Hamilton Conservation

Restoration Project Cost Sharing

Farm and Rural Non-Farm Water Quality and Habitat Improvement
Rural farm and non-farm landowners of natural areas and watercourses in the watersheds of Conservation Halton and Hamilton Conservation Authority may be eligible to receive a grant toward a portion of the cost of approved projects that reflect beneficial management practices to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat.

Projects that improve water quality and habitat fall into the following categories:  livestock waste management, erosion control, fragile land retirement, conservation cropping practices, naturalization or planting to increase streamside/riparian habitat, wetlands, prairies, woodlands, removal of barriers to fish passage in watercourses, enhanced in-stream habitat, fertilizer management, septic and well management.

To be eligible for financial assistance, landowners must enter into a written ten-year management agreement.  Farmers are encouraged to develop an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP).  An approved EFP may be required depending on source of funds.

Landowners are advised to contact their local conservation authority and municipal planning office to inquire about the need to obtain permits.

• Eligible Projects for Funding Assistance

Decommissioning Abandoned Water Wells in the City of Hamilton
The Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship Program has funds available through the City of Hamilton to assist landowners with the cost of decommissioning their abandoned water wells.  This pilot project will protect ground water resources through the “plugging and sealing” of unused water wells. 

Residents may be eligible to receive 50% financial assistance to decommission a well up to a maximum of $500 per well, with a limit of two wells per property.  This project is being conducted in partnership with the City of Hamilton, Green Venture, the Grand River and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authorities and the Hamilton-Wentworth Stewardship Council.

An abandoned well that is not properly filled, sealed and capped poses risks such as a safety hazard for children and animals and it provides a route for contaminants to enter groundwater reserves.  Protect yourself, your family and neighbours by properly decommissioning your well.

• Decommissioning of Abandoned Water Wells Brochure
  
  
• Funding for Early Actions to Protect Drinking Water
  
  
• Ontario “WetlandCare” Program

Burlington Blue Creeks Project
Landowners along the Grindstone Creek and its tributaries may be eligible to receive funding to plant site-appropriate species of native trees, grasses or wildflowers to establish riparian buffers.

The establishment of riparian buffers along the Grindstone will help to improve water quality, enhance fisheries habitat and invigorate the health of the Grindstone Creek.  For more information, please contact Cherish Elwell at (905) 648-4427, extension 181, or visit the Burlington Blue Creeks Project website.

• More information on the Burlington Blue Creeks Project

For more information, or to obtain advice on any of these programs, please call 905-525-2181, ext. 181 or 905-336-1158 ext. 263.  You can also email celwell@conservationhamilton.ca or clavender@hrca.on.ca.