Scugog Water Fund opens for applications

JUNE 2, 2021 – The Scugog Water Fund has opened for applications from property owners interested in undertaking projects that will contribute to the health of local lakes, rivers and streams in and around Lake Scugog. Financial assistance may be available for your project through this popular funding stream.

Property owners in the Townships of Scugog and Brock may be eligible to receive funds to help address issues affecting Lake Scugog, including:

• Agricultural stewardship projects
• Erosion and loss of natural cover along shorelines and stream banks
• Poorly functioning septic systems and wells
• Rainwater/runoff management
• Tree plantings
• Wetland Restoration

“For property owners who are thinking about or planning to do projects that would positively impact our watershed, the Scugog Water Fund exists to provide financial support to assist those individuals with costs,” explained Landowner Services Technician Elizabeth Travers. “There are a range of eligible projects focused on agriculture, rural, waterfront, and urban areas that could be provided with up to 50% of total project cost.”

Projects are evaluated for their potential to positively affect the health of the Lake Scugog watershed. Acceptable expenses may include construction materials, licensed contractor and/or licensed technician fees, permit fees, design fees, native plant stock in conjunction with erosion control and runoff control projects, and other amounts as determined by the Water Fund Review Committee. 

“We’re asking interested property owners to submit an online application and upload photos of their project site so we can visually understand the issues affecting the site and how the proposed project will improve that area,” said Ms. Travers. “With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, we want to minimize in-person interaction, and this program lends itself well to having applicants show us through uploading their ‘before’ photos so we can better evaluate the project merits.”

It is important to make sure you fully complete the application and provide as much detail as possible in order to be considered for the funding.

Projects that are completed or which have started prior to submitting an application are not eligible for funding. 

Depending on the type of project being completed, and funding area the Water Fund program may be able to provide up to 50 percent or 100 percent of total project costs.

“Taking advantage of the Scugog Water Funds is simple,” added Ms. Travers. “It starts with interested applicants that live within the Lake Scugog watershed area to visit us online and fill out an online application. The website has a map showing watershed areas open to this funding opportunity and provides more details about the specific types of projects eligible. If you have any questions or concerns about your project or the online application, please reach out as I am here to support and collaborate with landowners on their Water Fund projects.”

The grant is open until September however interested individuals are encouraged to apply early so don’t wait. Start looking at potential projects and their positive impacts on the environment and Lake Scugog today.

To learn more about the program you can visit the Water Fund website or contact Elizabeth Travers at 705.328.2271 ext 242 or email ETravers@KawarthaConservation.com.