
Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program
Last Update: August 7, 2025
Canada
Supports assessment and remediation of contaminated sites on reserves
Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Educational services
- Public administration
Grant Providers
- Government of Canada
Program status
Open
Overview of the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program 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.
Eligible projects & activities
- 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.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 39,000
Develop a mobile app for local farm-to-table delivery service
$ 80,000
Purchase energy-efficient machinery for expanded organic bakery production
$ 21,000
Create a workshop to upcycle textiles into eco-friendly accessories
$ 78,000
Install rooftop solar panels and upgrade building insulation
$ 23,500
Renovate and expand day-care kitchen with commercial grade equipment
$ 27,900
Develop digital training modules for at-risk youth employment programs
Eligibility criteria of the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program program
- The applicant must be a First Nation community, band council, district or chief council, tribal council, or a First Nations organization, association, or institution.
- The project must involve the identification, assessment, or remediation of a contaminated site located on reserve lands or lands under Indigenous Services Canada’s responsibility.
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.
Eligibility criteria of the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program program
- Ranking of projects based on the environmental risks associated with the sites.
- Priorities expressed by the concerned community.
How to apply to the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve program program
1
Contact ISC regional office
- Contact your ISC regional office to discuss your project
- Determine if your site is eligible for funding
2
Report contaminated site
- Report a suspected contaminated site to ISC
- Provide site details and relevant supporting information
3
Participate in site assessment
- Participate in site assessment coordinated by ISC
- Submit additional documentation if required
4
Await funding decision
- ISC reviews the assessment and proposed remediation plan
- Wait for ISC decision regarding funding approval
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.
Apply to this program


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