The Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program will help the sector in adapting to climate change by providing incentives for the sector to invest in water infrastructure for adaptation.

The Agricultural Water Infrastructure (AWI) Program is a three-year, up to $20M program, with funding by the Government of BC through the Ministry of Agriculture & Food. The program is delivered by IAF. Through the program, primary and Indigenous Producers, conservation groups, water purveyors and Indigenous Communities will have access to cost-shared funding to adapt to climate change by investing in water infrastructure.

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Overview

Approach

Eligibility

Application

Prioritization

Resources

Program Objectives

  • Target funding in water-scarce and drought-prone areas that will be increasingly stressed by climate change, and that will benefit from more efficient infrastructure or storage to maximize available water for agricultural uses particularly irrigation and livestock watering; and
  • Target funding in areas with sufficient water supply or with high potential for farmland expansion that could lead to an increase in agricultural production with additional water infrastructure.

Program Goal

The Program Goal is to improve water security in agricultural areas and food security in BC.

Approach

Beginning June 27th, 2023, IAF will begin accepting applications to the program from eligible applicants. Applications will be accepted on a continual basis until funding is fully committed. The second review date for applications will be September 19, 2023, at 4:30pm. IAF will complete adjudication within 60 days after an intake review date, followed by decision emails to applicants.

Program Structure

Funding is available to producers through three application-based funding streams:

Funding Stream
Allocation to Stream
Max. Amount per Project
Cost-Shared Ratio
Stream 1: Improvement, rehabilitation, expansion or new construction of water storage systems for farms (including agricultural dams).  Up to $4M $1M  50% up to $1M
Stream 2: Improvement, expansion or new construction of off-farm conveyance and water supply systems to farms.  Up to $10.5M $2M 50% up to $2M
Stream 3: Agricultural water supply assessments, engineering studies or plans.  Up to $2M $100K 75% up to $100K

Specific details on eligible costs and reimbursement are provided in the sections to follow. If applying for funding to more than one stream under AWI, a separate application must be submitted to each stream.

Stacking of funds from other government programs is allowed up to 100% of project costs provided the programs are not delivered by IAF.

Eligibility Criteria

STREAM 1: Improvement, rehabilitation, expansion, or new construction of water storage systems for farms (including agricultural dams).

One of the primary methods to alleviate both spring flooding and summer drought is the construction or enhancement of water storage systems. A well-designed storage system can capture a portion of the peak spring flow for use later in the summer when demand is highest.

Water storage facilities will be eligible where there is an indication that the water supply is currently unable the meet agricultural demand, where it is unlikely to meet demand under future climate change conditions, and where upgrades are required for existing infrastructure that are failing.

Eligible Participants

To be eligible, applicants must be appropriately registered, licensed and/or certified to conduct business in British Columbia. Eligible applicants to the program include:

  • Incorporated and individual producers.
  • Agricultural and conservation groups.
  • Irrigation/improvement districts and local/municipal governments that supply water to agriculture.
  • Indigenous Communities and Indigenous Producers.

Ineligible Participants

These following applicants are not eligible to participate in this program:

  • Non-agricultural individuals or groups, including Seafood/Aquaculture.
  • Provincial and federal governments.
  • Crown Corporations.

Eligible Activities & Expenditures

  • Dams with deficiencies where the dam owner have not been ordered to make repairs or lower the reservoir. Deficiencies are most often identified by the owners’ consultant. They will often provide recommendations on how to remediate the dams. The Dam Safety program in these cases work with the dam owner on a plan to remediate without issuing an order.
  • An assessment by the Dam Safety Program staff would be legally required before the work begins and when upgrade is completed.
  • Increasing the size of the storage will require an authorization from the Ministry of Forests.

Eligible Costs:

  • Construction, materials, machinery/equipment (gates, valves, etc.) and other costs associated with the construction.
  • Pumping systems and watering troughs to keep livestock out of the existing reservoir are recommended and are eligible costs, provided the reservoir is deemed to provide a secure source in periods of extended drought. Fencing, if installed along with a pumping system, is a recommended and eligible cost to keep cattle out of the reservoir. These systems will protect the water quality (stream health) and livestock and sustain the supply.
  • Other professional services associated with project supervision.

Ineligible Items:

  • Water distribution system.
  • Used materials.

Regulatory Requirements:

  • Water licence for the proposed use, (e.g., irrigation) of the water source (i.e., aquifer, stream).
  • Water licence for the proposed storage volume.
  • Assessment/approval/authorization from the Dam Safety Program staff of the Ministry of Forests.
  • Change approval to make changes in and about a stream (if applicable).
  • Easement (if appliable).

