The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

Riverine Flood Status
Normal
Lake Simcoe Shoreline Status
Normal
Low Water Status
Normal

Enhancing Wildlife Habitat

Connect with nature by attracting birds, bees and butterflies and other wildlife to your home.

Enhancing Wildlife Habitat

50% of project costs up to $2,500

Create or restore wildlife habitat right on your own property. Your new habitat will fulfill the need for food, water, shelter, or a place for wildlife to raise their young. Consider installing bird boxes, bat boxes, snake hibernacula, or simply plant native seed mixes … or let us know if you have your own idea! 

Wetland Restoration and Enhancement

50% of project costs up to $20,000 for wetlands

Help reduce your risk of flood damage, recharge groundwater and improve habitat for numerous species by creating or enhancing a beautiful wetland on your property. This category involves restoring and enhancing the plants and ​soils of a wetland, creating h​ome ​for fish, birds, and other animals. Without wetlands, some wildlife species would disappear completely.

Grassland Restoration and Enhancement

50% of project costs up to $10,000

Hike or birdwatch right on your own meadow, prairie or savanna. The sights, sounds and smells of grasslands will create a beautiful space where you can build a connection with nature. Grasslands provide a home for numerous species, including pollinators and hundreds of vibrant native flowers. If you’re a birder, you can also expect to see many bird species, including bobolinks, savanna sparrows and northern bobwhite quail.

Project Details​

Objective

To protect wildlife through creating or restoring aquatic / terrestrial habitats 

What projects are eligible?

  • Projects that create or restore wildlife habitat that fulfills the need for food, water, shelter and/or places to raise young, i.e. bird and/or bat boxes, snake hibernacula, planting native seed mixes, trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.

  • Site preparation and planting materials (i.e. invasive species management and control including herbicide application by licensed applicator, rototilling, mowing, soil amendments, rodent guards, mulch, etc.)

  • Priority may be given to projects that are adjacent to identified natural heritage areas (please consult with Restoration Project Specialist).

  • The Conservation Authority will consider innovative projects if they meet the objective of the category.

Project Details

Projects in or near water may require reviews, approvals, and/or permits from, but not limited to the local municipality, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Permits are the responsibility of the applicant and must be in place prior to construction.

    • Planting Stock (native trees and shrubs, herbaceous plants; bareroot and/or maximum 2 gallon pots) – 50% up to $2,500

    • Wildlife Habitat Enhancement (construction material for: snake hibernacula, bird/bat/ butterfly/insect boxes, nesting platform, seed costs etc.) – 50% up to $2,500

    • Site Preparation and Planting Materials (including but not limited to: rototilling, mowing, invasive species management and competition control including herbicide application by licensed applicator, soil amendments, rodent guards, brush mats, mulch, etc.) – 50% up to $2,500

What costs are covered?

  • Permits

  • Professional design fees

  • Materials and labour associated with an approved project

What isn’t covered?

  • Taxes

  • Any projects associated with non-native and invasive species

  • Enhancements for recreational use or aesthetic purposes

  • Machinery or equipment owned and used by the applicant, family dependents or the applicant’s business

  • Labour of applicant, family dependents or the applicant’s business

  • If you have an outstanding violation with the Conservation Authority, you will not be eligible for funding

  • Work required as a condition of a municipal planning or Conservation Authoirty permit will not be eligible

  • Work that proceeds prior to funding approval does not qualify for funding assistance

How to Apply

Complete the Landowner Information Form and Project Profile Form to submit an application.

Be prepared to submit the following with your application:

  • Two cost quotations

  • Project site plan

Only complete applications will be considered for funding assistance.

Please contact a Restoration Project Specialist to verify program eligibility and to answer any questions/concerns you may have about the program and/or the application process. This is a voluntary program and all calls are confidential.

What projects are eligible?

  • Wetland creation or restoration project that provide water storage, improve water quality by acting as a natural filter, reduce flooding, reduce erosion, replenish groundwater, and/or enhance wildlife habitat.

  • Priority may be given to projects that are adjacent to identified natural heritage areas (please consult with LSRCA staff).

