Funding & Expertise
Restoring the Lake Simcoe watershed
Restoration Impacts
Our restoration program works to protect and enhance water quality and quantity, natural ecosystems, and wildlife habitat through tree planting, best management practices, and low impact development.
Restoration projects that our team has the pleasure of working on include enhancing ecosystems such as streams, wetlands, forests and meadows. We also work on enhancing stowrmwater in our urban environments and with farmers to implement agricultural projects. We value working with our partners, federal, provincial, municipal, community and private to complete projects that work toward our mission.
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We know that undertaking projects on your property can be costly, and we want to encourage you to choose the projects that provide the changes you seek, but also ones that benefit the air, water and land that sustain us all.
Our current funding support seeks to achieve:
Improved water quality
through streambank erosion protection, limiting nutrient inputs and sediment loading, removal of barriers, and decreasing water temperatures.
Soil conservation
by addressing water and wind erosion.
Enhanced natural areas
by increasing biodiversity and wildlife habitat, expanding buffers and encouraging other natural features such as grasslands.
Need information from an Restoration Project Specialist?
- Bradford West Gwillimbury (Holland Marsh)
- New Tecumseth
- York Region
- Aurora
- East Gwillimbury
- King
- Newmarket
- Whitchurch-Stouffville
- Barrie
- City of Kawartha Lakes
- Durham Region
- Brock
- Scugog
- Uxbridge
- Simcoe County
- Bradford West Gwillimbury (excluding the Holland Marsh)
- Innisfil
- Oro-Medonte
- Ramara
- York Region
- Georgina
Top 10 Restoration Projects
Top 10 Restoration Projects of 2023
In 2023, our restoration team completed 108 projects across the Lake Simcoe watershed. From stormwater retrofits, Low Impact Development, to Community Action projects, creating wetland
Top 10 Restoration Projects of 2022
Wow, what a year it’s been! In 2022, our restoration team completed over 90 projects across the Lake Simcoe watershed. From stormwater retrofits, low impact
Top 10 Restoration Projects of 2021
In 2021, our restoration team completed over 100 projects across the Lake Simcoe watershed. From stormwater retrofits, Low Impact Development, to meadow enhancements and online
Top 10 Restoration Projects of 2020
Wow, what a year! 2020 was full of challenges but despite the pandemic, our restoration team completed over 50 projects across the Lake Simcoe watershed.
Top 10 Restoration Projects of 2019
Our restoration team had an incredible year, completing close to 100 projects across the watershed. From stormwater retrofits, engineered wetlands and permeable pavement, to reforestation,
Are you wondering how our funding program works?
Here are some frequently asked questions!
Funding Q & A
Who provides funding for the grants?
Our member municipalities provide the funding that is available to landowners in the Lake Simcoe watershed. This funding helps landowners complete projects that have environmental benefits, supporting improved water quality, soil conservation, or natural heritage enhancement.
Am I eligible for a funding grant?
Owners of public, private, or commercial properties within the Lake Simcoe watershed are eligible to apply for funding assistance. Each grant category has specific eligibility criteria that must be met before funding is approved. To find out more about each category’s guidelines, visit our eligible project list and click your project of interest.
Who can I talk to about an environmental project on my property?
Our Restoration Project Specialists have expertise in biology, ecology, forestry, bio-engineering, and many related fields. Their technical advice is provided at no cost, to help you plan and complete your project. Our team can also assist you with accessing funding from other sources, if/when it is available.
What types of projects receive funding, and what projects are eligible for funding assistance?
A range of projects may be considered for funding. Each project type is unique. We recommend you check each project category to determine what costs are eligible. For details on eligible projects, please refer to the project guidelines available under each of our project category pages. Innovative projects may also be considered for funding. Contact our Restoration Project Specialists for more information.
How much money can I expect to receive through a funding grant?
Funding rates and caps vary depending on the project. Rates typically range from 50 – 100%, with caps for each project. View the project guidelines for details, or view the eligible projects for an overview of rates and caps.
How do I apply for funding?
An application package consists of Applicant Information Forms, Project Profile Forms, as well as a minimum of two written quotes from qualified contractors. Some project categories require additional information to accompany the application. Application Forms can be found under eligible projects. Click the link to the project you’re interested in completing, and then click the drop down to see application forms.
Can my contractor apply on my behalf and receive the funding directly?
While a contractor may be able to assist you in filling out your application form, we strongly encourage all applicants to complete the necessary forms yourself as you will be required to sign all documents. The funding cannot be issued to the contractor directly. Only the landowner is eligible to receive the grant reimbursement.
Where do I send the completed and signed application package?
Applications can be filled out electronically and submitted via email, mailed or hand delivered to the LSRCA offices at 120 Bayview Parkway, Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 3W3. Paper copies of the application are also available.
When should I apply?
Applications are accepted year-round. The funding is limited each year and is administered on a first-come, first-served basis.
I've applied for a grant. When can I begin my project?
All projects must be pre-approved for funding prior to commencing. Projects that begin prior to receiving a formal letter of funding approval are considered retroactive and would need to be discussed with your restoration project specialist.
When will I receive my funding assistance?
Funding assistance is provided through a reimbursement process. Landowners are responsible for arranging permits, project construction, and for paying contractors up-front and in-full. Receipts and other required documents must be sent to our stewardship department upon project completion. A checklist of required information is sent with your funding approval letter. Once all required documents are received, you can expect to receive reimbursement within the mail within 4-6 weeks.
I've already completed my project. Can I still apply for funding?
All projects must be pre-approved to be eligible for funding. Retroactive projects are not typically accepted. Contact our Restoration Project Specialists for more information.
I've been approved for funding through another organization. Can I still apply for your program?
Yes, you can still apply for our funding. In many cases, we can work with you to apply for other grants to “stack” your funding.
Eligible Projects
Funding FAQs
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Meet the Restoration Team
Measuring Success