Pre-Construction Requirement:

  • Engineering assessment, plan or other consultative services conducted by Qualified Professionals as required by the Dam Safety Program of the Ministry of Forests (as described in Stream 3 Activity 3). The plan, as applicable, should include the items listed under eligible costs within this activity.

  • Producers on low flow water supplies will often install a dugout to enhance supply by augmenting water supplies during times of shortage.
  • Lining of dugouts to improve water holding capacity.
  • Installation of pumps and watering troughs to improve livestock watering and protect stream health.

Eligible Costs:

  • Construction, materials, liner, pump, intake, machinery/equipment (e.g., gates, valves, etc.) and associated fittings and controls.
  • Power supply to farm property line as required.
  • Solar or wind power supply for remote livestock watering systems.
  • Planting of trees and snow fencing to facilitate snow collection and melt.
  • Dugout aeration systems (wind or electric compressors).
  • Pumping systems and watering troughs to keep livestock out of the existing dugout are recommended and are eligible costs, provided the dugout is deemed to provide a secure source in periods of extended drought. Fencing if installed along with a pumping system is recommended and eligible cost to keep cattle out of the dugout. These systems will protect the water quality (stream health) and livestock and sustain the supply.
  • Other professional services associated with the project supervision.

Ineligible Items:

  • Water distribution system.
  • Used materials.
  • Dugouts with design specifications that are legally considered as dams according to the Dam Safety Regulation (DSR).

Regulatory Requirements:

  • Water licence for the proposed use, (e.g., irrigation) of the water source (i.e., aquifer, stream).
  • Water licence for the proposed storage volume.
  • Change approval to make changes in and about a stream (if applicable).
  • Easement (if appliable).

Note: To determine if a water licence is required for a dugout, please refer to Authorization Requirements for Storage and Use of Water in Dugouts.

Pre-Construction Requirement:

Please refer to Authorization Requirements for Storage and Use of Water in Dugouts, Guidance on Farm Water Storage, B.C. Agriculture Water Calculator, and B.C. Farm Water Dugouts, or contact the Dam Safety Program staff.

  • For dugouts and other water storage facilities with design specifications that are legally not considered as dams according to the Dam Safety Regulation (DSR): engineering design plan, prepared by a Qualified Professional, that includes, but is not limited to, farm water use requirement, water supply sources and volume, peak flow rate, dugout dimensions (depth, length and width) with berms, regulatory requirements, and the items listed under eligible costs within this activity.

  • New storages will require an authorization from the Ministry of Forests.
  • Water use will need to be licensed for each purpose.
  • New storages will require an engineering plan.

Eligible Costs:

  • Construction, materials, machinery/equipment (gates, valves, etc.) and other costs associated with the construction.
  • Pumping systems and watering troughs to keep livestock out of the existing reservoir are recommended and are eligible costs, provided the reservoir is deemed to provide a secure source in periods of extended drought. Fencing if installed along with a pumping system is recommended and eligible cost to keep cattle out of the reservoir. These systems will protect the water quality (stream health) and livestock and sustain the supply.
  • Other professional services associated with the project supervision.

Ineligible Items:

  • Water distribution system.
  • Used materials.

Regulatory Requirements:

  • Water licence for the proposed use, (e.g., irrigation) of the water source (i.e., aquifer, stream).
  • Water licence for the proposed storage volume.
  • Assessment/approval/authorization from the Dam Safety Program staff of the Ministry of Forests.
  • Change approval to make changes in and about a stream (if applicable).
  • Easement (if appliable).

Pre-Construction Requirement:

Please refer to Authorization Requirements for Storage and Use of Water in Dugouts, Guidance on Farm Water Storage, B.C. Agriculture Water Calculator, and B.C. Farm Water Dugouts, or contact the Dam Safety Program staff.

  • For water storage facilities with design specifications that are legally considered as dams according to the Dam Safety Regulation (DSR): engineering assessment, plan or other consultative services conducted by Qualified Professionals as required by the Dam Safety Program of the Ministry of Forests (as described in Stream 3 Activity 3). The plan, as applicable, should include the items listed under eligible costs within this activity.
  • For water storage facilities with design specifications that are legally not considered as dams according to the Dam Safety Regulation (DSR): engineering assessment or plan conducted by Qualified Professionals. The assessment and plan should include, but not limited to, farm water use requirement, water supply sources and volume, peak flow rate, facility dimensions, regulatory requirements, and the items listed under eligible costs within this activity.

