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Funding available for restoring Great Lakes Areas of Concern (Canada)

Deadline: 19-Dec-2025

The Canada Water Agency’s Areas of Concern (AOCs) funding program supports restoration of severely degraded Great Lakes ecosystems in Canada. Eligible organisations can receive funding for projects that address habitat loss, contaminated sediments, and other ecological impairments while aligning with Remedial Action Plans (RAPs). Multi-year initiatives promoting community engagement, applied science, and measurable environmental outcomes are encouraged.

Canada Water Agency: Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs) Funding

Overview

The Canada Water Agency is offering a targeted funding opportunity for projects restoring designated Areas of Concern (AOCs) within the Great Lakes region. These areas have experienced significant ecological degradation from historical human activity, including industrial pollution, urban runoff, and habitat destruction.

The initiative seeks to restore water quality, improve ecosystem health, and support biodiversity in alignment with Canada’s commitments under the Canada–United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Projects should demonstrate measurable impacts and long-term sustainability.

Key Objectives

  • Restore aquatic habitats and ecosystem function in AOCs

  • Remove or mitigate “Beneficial Use Impairments” (BUIs), such as:

    • Contaminated sediments

    • Loss of fish and wildlife habitat

    • Restrictions on fish consumption

  • Strengthen community engagement and Indigenous leadership in ecosystem restoration

  • Apply science-based and innovative approaches to achieve measurable outcomes

  • Support long-term environmental stewardship across the Great Lakes basin

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Indigenous organisations and communities

  • Local governments and conservation authorities

  • Non-profit and environmental organisations

  • Research institutions and universities

  • Community associations actively engaged in environmental stewardship

Funding Details

  • Funding amount: Variable, aligned with project scale and objectives

  • Project duration: Recommended maximum of three years

  • Eligible actions must align with the RAPs for each AOC and demonstrate direct or indirect contributions to removing BUIs

  • Multi-year projects encouraged to allow sufficient time for implementation, monitoring, and evaluation

Focus Areas

Projects should address:

  • Habitat restoration and rehabilitation

  • Pollution remediation and contaminant reduction

  • Community-based monitoring and conservation programs

  • Applied research supporting ecosystem recovery

  • Educational and engagement initiatives to foster local stewardship

How to Apply

  1. Confirm Eligibility – Ensure your organisation qualifies under the program criteria.

  2. Identify Project Alignment – Map project goals to the Remedial Action Plan for the target AOC.

  3. Define Measurable Outcomes – Specify how BUIs will be addressed and restored.

  4. Develop Budget and Timeline – Ensure the project fits within the recommended three-year duration.

  5. Prepare Supporting Documentation – Include evidence of past experience, partnerships, and community engagement.

  6. Submit Proposal – Follow the Canada Water Agency’s official submission process and deadlines.

  7. Implement and Report – Conduct the project according to plan, providing updates and final results to demonstrate impact.

Common Tips

  • Focus on clearly measurable environmental outcomes and BUI removal

  • Include Indigenous participation and leadership where applicable

  • Ensure strong partnerships with local communities and relevant stakeholders

  • Align proposed activities with existing Remedial Action Plans

  • Plan for monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge sharing to document progress

FAQ

1. What are Areas of Concern (AOCs)?
AOCs are locations within the Great Lakes basin where aquatic ecosystems have suffered severe degradation due to human activity, requiring targeted restoration efforts.

2. Who can apply for funding?
Eligible applicants include Indigenous organisations, local governments, conservation authorities, non-profits, research institutions, and community associations.

3. How long can projects last?
Projects may last up to three years, allowing for multi-year implementation and monitoring.

4. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects addressing habitat restoration, pollution remediation, applied research, and community engagement that contribute to removing BUIs are eligible.

5. What are Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs)?
BUIs are environmental impairments identified in each AOC, such as contaminated sediments, habitat loss, or restrictions on fish consumption.

6. How should projects align with RAPs?
Proposals must clearly demonstrate how activities contribute to achieving the goals outlined in the Remedial Action Plans for each AOC.

7. Can multi-year funding be requested?
Yes, projects can span multiple years, with a recommended maximum duration of three fiscal years.

Conclusion

The Canada Water Agency’s AOCs funding initiative provides a strategic opportunity to restore degraded ecosystems within the Great Lakes region. By supporting Indigenous-led and community-driven projects, applying science-based approaches, and focusing on measurable environmental outcomes, the program strengthens long-term freshwater health, biodiversity, and community resilience across one of Canada’s most critical freshwater systems.

For more information, visit Government of Canada.