Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program

• Grants cover between 50% and 90% of eligible project costs, depending on the project type, with defined maximum contribution amounts for each category.
• Maximum funding amount per project ranges from $750 to $15,000, based on project type.
• Annual incentives apply to land retirement and cover crops: $150 per acre per year (max 10 acres, up to 3 years) for land retirement; $50 per acre per year (max 20 acres, up to 3 years) for cover crops.
• The cumulative funding limit per applicant is $25,000 over the 2021–2025 period.
• Retroactive funding is not available; only costs incurred after project approval are eligible.

• The project must protect and improve surface water and/or groundwater quality in the City of Ottawa.
• The applicant must apply for funding prior to starting the project.
• The applicant’s project must be one of the following: a farm project within the City of Ottawa, a well decommissioning project within the City of Ottawa, a non-farm project within rural Ottawa, or an educational initiative in Ottawa delivered by a not-for-profit organization.
• The applicant must not have received more than $25,000 in ORCWP grants between 2021 and 2025.
• The applicant must complete required prerequisites (e.g., Environmental Farm Plan for farm projects or Healthy Home Guidebook for non-farm projects) before grant payment is issued, unless the project is an Educational Initiative or Forest & Wetland Management Plan.

Who is eligible?

• Farm operations located in the City of Ottawa
• Rural landowners within the rural boundaries of Ottawa
• Owners of properties in Ottawa undergoing well decommissioning or septic projects
• Non-profit organizations implementing demonstration or educational projects

Who is not eligible

• Companies with projects that have already begun before applying for funding (retroactive funding is not available).
• Businesses located outside the City of Ottawa or outside the designated rural or eligible urban boundaries.
• Applicants who have already received more than $25,000 in funding from the Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program between 2021 and 2025.

Eligible expenses

• Materials and supplies essential for the approved project.
• Contract labour and professional fees directly related to project completion.
• Permits and application fees required for the project.
• Reasonable in-kind contributions for applicant’s labour (up to $20/hr) and equipment use (up to $50/hr) for project purposes.

Eligible geographic areas

• Rural areas within the City of Ottawa
• Properties within the City of Ottawa urban boundary (for agricultural, well decommissioning, and septic projects)

• Potential of the project to improve and protect surface water and/or groundwater quality.
• Compliance with all program guidelines and requirements.
• Availability of program funds at the time of application review.

• Step 1: Contact Program for Eligibility Verification
  • Contact the LandOwner Resource Centre (LRC) by phone at (613) 692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1136 to confirm that your project and property location meet the funding guidelines.
  • The LRC will forward your information to your local Conservation Authority (CA) if eligible.
  • Alternatively, visit the Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program web page to complete the initial application form.
• Step 2: Gather Required Documentation and Approvals
  • Allow ORCWP representatives access to your property for a mandatory site visit, which will be scheduled with your participation.
  • Obtain any necessary permits or approvals from municipal, provincial, or federal authorities, as required for your project.
  • Prepare all relevant project design information, including dimensions, plans, or drawings if applicable.
  • Request and collect quotes for the proposed project to include with your application.
  • Provide or allow photographs to be taken of your project site before, during (if approved), and after construction.
  • Complete any prerequisite documentation, such as the Environmental Farm Plan for agricultural projects or the Healthy Home Guidebook for non-agricultural projects, as required.
• Step 3: Submit Application Form
  • Submit the completed application form, including all required project information, supporting documents, design plans, and quotes, to your local Conservation Authority or through the program’s online portal.
  • Identify all other sources of funding you have applied for or received at the time of application.
  • If participating in Green Acres or shoreline naturalization programs, a separate application may not be needed as CA staff will assist with top-up funding for ORCWP-eligible projects.
• Step 4: Application Review and Approval
  • Your local Conservation Authority’s multi-stakeholder review committee will evaluate your application against the program guidelines.
  • If necessary, be prepared to provide additional information upon request.
  • Applicants will be notified directly when a decision has been made regarding their project approval.
  • For certain project types (well decommissioning, septic repair, or forest management plans), approval may be granted by staff if all criteria are met.
• Step 5: Complete Project and Final Documentation
  • After approval, complete your project within the specified timeline as indicated in your approval letter.
  • Pay all project invoices yourself—they must be prepaid before grant disbursement.
  • Upon project completion, submit all required final paperwork, including:
  • Invoices detailing labour, equipment, and materials/services
  • Proof of payment (e.g., cancelled cheques, supplier receipts marked “paid”)
  • Permits and approvals
  • Additional documents identified in your project guideline or approval letter
  • Photos of completed project
  • For farm projects, submit a letter from the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association confirming completion of the Environmental Farm Plan (or organic certification if applicable)
  • For educational initiatives, submit a final report detailing outcomes and program recognition
• Step 6: Receive Grant Payment
  • After final paperwork is reviewed and approved, grant payment will be issued by your local Conservation Authority via cheque.

• Approved projects must be completed and required paperwork submitted within 12 months from approval, or by December 31, 2025, whichever comes first.
• Applicants will receive an ORCWP sign to install on their property following project approval.
• There is an appeals process if funding is denied, requiring a written request and attendance at a review committee meeting.
• Program representatives may request to visit completed projects for up to five years following completion, with prior arrangement.