Rural Water Quality Program

• Brant
• Dufferin
• Grey
• Haldimand
• Oxford
• Perth
• Waterloo
• Wellington
• Halton, Norfolk and Hamilton landowners can call 519-621-2763 Ext. 2278 or email ruralwater@grandriver.ca.

1. Why are there different grant rates across the watershed?
   Grant rates vary by county and funding program to reflect local priorities and program budgets.
2. Can grants be combined from different programs for the same project?
   Where you are eligible to apply to more than one program, grants may be combined, in some cases up to 100% of your project cost.
   
3. Where can I obtain RWQP application forms and guidelines?
   To obtain application forms and program guidelines, contact a conservation specialist at 519-621-2763 ext. 2278 or ruralwater@grandriver.ca
   
4. How do I apply for funding for my project?
   Contact Conservation Specialist ruralwater@grandriver.ca and they will help you with your application.  Contact us early in the planning process; we can help connect you with funding programs.
   
5. My project is already complete; can I still apply for funding?
   The programs we deliver were locally developed and each have their own grant rates and eligibility criteria.  Recently completed projects may be eligible for funding.  Please check with program staff to confirm eligibility in your area.
6. I was approved for a cover crop incentive, how do I claim my payment?
   You will receive your payment once staff have visited your field in early spring to confirm your cover crop meets the  50% ground cover requirement and that it was managed according to program guidelines.
7. Do I need to hire a licensed well contractor for my approved well project?
   Yes.  To receive your approved well project grant (upgrade or decommission),  the work must be completed by a licensed well contractor.  The work a contractor is allowed to do depends on the license held by the well technician(s) employed by the contractor. The Ontario Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks maintains list of licensed well contractors.
8. I am interested in planting trees on my property, how do I find out more information?
   Our Tree planting page has information on how to order trees from GRCA and the planting services we offer.
9. How do I know if my property is in the Grand River watershed?
   If you are not sure if you your property is in the Grand River watershed you can check our watershed map, or visit the Conservation Ontario website to find your local Conservation Authority. 
   

The GRCA delivers stewardship funding from a variety of sources. In some cases, these grants may be combined with RWQP grants. The types of projects, eligible areas, grant rates and deadlines vary by program.

Current programs include:

• Upper Nith River Phosphorus Reduction Program. Farmers in the Nith River subwatershed (upstream of New Hamburg) can receive grants that will help them undertake projects to manage phosphorus losses on their farm. 

• Habitat Stewardship Program. Landowners in the Grand River watershed can apply for grants for projects that contribute to the recovery of endangered, threatened and other aquatic species at risk. Funding is provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada through the Habitat Stewardship Program of Aquatic species at Risk. Project categories include:

  • milkhouse/milking parlour washwater treatment and disposal
  • clean water diversion
  • livestock access restriction to watercourses
  • erosion control structures
  • tree planting
  • sediment basin/wetland creation

To discuss what funding opportunities may be available to support your project, contact a GRCA conservation specialist at 519-621-2763 ext. 2242 or ruralwater@grandriver.ca.

The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) also delivers a variety of funding programs to support on-farm best management practices (BMPs).  For the most up to date program information, visit the OSCIA website.

With support from the Rural Water Quality Program, farmers can achieve their own environmental goals and help ensure there is enough clean water for their farms, their neighbours and all the residents of the Grand River watershed.

Program achievements

With the support of the RWQP, more than 6,500 voluntary projects have been implemented by rural landowners since 1998. They have received grants totalling $20 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. 

• An estimated 100,000 kilograms of phosphorus is kept on the land and out of rivers and streams each year.
• More than 170 kilometres of stream bank have been fenced, preventing livestock access, creating buffers and stabilizing banks.
• Nearly 1,000 hectares of floodplain, riparian areas, steep slopes and sensitive groundwater areas have been retired and planted to trees.

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 producers, whose contributions are highlighted through their inspiring stories from the field.