Open
Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program
Supports assessment and remediation of contaminated sites on reserves
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
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
- Varies by project
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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.
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
Who are the financial supporters of the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program?
Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program is funded by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)