Lake Winnipeg Basin Program funding

The application submission period for funding under the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program is now closed.
Please contact us by email at LakeWinnipegInfo-LacWinnipeginfo@cwa-aec.gc.ca for more information.

Funding

Funding is available through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program (LWBP) between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2028 to support outcome-focused actions that address program priorities.

Projects that support on the ground implementation of practices that reduce or mitigate phosphorus loading are only eligible for one year of funding.

Matching Requirements

The LWBP will provide up to one-third of the total project costs, however, in some cases up to two-thirds of total project costs may be funded. Priority will be given to projects with multiple funding sources and collaborative partnerships. In cases where other federal programs are providing financial support for the project, the total federal contribution must not exceed two thirds of the total cost of the project.

Potential sources of matching funds (cash and in-kind) and how collaborations are to be undertaken (e.g. contributions by the applicant, landowners or others involved in the project, use of equipment, expertise etc.) must be clearly outlined and described in the Project Budget.

Eligibility

Eligible projects

The Lake Winnipeg Basin Program will fund projects, implemented by domestic partners within the Canadian portion of the Lake Winnipeg Basin, that address at least one of the following program priorities:

Nutrient Reduction:

Projects that support efforts in the Lake Winnipeg Basin to reduce phosphorus loading to the lake and increase engagement on water quality protection.

The LWBP may fund the following types of projects:

Action Projects:

Priority will be given to projects:

Science and Innovation Projects:

Knowledge Mobilization Projects:

Indigenous Engagement:

Projects that enhance opportunities, capacity and the participation of Indigenous governments, organizations and communities on freshwater quality issues in the Lake Winnipeg Basin.

The LWBP may fund projects that:

Projects NOT eligible for funding

Please note this is not a complete list. If you are unsure about the eligibility of your project, please contact LakeWinnipegInfo-LacWinnipeginfo@cwa-aec.gc.ca for clarification.

Eligible applicants

Eligible project costs

The following costs are ineligible:

Please note these are not complete lists. If you are unsure about eligible costs, please contact LakeWinnipegInfo-LacWinnipeginfo@cwa-aec.gc.ca for clarification.

Performance Indicators

Applicants will be asked to identify the performance indicators that apply to their project and provide the expected goal for each. At least one performance indicator must be identified to be eligible for funding. The list of performance indicators for the LWBP are:

Permits and Federal Lands

Applicants are responsible for conducting the necessary research to determine if laws or mandates apply to any of the activities listed in the application. It is recommended that applicants verify relevant federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal legislation and regulations relating to the project’s activities and/or location(s).

Permits

If permits or authorizations are required for the project, these must be identified in the application. If not yet obtained, ensure the timeline for obtaining these approvals is included in the project’s work plan.

Federal Lands

Applicants must review the project locations and activities and determine if any activities will occur on federal lands. Projects occurring on federal lands may be required to complete an Impact Assessment.

According to the Impact Assessment Act, federal lands are defined as:

a)      lands that belong to His Majesty in right of Canada, or that His Majesty in right of Canada has the power to dispose of, and all waters on and airspace above those lands, other than lands under the administration and control of the Commissioner of Yukon, the Northwest Territories or Nunavut;

b)     the following lands and areas:

i.       the internal waters of Canada, in any area of the sea not within a province;

ii.      the territorial sea of Canada, in any area of the sea not within a province;

iii.     the exclusive economic zone of Canada;

iv.     the continental shelf of Canada; and,

c)      reserves, surrendered lands and any other lands that are set apart for the use and benefit of a band and that are subject to the Indian Act, and all waters on and airspace above those reserves or lands.

Application Process

Applicants must submit their application using the Grants and Contributions Enterprise Management System (GCEMS), Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) online application system. 

Note: The online application system (GCEMS) is shared between CWA and ECCC.  References to ECCC in the system apply to both organizations.

It is strongly recommended that applicants complete the budget in GCEMS 24 hours prior to the deadline to allow sufficient time to resolve any errors. If an application is not submitted by the deadline, it will not be considered.

GCEMS Applicant User Guide: The GCEMS Applicant User Guide contains step-by-step instructions on how to apply for funding, including information on how to create, edit and submit project applications.

Please contact sgesc-gcems@ec.gc.ca for technical assistance when using GCEMS.

Project Work Plan: In GCEMS, applicants will be asked to provide information related to project work plan activities, descriptions, results, timeframe and budget. Please enter “Other” under “Activity Category” when completing the Work Plan Template online. Please see the example below.

Work Plan Template
Activity Category Description Expected Results Start Date End Date  % of Budget
Other Site Assessment Sites will be assessed to determine best location(s); site(s) will be selected June 2025 June 2025 10%
Other Construction - retention pond 1 acre of water will be retained July 2025 August 2025 35%
Other Construction - exclusion fencing Exclusion fencing installed for 100 livestock July 2025 August 2025 35%
Other Evaluation - water quality sampling Pre and post project water quality samples will be taken, in consultation with technical advisors from the province; 5 samples taken 4 times throughout the year June 2025 Nov 2025 10%
Other Consultation Consultation with landowners June 2025 March 2026 5%
Other Communication - dissemination of results

Distribution of final report to stakeholders; information presented at conference / event

Publication printed in both Official Languages

March 2026 March 2026 5%
      Total   100%

Selection Process

Each application will go through a three-stage review process: 1) administrative screening by program staff to confirm eligibility; 2) technical review by subject-matter experts to confirm project feasibility; and 3) final review of project outcomes against program priorities.

Eligible projects will be evaluated on the quality and completeness of the application, and assessed against, but not limited to, the following criteria: results, uptake and engagement, achievability / likelihood of success and contributions from other sources.

Notification

All applicants (both successful and unsuccessful) will be notified in writing. If your application is approved, you will be contacted to negotiate a Contribution Agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions of funding. Federal MPs and/or their team may be advised about the approval of a project and be provided with information provided in the project application including applicant’s name, project title, project description, project location, funding amounts and contact information.

Related links

Contact us

Lake Winnipeg Basin Program
Canada Water Agency
510 -234 Donald Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba   R3C 1M8
Email: LakeWinnipegInfo-LacWinnipeginfo@cwa-aec.gc.ca

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