Enhancing Wildlife Habitat

The purpose of this program is to protect or enhance aquatic and terrestrial wildlife by creating and/or restoring wildlife habitat areas.

Funding

Landowners within the Lake Simcoe watershed may qualify for grants of 50 per cent of project costs for eligible projects, to a maximum of $1,000. Additional funds may be available from other environmental grant funding sources. LSRCA watershed coordinators will ensure that you are made aware of all the grant funding programs available to you.

What projects are eligible?

  • Projects that create or restore wildlife habitat which fulfill the need for food, water, shelter and/or places to raise young.
  • Educational signage for environmental projects which are involved with the LSRCA LEAP program.
  • Project must be a minimum total cost of $500.
  • Examples of projects could include installing bird and bat boxes, bird shelters, snake hibernacula, planting native seed mixes and native aquatic and terrestrial plants.
  • We encourage partnerships and community projects.
  • We will consider new and innovative projects on a case-by-case basis.

What costs may be covered?

  • Materials and labour associated with an approved project
  • Professional design fees
  • Permit fees
  • Taxes

What isn't covered?

  • Any projects associated with non-native and invasive species.
  • Enhancements for recreational use or aesthetic purposes.
  • Machinery or equipment used by the applicant, family dependents or the applicant's business.
  • Work that proceeds prior to funding approval does not qualify for funding assistance.

Conditions

  • Projects in or near water may require reviews, approvals, and/or permits from, but not limited to the local municipality, the LSRCA, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Such permits are the responsibility of the applicant and must be in place prior to implementation.
  • Project design must be reviewed by LSRCA staff.
  • Once completed, the ongoing maintenance and associated costs of the project are the responsibility of the landowner.
  • Where applicable, all signage must be approved by the LSRCA and contain our logo and all other partner logos.
  • Two quotes may be required.
  • If you have an outstanding violation with the LSRCA or any other regulatory agency, you may not be eligible.

How to Apply

Contact an LSRCA Watershed Coordinator