Watershed Project Funding in Muskoka

Apply for watershed project funding through WRAP

WRAP (Watershed Resilience Action Program) provides funding to community-led projects that protect and improve Muskoka’s lakes and watersheds. Healthy lakes support clean water, local wildlife, and the outdoor experiences people value across Muskoka. 

Applications are now open.

Apply to WRAP

Use this page to:

What you can get funding for

  • Planning (Stream 1): lake plans, stewardship action plans, community engagement tools, and developing research or monitoring programs
  • Action and Monitoring (Stream 2): on-the-ground projects and monitoring or research that protect or improve watershed health (where eligible)

For detailed examples and full rules, refer to the application guide: 

Download the WRAP Application Guide (PDF)

Key details before you apply

  • Applications are expected to open by Monday, June 1, 2026
  • Deadline: August 31 at 4:00 p.m. each year
  • Funding available:
    • Stream 1 (Planning): up to $1,000 to $10,000 (depending on the activity)
    • Stream 2 (Action and Monitoring): up to 50% of project costs (maximum $20,000)
  • Limit: 1 application per stewardship group per year
  • Important rule: your project cannot have started yet

Choose your funding stream (pick one)

Stream 1 – Planning (any Muskoka waterbody)

Choose Stream 1 if you need help to plan, get organized, or build capacity before doing on-the-ground work. A good fit if you want to:

  • create or update a lake plan
  • create a stewardship action plan
  • improve how you reach your lake community (for example: a basic website or newsletter)
  • do early planning that supports research or monitoring

Stream 2 – Action and Monitoring (MOP Schedule E2 waterbodies only)

Choose Stream 2 if you’re ready to carry out a project or monitoring, and your waterbody is listed in Schedule E2 of the Muskoka Official Plan (MOP).

Stream 2 projects require matching funding (see the guide for details).

Stream 2 may support work like:

  • community-based monitoring
  • on-the-ground actions (for example: restoration work)
  • best practices that others can use
  • projects that include Indigenous knowledge and perspectives (where appropriate)

Check whether your waterbody is in MOP Schedule E2: View Schedule E2 in The Muskoka Official Plan (PDF)

Check if you’re eligible

Your project must:

  • have a clear start and end date
  • list clear deliverables (what you will complete)
  • benefit the lake and/or watershed community
  • follow all required laws, by-laws, and rules

Your application will not be considered if:

  • the project has already started or is finished
  • it duplicates work already being done or funded by the District or another agency
  • it mainly benefits one person
  • it is a capital or permanent infrastructure project
  • it is required as part of a planning application, enforcement, or a legal requirement
  • you are not in good standing due to past reporting issues (or are in litigation with the District)

Apply

Applications are open until August 31 at 4:00 p.m. (EST).

Apply to WRAP

What happens after you apply

  • You will be notified by November 30 each year whether your application was successful
  • If approved, funding depends on budget approval and signing the program terms

What costs are covered (and not covered)

WRAP can cover eligible project costs directly tied to your project (for example: contractor support, professional services, materials, and supplies).

WRAP does not fund some costs. Refer to the application guide for complete details.

Download the WRAP Application Guide (PDF) for the full eligible and ineligible cost list

Resources and templates

You can review these resources and prepare your application before the application period opens.

Program information

Eligibility and reference information

Application Templates

Contact (and pre-consultations)

Rebecca Willison
Environmental Planning, Policy and Program Coordinator
Email: stewardship@muskoka.on.ca
Phone: 705-645-2100 ext. 4387
Cell: 705-646-3274

 

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