Contact(s)
COVID-19 Alert
The GRCA continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation in Ontario. The health, safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers and the community remain our highest priority. Please visit our COVID-19 Update page where you will find the most up-to-date information on impacts to GRCA programs and services.
Farmers can receive grants that will help them undertake projects that protect water quality on the farm.
The program offers grants ranging from 50 per cent to 100 per cent of the cost of selected Best Management Practices (BMPs). Money is available for projects including stream fencing, tree planting, manure storage, well decommissioning and more. (Eligible projects vary by county).
For more information on the Rural Water Quality Program or to obtain program guidelines and application forms contact staff at ruralwater@grandriver.ca or call 519-621-2761 to speak with a Conservation Specialist.
| RWQP grant rates and how to apply |
The types of projects covered and the grant rates vary from county to county. For detailed information, go to the page for your county:
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| Other grant programs |
| In some cases, grants may be combined with funding from other sources for a combined grant of 80 to 100 per cent of the project costs. GRCA conservation specialists can help farmers and rural landowners obtain grants from other agencies to support their projects.
For more information:
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| Program background |
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Farmers helped create and continue to oversee the program. Local committees, with representation from agricultural organizations, prioritize BMP applications and decide appropriate funding levels to direct the available funding. The GRCA administers the program. Most of the funds come from municipal governments. The Rural Water Quality Program (RWQP) is voluntary. The best management practices that you choose may be different from those of your neighbours. The RWQP will help producers respond to the specific water quality concerns by providing financial and technical assistance. With the support of the RWQP, farmers can achieve their own environmental goals and help ensure there is enough clean water for farmers, their neighbours and all the residents of the Grand River watershed. |
| Program achievements |
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More than 6,000 voluntary projects have been implemented by rural landowners since 1998. They have received grants totalling $19 million, made possible in part through long term funding support from the Region of Waterloo; Wellington, Brant, Haldimand, Oxford and Dufferin Counties. The ongoing commitment by these municipalities to share the cost of clean water benefits local economies, water quality and watershed health.
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Discover Stories from the Field
Did you know that thousands of farmers in the Grand River watershed are working to improve and protect water quality on their land? Meet local producer Steve Sickle, and many others, whose contributions are highlighted through their inspiring stories from the field.
