In 2017, Dufferin County and partners initiated the Dufferin Rural Water Quality Program (RWQP) to help improve the water quality in Dufferin County.
This county-wide program provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural landowners to enable them to voluntarily implement best management practices that improve and protect water quality.
The program builds on the Upper Grand Rural Water Quality Program which was established in 2008 with input from the local agricultural community.
The benefits of improved water quality include a safe secure water supply, a healthy aquatic ecosystem, increased recreational opportunities, sustainable agricultural operations and a vibrant economy.
Contact
For more information or to discuss your project and arrange a site visit, please contact:
rcwp@trca.ca | 437-224-4347
VIEW RURAL CLEAN WATER RESOURCES
Project Types Funded
The Dufferin RWQP funds a wide variety of Best Management Practices. Financial incentives will be offered as a grant to share the implementation costs of a project.
RWQP grants may be combined (stacked) with funding from other sources. Where landowners receive funds through another program, the grant rates will be adjusted to ensure that landowners do not receive more than 100% towards the cost of their projects.
Applicants must inform RWQP staff if receiving cost share funding from other sources.
Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan (or Rural Landowner Stewardship Guide) is required prior to grant/incentive payment.
The following table outlines the eligible project categories and corresponding grant rates available to farmers and rural non-farm landowners:
| Eligible Project | Grant Rate | Maximum Grant | Performance Incentive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Water Diversion | 50% | $3,000 | |
| Exclusion Fencing | 75-100% | $5,000 | |
| Nutrient Management Plans | 75-100% | $2,000 | |
| Erosion Control Structures | 50% | $5,000 | |
| Machinery Crossing Improvements | 50% | $3,000 | |
| Cover Crops | $40/acre. Up to 40 acres | ||
| Living Snow Fences | 100% | $5,000 | $450/acre years 1-3 and $200/acre years 4-10. |
| Tree Planting and Fragile Land Retirement | 75% | $5,000 | |
| Wetland Creation | 50% | $5,000 | |
| Wellhead Decommission | 100% | $1,000 | |
| Innovative Technologies | Innovative technologies and projects that do not conform to RWQP guidelines are considered by the Steering Committee on a project by project basis. | ||
Program Eligibility
For information on program eligibility, how to apply, and limitations on grants, please refer to the program guideline.
The map below illustrates the Dufferin Rural Water Quality Program’s area of eligibility for landowner participation in Dufferin County. Landowners should contact their respective Conservation Authority for assistance.
