Closed
Source verified July 9, 2026
Rural Water Financial Assistance Program
Cost-share funding for rural water quality projects
Latest source updateLast Update: July 9, 2026Latest change: The Environmental Farm Plan workshop page now shows a revised 2026–2027 schedule with added counties and locations, including Cochrane, Manitoulin, Algoma, and Prescott & Russell.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 9, 2026
Latest change: The Environmental Farm Plan workshop page now shows a revised 2026–2027 schedule with added counties and locations, including Cochrane, Manitoulin, Algoma, and Prescott & Russell.
Workshop schedule and coverage updated
The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) workshop listing now shows a revised 2026–2027 schedule with added sessions and locations, including Cochrane, Manitoulin, Algoma, and Prescott & Russell. Several earlier June sessions were removed, while later November, December, January, February, and April dates remain visible, shifting the live workshop availability window. The page also now shows expanded county coverage in the filter list, which changes the apparent workshop coverage area for applicants seeking cost-share funding opportunities. A contact email is visible in the program content, but no grant rates or applicant rules changed on the main program text.
Funding available
$ 10,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Rural Water Quality Program provides financial assistance to qualified landowners in the County of Brant to help pay for selected best management practices that improve and protect ground and surface water quality. Eligible projects include manure storage, tree planting, and well decommissioning.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Manure storage, manure storage decommissioning, clean water diversion, dead stock composting, and well decommissioning.
- Exclusion fencing, erosion control structures, and machinery crossing improvements.
- Tree planting, forest management or enhancement, living snow fences, and natural area restoration and creation.
- Fuel storage, fertilizer and/or chemical handling and storage, and milkhouse/milking parlour washwater treatment and disposal.
- Cover crops, Nutrient Management Plans, Crop Nutrient Plans, and innovative technology.
Documents Needed
- Environmental Farm Plan
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Qualified landowners.
Who is not eligible
- New operations.
- Projects involving new buildings or home additions to increase herd capacity.
Eligible expenses
- Purchased materials and supplies.
- Professional fees, design fees, construction, and supervision.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- New operations and buildings.
- Home or building additions to increase herd capacity.
Eligible geographic areas
- County of Brant
Selection criteria
- The local review committee evaluates projects on their potential to improve and protect water quality.
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact local Conservation Authority
- Speak with Rural Water Quality Program staff.
- Request guidance on the application process.
- Step 2: Plan the project
- Work with staff to plan the project.
- Prepare the application with program support.
- Step 3: Review and approval
- The local review committee evaluates the project.
- Wait for approval before starting any work.
- Step 4: Complete the project and receive payment
- Finish the approved work.
- Staff inspect the project.
- Receive payment after inspection.
Processing and Agreement
- A local review committee evaluates the project on its potential to improve and protect water quality.
- After committee approval, the work can begin.
- Grant payment is issued once the project is complete and inspected by staff.
- For a cover crop incentive, staff visit the field in early spring to confirm 50% ground cover and that the crop was managed according to program guidelines before payment is sent.
- Approved well project grants for an upgrade or decommission must be completed by a licensed well contractor.
Additional information
- The types of projects covered, and the grant rates, vary by municipality.
- Where you are eligible to apply to more than one program, grants may be combined.
- In some cases, combined grants can cover up to 100% of your project cost.
- Recently completed projects may be eligible for funding.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rural Water Financial Assistance Program Program
What is the Rural Water Financial Assistance Program?
The Rural Water Quality Program provides financial assistance to qualified landowners in the County of Brant to help pay for selected best management practices that improve and protect ground and surface water quality. Eligible projects include manure storage, tree planting, and well decommissioning.
How much funding can be received?
Rural Water Financial Assistance Program Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Rural Water Financial Assistance Program program?
To be eligible for the Rural Water Financial Assistance Program program, you must:
Qualified landowners in the County of Brant.
Projects must improve and protect ground and surface water quality.
An Environmental Farm Plan is required.
What expenses are eligible under Rural Water Financial Assistance Program?
Manure storage, manure storage decommissioning, clean water diversion, dead stock composting, and well decommissioning.
Exclusion fencing, erosion control structures, and machinery crossing improvements.
Tree planting, forest management or enhancement, living snow fences, and natural area restoration and creation.
Fuel storage, fertilizer and/or chemical handling and storage, and milkhouse/milking parlour washwater treatment and disposal.
Cover crops, Nutrient Management Plans, Crop Nutrient Plans, and innovative technology.
Who can I contact for more information about the Rural Water Financial Assistance Program?
You can contact County of Brant by email at ruralwater@grandriver.ca or by phone at 519-621-2763 ext. 2278.
Where is the Rural Water Financial Assistance Program available?
The Rural Water Financial Assistance Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Rural Water Financial Assistance Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Rural Water Financial Assistance Program is a Grant and Funding