Closed
Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Restoring Areas of Concern
Supports restoration projects in Great Lakes Areas of Concern
Last Update: May 12, 2026
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Conduct research and development activities
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Educational services
- Public administration
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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
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
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Restoring Areas of Concern Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Restoring Areas of Concern. 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 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?
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
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 or by phone at none.
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