EcoAction Stream 2: Freshwater Sustainability and Innovation across Canada supports projects that deliver measurable environmental results and improve freshwater management. Projects must address at least one of the program’s objectives and have national relevance, span multiple regions, or be scalable local initiatives with potential for national impact.

Eligible projects may include:

• Developing, testing, demonstrating, scaling or transferring innovative tools, technologies and techniques to improve freshwater quality or ecosystem health.
• Projects that improve circular economy opportunities related to freshwater management.
• Initiatives that strengthen climate resilience, local economic growth or value-chain efficiencies related to freshwater management.
• Improving freshwater data accessibility, usability and interoperability.
• Projects that integrate Indigenous perspectives and diverse knowledge systems into freshwater stewardship and decision-making.

All activities must take place in Canada.

Ineligible projects/activities include:

• Projects focused on brackish or saltwater activities.
• Projects primarily focused on sampling or data collection.
• Projects already underway.
• Ongoing core organizational activities.
• Projects designed only to beautify an area.
• Projects required by law or mandated by government.
• Political lobbying, advocacy or fundraising.
• Capital or operating costs of municipal infrastructure projects such as sewers, sewage treatment plants and stormwater ponds.
• Projects outside Canada.
• Capital asset purchases over $10,000 with a useful life of more than one year.
• Land acquisition and vehicle purchases.
• Construction of infrastructure, except natural infrastructure such as wetlands and publicly accessible rain gardens.

Funding period
Projects can be single- or multi-year but must be completed by March 31, 2029. The current call is for projects beginning in fiscal year 2027–28.