Open
Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program
Supports assessment and remediation of contaminated sites on reserves
Last Update: March 6, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The Contaminated Sites On-Reserve (CSOR) program provides funding to First Nations for identifying, assessing, and remediating contaminated sites on reserve lands, with the aim of safeguarding health, the environment, and supporting community development. Eligible activities include environmental site assessment and remediation of sites linked to community facilities, former diesel plants, and dump sites; no maximum funding amount is specified.
/100
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
- Identification and assessment of contaminated sites on reserve lands.
- Remediation of contaminated sites to reduce risks to human health and the environment.
- Restoration of reserve lands for community, economic, or traditional uses after contamination.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nations community members
- Band councils or First Nations communities
- District and 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 becoming operational under First Nations Land Management
Eligible expenses
- Environmental site assessment activities.
- Remediation of contaminated sites.
Eligible geographic areas
- On-reserve lands and other lands under the responsibility of Indigenous Services Canada across Canada.
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 (CSOR) program provides funding to First Nations for identifying, assessing, and remediating contaminated sites on reserve lands, with the aim of safeguarding health, the environment, and supporting community development. Eligible activities include environmental site assessment and remediation of sites linked to community facilities, former diesel plants, and dump sites; no maximum funding amount is specified.
Who is eligible for the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program program?
To be eligible for the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program program, you must:
The site must be located on reserve land under the responsibility of SAC.
Eligible sites include those related to community facilities or former dumps.
The project must not involve operational businesses or private sites.
What expenses are eligible under Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program?
Identification and assessment of contaminated sites on reserve lands.
Remediation of contaminated sites to reduce risks to human health and the environment.
Restoration of reserve lands for community, economic, or traditional uses after contamination.
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 Government of Canada, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)