Closed
Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Restoring Areas of Concern
Supports restoration projects in Great Lakes Areas of Concern
Record updated
- Funding available
- Up to 100% of project cost
- Deadline
- Unspecified
- Location
- Ontario, Canada
- Who can apply
- Indigenous organizations, governments, communities, associations, and authorities
- See full eligibility
Overview
This program funds projects that restore Canadian Great Lakes Areas of Concern. It supports action, science, and engagement activities that improve water quality and aquatic ecosystem health, with funding of up to 100% of project costs.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum share of project costs
- 100%
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Conduct research and development activities
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Ontario
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- All groups
- Legal structures
- All legal structures
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous organizations, governments, communities, associations, and authorities
- Municipal and local governments, including Conservation Authorities
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Research, academic, and educational institutions
- For-profit organizations
Who is not eligible
- Individuals
- Provincial government agencies
Eligible expenses
- Direct project labour, including salaries and benefits
- Professional and technical services, such as accounting, monitoring, communications, translation, audit, and legal fees
- Travel, hospitality, materials, supplies, printing, and distribution
- Equipment, capital assets, and vehicle rental or operation
- Contractors, reasonable overhead, and eligible taxes not recoverable elsewhere
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Capital or operating costs of municipal infrastructure
- Land acquisition costs
- Costs not directly tied to the project unless approved in writing
Eligible geographic areas
- Canadian Great Lakes Areas of Concern
Activities funded
- Habitat restoration and rehabilitation
- Contaminated sediment remediation and pollution control
- Science and monitoring to support remedial action planning
- Community and stakeholder engagement for RAP implementation
How to apply
- Step 1: Access the online system
- Sign in through the department’s Single Window system.
- Use GCKey and add your organization to your profile.
- Step 2: Complete the application form
- Fill in all required sections of the online form.
- Provide the project description, work plan, evaluation plan, budget, and supporting information.
- Step 3: Submit online
- Submit the completed application through GCEMS.
- Ensure all sections are complete before submission.
Documents Needed
- Completed online application form
- Project work plan
- Project evaluation plan and performance measures
- Project budget
- Supporting materials, such as maps, photos, scientific data, permit applications, or letters of financial/in-kind support, if applicable
Selection criteria
- Expected environmental results and contribution to BUI delisting or priority actions
- Technical feasibility, realistic timeline, and access to expertise
- Additional benefits, including outreach, innovation, and alignment with other priorities
- Value for money and contributions from other sources
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first reviewed administratively for completeness and eligibility.
- Eligible applications are then evaluated by the Canada Water Agency against program criteria.
- Applicants are notified in writing of the outcome.
- If approved in principle, a Contribution Agreement is negotiated before funding starts.
- Project work may begin after formal notification of approval, subject to agreements or contracts.
Additional information
- Applications are closed.
- Applications that include partner funding or in-kind support may be rated more favourably.
- Approved projects must report on performance indicators in the final report.
Contacts
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions about the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Restoring Areas of Concern Program
What is the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Restoring Areas of Concern?
This program funds projects that restore Canadian Great Lakes Areas of Concern. It supports action, science, and engagement activities that improve water quality and aquatic ecosystem health, with funding of up to 100% of project costs.
How much funding can be received?
Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Restoring Areas of Concern Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Restoring Areas of Concern program?
To be eligible for the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Restoring Areas of Concern program, you must:
Canadian organizations only
Project in a Canadian Area of Concern
Project aligned with the Remedial Action Plan
What expenses are eligible under Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Restoring Areas of Concern?
Direct project labour, including salaries and benefits
Professional and technical services, such as accounting, monitoring, communications, translation, audit, and legal fees
Travel, hospitality, materials, supplies, printing, and distribution
Equipment, capital assets, and vehicle rental or operation
Contractors, reasonable overhead, and eligible taxes not recoverable elsewhere
Who can I contact for more information about the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Restoring Areas of Concern?
You can contact Government of Canada by email at greatlakes-grandslacs@cwa-aec.gc.ca.
Where is the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Restoring Areas of Concern available?
The Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Restoring Areas of Concern program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Restoring Areas of Concern a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Restoring Areas of Concern is a Grant and Funding