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Lake Simcoe Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative: Preventing Toxic and Nuisance Algae

Funding to reduce harmful algae in Lake Simcoe

Offered by
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
Official source: canada.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 150,000
Deadline
November 26, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Canadian organizations
See full eligibility

Overview

This program provides up to $150,000 per year for projects that reduce phosphorus loads in Lake Simcoe. It supports innovative approaches, best management practices, and outreach activities to prevent toxic and nuisance algae.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$150,000
Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Implement environmental initiatives
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Reduce environmental footprint
  • Reach a new target audience
  • 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

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 2

Latest changes

Lake Simcoe funding reopens with revised rules

The Lake Simcoe funding page now shows an open application period, a November 26, 2026 deadline, revised eligibility and project requirements, and updated application instructions.

See more

The Lake Simcoe Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative application period has reopened, with applications due by 3:00 p.m. EST on November 26, 2026. The page also revises who can apply, eligible and ineligible projects and costs, evaluation criteria, and the project scope within the Lake Simcoe drainage basin. The application process has been expanded and reorganized, including updated form sections, online submission instructions, and revised guidance for budgets, outreach, work plans, and supporting documents. The funding page now states support is available from April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2030, with up to $150,000 per year and up to three years of support.

Official source: canada.ca
September 30, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Canadian organizations
  • Indigenous organizations, governments, individuals, boards, commissions, communities, associations, and authorities
  • Municipal and local governments, including Conservation Authorities
  • Not-for-profit organizations, such as charitable and volunteer organizations, professional associations, and non-governmental organizations
  • Research, academic and educational institutions

Who is not eligible

  • Individuals
  • Provincial government agencies

Eligible expenses

  • Staff salaries and benefits
  • Professional services, including accounting, monitoring, communications, translation, audit, and legal fees
  • Travel, materials, supplies, printing, and distribution
  • Equipment rental or purchase, vehicle costs, and contractor fees
  • A reasonable share of overhead, administrative costs, and non-reimbursable taxes

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Projects focused on water quantity issues
  • Projects located outside of the defined geographical area
  • Projects focused on increasing production, replacing worn out equipment, or commercial expansion
  • Projects not in compliance with applicable legislation, including environmental legislation
  • Activities intended to directly influence and/or lobby any level of government; activities that are part of normal operations of an organization/business; wastewater infrastructure projects; capital or operating costs of municipal infrastructure; land acquisition

Eligible geographic areas

  • Lake Simcoe drainage basin, Southern Ontario

Activities funded

  • Implementing and increasing adoption of best management practices, or other approaches resulting in reductions of phosphorus loads to Lake Simcoe
  • Projects that implement and promote best management practices or technologies to mitigate phosphorus losses in targeted locations
  • Projects that implement low impact development (LID) techniques focused on reducing phosphorus losses from critical source areas
  • Outreach or knowledge mobilization activities to be implemented if the application is selected for funding

How to apply

  • Step 1: Access the online portal
    • Sign in to ECCC’s Single Window system using GCKey.
    • Add your organization to your profile to access GCEMS.
  • Step 2: Complete the application
    • Fill in all required sections of the online form.
    • Provide the project summary, work plan, budget, and supporting information.
  • Step 3: Submit online
    • Select the Lake Simcoe funding opportunity in GCEMS.
    • Click Apply and submit the completed application online.

Documents Needed

  • Letters of financial/in-kind support for the project

Selection criteria

  • The actions described in the application will lead to increased implementation and adoption of Best Management Practices or other approaches resulting in reductions of phosphorus loads to Lake Simcoe
  • The application includes an innovative approach or technology that will result in reducing phosphorus loads to Lake Simcoe; innovative approach or technology is considered an asset but is not required to receive funding
  • The applicant commits to sharing results and data openly
  • The application clearly describes outreach or knowledge mobilization activities that promote uptake to a wider community using new or existing memberships and networks
  • The application activities support the goals and objectives of the project; the work plan is realistic and achievable with measurable goals and indicators; the applicant has project expertise and experience in this field; required permits have been identified and/or obtained; the applicant agrees to work with the CWA to collect and provide information to support estimating phosphorus load reductions resulting from project activities; the project represents good value for dollars invested; the project includes cash and/or in-kind contributions from other sources

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications undergo a two-stage review: administrative screening and project evaluation.
  • ECCC may consult external advisors, but funding decisions are made by ECCC.
  • Incomplete applications are not reviewed.

Additional information

  • Applications are submitted online through ECCC’s GCEMS via the Single Window system.
  • Applicants are encouraged to include other funding or in-kind support.
  • Additional material may be attached if clearly referenced in the application.

Contacts

lakesimcoe-lacsimcoe@cwa-aec.gc.ca

Official sources

Funding for protecting Lake Simcoe
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Lake Simcoe Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative: Preventing Toxic and Nuisance Algae Program

What is the Lake Simcoe Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative: Preventing Toxic and Nuisance Algae?

This program provides up to $150,000 per year for projects that reduce phosphorus loads in Lake Simcoe. It supports innovative approaches, best management practices, and outreach activities to prevent toxic and nuisance algae.

How much funding can be received?

Lake Simcoe Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative: Preventing Toxic and Nuisance Algae Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program is November 26, 2026.

Who is eligible for the Lake Simcoe Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative: Preventing Toxic and Nuisance Algae program?

To be eligible for the Lake Simcoe Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative: Preventing Toxic and Nuisance Algae program, you must: Canadian organizations only Project in Lake Simcoe basin Reduces phosphorus loads

What expenses are eligible under Lake Simcoe Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative: Preventing Toxic and Nuisance Algae?

Staff salaries and benefits Professional services, including accounting, monitoring, communications, translation, audit, and legal fees Travel, materials, supplies, printing, and distribution Equipment rental or purchase, vehicle costs, and contractor fees A reasonable share of overhead, administrative costs, and non-reimbursable taxes

Who can I contact for more information about the Lake Simcoe Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative: Preventing Toxic and Nuisance Algae?

You can contact Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) by email at lakesimcoe-lacsimcoe@cwa-aec.gc.ca.

Where is the Lake Simcoe Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative: Preventing Toxic and Nuisance Algae available?

The Lake Simcoe Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative: Preventing Toxic and Nuisance Algae program is available the province of Ontario.