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Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program
Funding for farm phosphorus reduction projects
Last Update: May 12, 2026
Funding available
$ 75,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program provides funding for projects that reduce phosphorus runoff and improve water quality. It supports eligible farm practices, phosphorus management actions, and cost-share projects such as erosion control, tree planting, fencing, and diversion works.
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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 : 75,000 $
- Up to 70% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Cover crop and reduced tillage projects.
- 4R phosphorus management and soil testing projects.
- Manure management and subsurface phosphorus placement.
- Clean water diversion, erosion control, tree planting, fencing, and innovative phosphorus reduction actions.
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Expense claim form
- Required supporting documentation
- Invoices
- Before and after photos for some projects
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ontario residents.
- Registered property owners in the UTRCA watershed.
- Farm businesses in the Upper Thames River watershed.
- Tenant farmers may receive per-acre incentive payments in some cases.
Who is not eligible
- Applicants who start work before written confirmation of funding.
- Projects outside the UTRCA watershed.
- Applicants without the required permits or approvals.
Eligible expenses
- Materials and non-applicant labour for approved projects.
- Professional services and consulting fees.
- Contracted labour and planting costs.
- Purchase of trees, shrubs, fencing, and related equipment or materials.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Work done by the applicant, family dependents, or the applicant’s business.
- Projects or costs that are a legal or legislative requirement.
- Invoices not issued in the applicant’s or farm business name.
- HST where the applicant is entitled to an HST rebate.
Eligible geographic areas
- Upper Thames River watershed.
- UTRCA watershed.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed in the order received.
- UTRCA follows up after review and may inspect the final project.
- Funding is only confirmed after a Letter of Funding Approval is issued.
- Expenses are reviewed before payment is released.
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed as they are received.
- Funding is not guaranteed until a Letter of Funding Approval is issued.
- Projects may be placed on a waitlist depending on funding availability.
- Applicants consent to project inspections and data sharing in aggregate form.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program. 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 Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program?
The Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program provides funding for projects that reduce phosphorus runoff and improve water quality. It supports eligible farm practices, phosphorus management actions, and cost-share projects such as erosion control, tree planting, fencing, and diversion works.
How much funding can be received?
Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program Funds up to 70% of admissible expenses, capped at $75,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program program?
To be eligible for the Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program program, you must:
Ontario resident and property owner in the UTRCA watershed.
Project must reduce phosphorus runoff.
Legal approvals and permits are required.
What expenses are eligible under Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program?
Cover crop and reduced tillage projects.
4R phosphorus management and soil testing projects.
Manure management and subsurface phosphorus placement.
Clean water diversion, erosion control, tree planting, fencing, and innovative phosphorus reduction actions.
Who can I contact for more information about the Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program?
You can contact Watershed Conservation Centre by email at vanesbroeckc@thamesriver.ca or by phone at 519.451.2800 ext. 272.
Where is the Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program available?
The Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program is a Other Support