The purpose of this project is to improve surface water quality by controlling livestock access to watercourses and wetlands and to improve protection of areas within immediate proximity to municipal wellheads (Well head protection areas ‘A’ (WHPA – A).

• 50% of the cost of an installed fence or,
• 75% of the cost of materials for a self-installed fence
• May cover up to 100% where restricting access from within a WHPA – A

$5,000

Must complete an Environmental Farm Plan to be eligible.

• Fencing to exclude livestock from watercourses and wetlands and municipal wellhead protection areas.
• Alternative watering systems.

• Temporary fencing will be considered eligible but will require a signed agreement requiring the applicant to install the fence prior to livestock being introduced to the pasture every year and to maintain the fence while livestock are present in the pasture.
• Maximum cost share will not exceed $5.00/foot (0.2 m) installed or $4.00/foot for materials.
• Fencing must be at least 10 feet (3.4 m) from the top of the bank of any watercourse unless access for drain maintenance is required.
• Only fencing along a ditch/watercourse, wetland or WHPA – A will be considered for funding.

Crossings can be either mid-level, low flow crossings with culverts, bed level or above-flow crossings. To be eligible for cost-share on a crossing, fencing along the watercourse must either be undertaken concurrently, or livestock must already be restricted from the watercourse. For a bed level crossing both sides of the crossing must be gated and the management plan must include driving livestock through the crossing.

Watering systems are eligible for funding only where livestock are restricted from the watercourse.

Note: Projects in and along waterways and ditches may need approval by municipalities, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Foresty, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, or the Conservation Authority prior to implementation. Any work done on municipal drains also requires prior approval from the municipality. The applicant is responsible for acquiring all necessary approvals.

• Engineering fees
• Labour (other than applicant or applicant’s dependent family)
• Permanent and temporary fencing
• Livestock crossings as outlined above

• New operations or a change in management are not eligible
• Primary hydro lines
• Permits
• Cost of drilling new wells
• Labour and machinery use of the applicant, family dependents and the applicant’s business