Rural Clean Water Program
Grants/Funding available up to $20,000 depending on project category.
The Rural Clean Water Program (RCWP) began in 1997 with support from York Region, Province of Ontario, and local agricultural organizations, as an agricultural/rural extension program to help improve and protect local water health.
The RCWP offers farmers and rural landowners free technical support and cost-share funding opportunities for 18 different best management practice (BMP) projects. All grant projects help to enhance investments, including infrastructure, in farms and rural properties, to protect, restore, and enhance water, air, soil and habitat quality.
What has the Rural Clean Water Program accomplished?
For more than 28 years RCWP has had amazing success through partnering with farmers and rural property owners.
With support from both local agricultural and rural communities, RCWP has worked with over 140 farmers and landowners to complete over 200 projects that have helped enhance both business operations and the health of the environment!
Completed Project Examples
Grant Information
Farm Grants, Agricultural Grants and Rural Property Grants
RCWP grants and funding are available on an on-going basis. There are no hard deadlines for application submission, but the funding pool is limited.
- You must meet program eligibility requirements to apply
- You may apply for more than one grant at a time
- Many grant categories can be applied for more than once
- If you have a project or innovative technology in mind that is not listed in our grant categories, but is aligned with RCWP’s goals, you may still be eligible for some funding.
Contact us for full category guidelines and more information.
| Eligible Project | Grant Rate | Grant Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Barnyard Runoff Control & Clean Water Diversion | 50% | $5,000 |
| Cover Crops | $25/acre up to 80 acres1 | |
| Education & Training | 100%2 | $500 |
| Erosion Control Structures | 50% | $5,000 |
| Fuel & Chemical Storage | 50% | $2,000 |
| Integrated Pest Management | 50% | $5,000 |
| Irrigation Management | 50% | $10,000 |
| Livestock Fencing from Environmentally Sensitive Features | 75%3 | $10,000 |
| Manure Storage & Handling Systems and Composting Facilities | 50% | $10,000 |
| Milkhouse Washwater Disposal | 50% | $5,000 |
| Natural Area Enhancement & Creation | 100% | $20,000 |
| Nutrient Management Plan | 70%4 | $3,000 |
| Nutrient Management Strategy | 70%4 | $2,000 |
| Private Septic System Upgrade | 50% | $5,000 |
| Private Well Decommissioning | 100% | $1,500 |
| Private Well Upgrade | 50% | $1,000 |
| Silage Storage Enhancement & Relocation | 50% | $10,000 |
| Tree Planting | 50% | $6,000 |
1 Limited to once over the life of the program
2 Limited to once per year
3 100% grant rate will apply on materials only if installed by landowner
4 Only available to farms not currently phased into nutrient management legislation
Program Eligibility
The RCWP program is open to farmers (including those leasing land) and rural landowners in York region. The main requirements are listed below:
-
- You are a resident of Ontario
- You are the owner or lessee of the property
- Projects must be in TRCA’s jurisdiction of York Region (if you are unsure, please feel free to contact us!)
- Projects must not violate any laws
The map below shows the area of eligibility for landowner participation in the Rural Clean Water Program within York Region (highlighted in orange).
- Funding for farmer and rural property owner projects is administered by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) in King City, Vaughan, Woodbridge, Richmond Hill, Markham, and Stouffville.
- In the northern portion of York Region, similar funding opportunities are available through the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA).
How to Apply – its easy!
After submission the application will then go to an internal committee for approval. If approved, there are a few additional steps which vary slightly depending on the project category. Please contact us for more information.
Contact us today to learn more!
For more information or to discuss a potential project please feel free to reach out:
rcwp@trca.ca | 437-224-4347.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I receive my funding?
Funding is released once a project is confirmed complete, following a final site visit that ensures the project’s adherence to RCWP guidelines.
What is the time commitment required for the grant process?
There are a few short forms to sign and typically two site visits — one before and one after the project is completed.
How soon is funding issued after project completion?
Once the Final Expense Claim Form is signed it usually takes 1-2 months.
I am a farmer that has a hand-shake lease agreement with the landowner. Am I still eligible?
Yes, this is usually acceptable.
Do I own the infrastructure or plants of my project?
Yes, the farmer or landowner will ultimately own and be responsible for the maintenance of any project or infrastructure.
If I do a tree planting project, can I choose the species of trees and where they go?
TRCA’s Private Lands Planting Team will create a planting plan based on the unique characteristics of your property. This plan will include a variety of, mostly native, tree and shrubs species, that our experts believe will have the best chances of survival on your property. If there are certain types of native plants that you would like to include, we will do our best to accommodate. The landowner/farmer chooses where any planting will occur and gives signed approval of the planting plan before the project is started.
Is RCWP trying to plant trees on prime agricultural land?
Absolutely not. Our program only ever advocates for working with farmers to enhance marginal lands and other areas that they have deemed non-viable for their operation. Everything is done with the full consent of the farmer and/or the rural landowner. The goal of the program is to enhance and protect water quality, not naturalize valuable agricultural land.
Do I need an Environmental Farm Plan?
No, not for RCWP in York Region, however it is strongly encouraged. An EFP can provide excellent insights into how to enhance the efficiency of your operation while also reducing environmental impacts. Completing an EFP also allows you to take advantage of many other significant funding opportunities!
Is there a fee to apply or schedule a site visit?
No, it is free
My farm/property is outside of TRCA’s jurisdiction. Can I apply?
No, only projects within our jurisdiction are eligible for TRCA’s funding. However, many other conservation authorities across southern Ontario do have similar funding! Please feel free to contact us and we can help to connect you!