Ineligible Activities and Expenses

  • Activities or costs incurred prior to approval (no retroactive approval permitted)
  • In-kind activities.
  • Activities to support non-agricultural water use.
  • Activities not directly related to agricultural water use.
  • Purchase of farm equipment and related accessories or attachments (including tractors, skid steers and trailers).
  • Activities that are not compliant with federal, provincial, or local/municipal regulations.
  • Financial compensation for lost income, production or land or other associated losses due to water shortages, government orders, or other reasons.
  • Activities to remove land from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
  • Purchase of land or easement.
  • Regular or on-going operating or maintenance activities.
  • Training or educational courses.
  • Financing charges, loan interest payments, bank fees and related charges.
  • Activities currently receiving funding from other funding sources.
  • GST and other taxes/credits reimbursed to applicant.
  • Wells.

Additional Program Requirements for Streams 1

Additional program requirements for applying to Stream 1 include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Applicants must have completed an Agricultural Water Supply Assessment, Engineering Study or Plan within or outside of the AWI program prior to applying for funding. If not, they are only eligible to apply for Stream 3 funding.
  • Applications must meet all technical, environmental, and regulatory standards and/or requirements, as applicable. (E.g., a water licence has been issued/amended; documentation from the Ministry of Forests confirming the proposed work is mandatory or recommended, and an authorization has been provided by the Dam Safety program for the alternation, improvement, or replacement of a dam; approval from Agricultural Land Commission (ALC).

Funding Details

An initial payment (50%) will be made by IAF to all projects upon signing of their contribution agreement, however IAF may reduce this advance based on project/applicant risk. Interim and final payments will not be initiated by IAF until reporting requirements are satisfactorily met by the client. These requirements may include one or more progress reports or a single final report at the end of a project, based on the amount of funding approved, length of project, and project complexity/risk.

Interim and final payments will be made based on actual expenses reported and payments will be made in arrears. All projects will require a final report and a minimum of 20% of approved funding will be retained by IAF, pending submission of final reporting.

STREAM 2: Improvement, Expansion or New Construction of Off-Farm Conveyance and Water Supply Systems to Farms.

Water demand will increase with climate change but adding water storage to supplement demand is not always an option. In these cases, the best way to maintain or increase production in water-scarce areas is by using existing water supplies more efficiently to maximize diminishing water supplies and help protect crops from increasingly frequent weather extremes. New delivery systems could also be built to provide better access to water in areas with a sufficient supply. In these cases, anticipated warmer and longer growing seasons could lead to an increase in agricultural production with the funding of additional irrigation infrastructure.

Eligible Participants

To be eligible, applicants must be appropriately registered, licensed and/or certified to conduct business in British Columbia. Eligible applicants to the program include:

Activities 1 & 2:

  • Incorporated and individual producers.
  • Agricultural and conservation groups.
  • Irrigation/improvement districts and local/municipal governments that supply water to agriculture.
  • Indigenous Communities and Indigenous Producers.

Activities 3, 4, & 5:

  • Irrigation/improvement districts & local/municipal governments including First Nations.

Ineligible Participants

These following applicants are not eligible to participate in this program:

  • Non-agricultural individuals or groups, including Seafood/Aquaculture.
  • Provincial and federal governments.
  • Crown Corporations.

Eligible Activities & Expenditures

  • Pipelines reduce conveyance losses and can also provide water to the farm under pressure, thus reducing pumping requirements.

Eligible Costs:

  • Materials and construction costs for source development (e.g., surface storage and intake).
  • Mainline distribution system including materials and construction costs (trenching, augering under roads, canals, or watercourses).
  • Electric power line extension if required for an existing diesel pump or a new pump installation/upgrade to allow water to be brought from the off-farm water supply source to the farm property line. This may include upgrading from a single-phase to a three-phase connection if the pump upgrade requires three-phase.
  • Other professional services associated with the project supervision.

Ineligible Items:

  • Membership/share cost for tie-in to an existing pipeline.
  • Troughs, tanks, hydrants in the yard, livestock pens or barns.
  • On-farm water distribution systems.
  • Backflood irrigation works.
  • Used materials.

Regulatory Requirements:

  • Water licence for the proposed use, (e.g., irrigation) of the water source (i.e., aquifer, stream).
  • Water licence for the proposed storage volume (if applicable).
  • Change approval to make changes in and about a stream (if applicable).
  • Easement (if appliable).

Pre-Construction Requirement:

  • Engineering study or design plan by Qualified Professionals to identify technical and construction requirements, e.g., survey of ditch length to be replaced by pipe, diameter of pipeline, location of pumphouse, locations of current and potential service connections, flow measuring devices, river/stream crossings, oil/gas/fibre optics pipeline crossings, and items listed under eligible costs within this activity.

  • This includes expansion of water distribution systems.

Eligible Costs:

  • Materials and construction costs for source development (e.g., surface storage and intake).
  • Mainline distribution system including materials and construction costs (trenching, augering under roads, canals, watercourses).
  • Electric power line extension if required for an existing diesel pump or a new pump installation/upgrade to allow water to be brought from the off-farm water supply source to the farm property line. This may include upgrading from a single-phase to a three-phase connection if the pump upgrade requires three-phase.
  • Other professional services associated with the project supervision.

