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Open Call for Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant Program (Canada)

Deadline: 20-Feb-2026

The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) invites applications for its 2026 Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) Grant Program. With $350,000 available, the program supports projects enhancing water conservation, water quality, and basin-wide management through innovative, collaborative, and action-oriented initiatives across local governments, First Nations, and community organizations.

Overview of the Program

The Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) Grant Program is a competitive funding initiative of the Okanagan Basin Water Board, now entering its seventeenth year in 2026. The program supports projects that strengthen water management outcomes across the Okanagan Basin and align with the Board’s ongoing Water Management Initiative. Funding promotes collaboration, adoption of best practices, and innovative approaches to water conservation and quality improvement.

Program Objectives

  • Promote water conservation and water quality improvement across the Okanagan Basin.

  • Ensure basin-wide benefits and alignment with OBWB activities.

  • Fund action-oriented and innovative projects that deliver tangible outcomes.

  • Encourage collaboration across jurisdictions and partner organizations.

  • Support high-quality project proposals that reflect community values.

  • Align projects with the annual program theme, where applicable.

Funding Details

  • Total Funding Available: $350,000 for 2026.

  • Funding Process: Competitive and transparent, managed by OBWB staff.

  • Approval: Final recommendations are submitted to the OBWB Board for approval.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Local governments.

  • First Nations communities.

  • Irrigation or improvement districts.

  • Community and non-profit organizations.

Application Requirements

  • Letter of Support: All applicants must submit a formal letter of support from the local government with jurisdiction over the project area.

  • Authorized Signatories: Letters must be signed by a Chief Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Mayor, or Regional District Board Chairperson.

  • Multiple Jurisdictions: Projects spanning multiple jurisdictions must provide letters of support from each relevant local government.

  • Letter Content: Letters should confirm alignment with local water-related objectives, community values, and other standard considerations. Local governments should not base support decisions on perceived competition for funding or evaluation criteria assessed later by OBWB.

How to Apply

  1. Confirm eligibility as a local government, First Nation, irrigation/improvement district, or community/non-profit organization.

  2. Develop a project proposal aligned with OBWB priorities, including water conservation, quality improvement, and innovative approaches.

  3. Obtain formal letters of support from all relevant local governments.

  4. Submit the full application through OBWB’s application process.

  5. Await staff review and final approval by the OBWB Board.

Why It Matters

The WCQI Grant Program empowers communities to:

  • Protect and conserve water resources across the Okanagan Basin.

  • Enhance water quality for ecological, agricultural, and community benefits.

  • Promote innovative, collaborative, and sustainable water management practices.

  • Align local initiatives with basin-wide water objectives and community values.

Tips and Common Mistakes

  • Secure letters of support from all relevant local governments early.

  • Ensure projects are action-oriented and deliver measurable outcomes.

  • Avoid submitting letters of support based on funding competition or later evaluation criteria.

  • Emphasize collaboration, innovation, and basin-wide impact in your proposal.

  • Ensure proposals clearly align with OBWB priorities and annual themes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Who can apply? Local governments, First Nations, irrigation/improvement districts, and community or non-profit groups.

  2. What is the total funding available? $350,000 for 2026.

  3. Is a letter of support required? Yes, from the local government(s) with jurisdiction over the project area.

  4. Who can sign the letter of support? Chief Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Mayor, or Regional District Board Chairperson.

  5. Are projects spanning multiple jurisdictions eligible? Yes, but letters of support must be obtained from each relevant local government.

  6. What types of projects are funded? Projects that enhance water conservation, water quality, innovation, collaboration, and basin-wide benefits.

  7. How are applications reviewed? OBWB staff conduct a competitive review, with final funding recommendations submitted to the Board for approval.

Conclusion

The OBWB Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant Program provides critical funding to support sustainable water management across the Okanagan Basin. By funding innovative, collaborative, and action-oriented projects, the program helps protect water quality, promote conservation, and strengthen community engagement in responsible water management.

For more information, visit OBWB.