  • Priority will be given to projects partnering with other wetland restoration programs (e.g. Ducks Unlimited Canada) 

  • All species to be planted must be native

  • LSRCA will consider innovative projects if they meet the objective of the category 

Project Details

Applicants must receive all required permits prior to commencing the project and must conform to applicable Legislation, Policies and Plans (e.g. the Conservation Authorities Act, Lake Simcoe Protection Act and Plan, Ontario Regulation 179/06, LSRCA’s Watershed Development Guidelines etc.).

Projects will not negatively impact local drainage or neighbouring properties and may require hydrological and/or hydrogeological studies.

What costs ​are covered?

  • Permits

  • Native plants

  • Engineering or consulting fees

  • Materials and labour associated with the approved project

What isn’t covered?

  • Taxes

  • Non-native and invasive plants

  • Machinery or equipment owned and used by the applicant, family dependents or the applicant’s business 

  • Labour of applicant, family dependents or the applicant’s business

  • If you have an outstanding violation with the LSRCA, you will n​ot be eligible for funding

  • Work that proceeds prior to funding approval does not qualify for funding assistance

How to Apply

​Complete the Landowner Information Form and the Project Profile Form to submit an application.

Be prepared to submit the following with your application:

  • Project site plan

  • Two cost quotations from qualified contractors

  • Landowner permission for work on public or private land

  • LSRCA permit (if required)

 

Please contact a Restoration Project Specialist​ to verify program eligibility and to answer any questions/concerns you may have about the program and/or the application process. This is a voluntary program and all calls are confidential.

What projects are eligible?

  • Property size must be a minimum of two acres

  • Priority may be given to projects that are adjacent to identified natural heritage areas  (please consult with your Restoration Project Specialist)

  • Project must involve the creation or restoration of a meadow, prairie or savanna ecosystem

  • All species to be planted must be native

  • LSRCA will consider innovative projects if they meet the objective of the category

Project Details

Projects must not negatively impact existing natural or critical habitats, nor species at risk and their habitats.

Applicants must apply for and receive all necessary permits; this includes all associated approvals for a prescribed burn, if required.

Project must be a minimum cost of $500 before tax.

What costs are covered?

  • Permits

  • Native seeds and/or plants

  • Materials, labour and equipment associated with the approved project

  • Professional fees associated with site inventory, design and maintenance plans

  • Site preparation such as tilling, mowing  and/or prescribed burns

What isn’t covered?

  • Taxes

  • Any projects associated with non-native and invasive species

  • Enhancements for recreational use or aesthetic purposes

  • Machinery or equipment owned and used by the applicant, family dependents or the applicant’s business

  • Labour of applicant, family dependents or the applicant’s business

  • Work required as a condition of a municipal planning or LSRCA permit will not be eligible

  • If you have an outstanding violation with the LSRCA, you will not be eligible for fundin​g

  • Work that proceeds prior to funding approval does not qualify for funding assistance

How to App​ly

 

Complete the Landowner Information Form and the Project Pr​ofile Form to submit an application.

Be prepared to submit the following with your application:

  • Project site plan

  • Two cost quotations from qualified contractors

  • Landowner permission for work on public or private land​

Only complete applications will be considered for funding assistance.

Please contact a Restoration Project Specialist to verify program eligibility and to answer any questions/concerns you may have about the program and/or the application process. This is a voluntary program and all calls are confidential.

How can you get started?

The process is simple. Identify a project that will improve your productivity and protect your land. Contact our restoration experts to book a free, confidential site visit to review your project and begin the application process. 

Not sure what projects can support your business? Our Restoration Project Specialists can visit your property to help you identify opportunities.

Need information from an Restoration Project Specialist?

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Paul Cottenden

Restoration Project Specialist

905-895-1281 Ext. 245
P.Cottenden@lsrca.on.ca

  • Bradford West Gwillimbury (Holland Marsh)
  • New Tecumseth
  • York Region
    • Aurora
    • East Gwillimbury
    • King
    • Newmarket
    • Whitchurch-Stouffville​​​​
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Peter Shuttleworth

Restoration Project Specialist

905-895-1281 Ext. 114
p.shuttleworth@lsrca.on.ca

  • 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
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