediation.
- Key results and total expenditures are reported annually through the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) annual report.
- Program funding is supported primarily by the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP), administered by Treasury Board Secretariat and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
- For the most recent data, applicants can consult the Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program Program
What is the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program?
The Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program provides funding to First Nations to identify, assess, and remediate contaminated sites on reserve lands and other lands under ISC’s responsibility. The maximum amount payable is $25 million annually, and eligible activities include environmental site assessment, remediation, and preventive actions.
How much funding can be received?
Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program Funds up to $25,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program program?
To be eligible for the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program program, you must:
First Nations and related entities
Known contaminated site
On reserve or ISC lands
What expenses are eligible under Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program?
Assessment of contaminated sites.
Remediation of contaminated sites.
Preventive actions to reduce future contamination.
Who can I contact for more information about the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program?
You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).
Where is the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program available?
The Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program program is available across Canada.
Is the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program is a Grant and Funding