Ineligible Items:

  • Membership/share cost for tie-in to an existing pipeline.
  • Troughs, tanks, hydrants in the yard, livestock pens or barns.
  • On-farm water distribution systems.
  • Backflood irrigation works.
  • Used materials.

Regulatory Requirements:

  • Water license for the proposed use, (e.g., irrigation) of the water source (i.e., aquifer, stream).
  • Water license for the proposed storage volume.
  • Change approval to make changes in and about a stream (if applicable).
  • Easement (if appliable).

Pre-Construction Requirement:

  • Engineering study or design plan by Qualified Professionals to identify technical and construction requirements, e.g., diameter and length of pipeline, location of pumphouse, locations of current and proposed service connections, flow measuring devices, river/stream crossings, oil/gas/fibre optics pipeline crossings, and the items listed under eligible costs within this activity.

Eligible Costs:

  • Mainline distribution system including materials and construction costs (trenching, augering under roads, canals, or watercourses).
  • Electric power line extension if required for an existing diesel pump or a new pump installation/upgrade to allow water to be brought from the off-farm water supply source to the farm property line. This may include upgrading from a single-phase to a three-phase connection if the pump upgrade requires three-phase.
  • Other professional services associated with the project supervision.

Ineligible Items:

  • Membership/share cost for tie-in to an existing pipeline.
  • Troughs, tanks, hydrants in the yard, livestock pens or barns.
  • On-farm water distribution systems.
  • Used materials.

Regulatory Requirements:

  • Water license for the proposed use, (e.g., irrigation) of the water source (i.e., aquifer, stream).
  • Water license for the proposed storage volume.
  • Change approval to make changes in and about a stream (if applicable).
  • Easement (if appliable).
  • Approval for purveyed boundary changes.

Pre-Construction Requirement:

  • Engineering study or plan, as described in Stream 3 Activity 2

Eligible Costs:

  • Materials and construction costs for source development (e.g., surface storage and intake).
  • Mainline distribution system including materials and construction costs (trenching, augering under roads, canals, or watercourses).
  • Electric power line extension to the off-farm water supply as required to allow water to be brought to the farm property line.
  • Other professional services associated with the project supervision.

Ineligible Items:

  • Membership/share cost for tie-in to an existing pipeline.
  • Troughs, tanks, hydrants in the yard, livestock pens or barns.
  • On-farm water distribution systems.
  • Backflood irrigation works.
  • Used materials.

Regulatory Requirements:

  • Water license for the proposed use, (e.g., irrigation) of the water source (i.e., aquifer, stream).
  • Water license for the proposed storage volume.
  • Change approval to make changes in and about a stream (if applicable).
  • Easement (if appliable).
  • Documentation of current purveyed boundaries and approval for any boundary changes.

Pre-Construction Requirement:

  • Engineering study or plan, as described in Stream 3 Activity 2

Eligible Costs:

  • Purchase and installation costs of meters for agricultural users.
  • Other associated parts and materials (e.g., pipes, valves, etc.).
  • Other professional services associated with the project supervision.

Ineligible Items:

  • Meters for non-agricultural users.
  • Used meters, parts, and materials.

Regulatory Requirement

  • Easement (if appliable).
  • Documentation of current purveyed boundaries and approval for any boundary changes.

Pre-Construction Requirement:

  • Engineering study or plan to justify water meters, as flow measuring devices, are part of the long-term water supply solution, as described in Stream 3 Activity 2.

Ineligible Activities and Expenses

  • Activities or costs incurred prior to approval (no retroactive approval permitted)
  • In-kind activities.
  • Activities to support non-agricultural water use.
  • Activities not directly related to agricultural water use.
  • Purchase of farm equipment and related accessories or attachments (including tractors, skid steers and trailers).
  • Activities that are not compliant with federal, provincial, or local/municipal regulations.
  • Financial compensation for lost income, production or land or other associated losses due to water shortages, government orders, or other reasons.
  • Activities to remove land from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
  • Purchase of land or easement.
  • Regular or on-going operating or maintenance activities.
  • Training or educational courses.
  • Financing charges, loan interest payments, bank fees and related charges.
  • Activities currently receiving funding from other funding sources.
  • GST and other taxes/credits reimbursed to applicant.
  • Wells.

Additional Program Requirements for Stream 2

Additional program requirements for applying to Stream2 include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Applicants must have completed an Agricultural Water Supply Assessment, Engineering Study or Plan within or outside of the AWI program prior to applying for funding. If not, they are only eligible to apply for Stream 3 funding.
  • Applications must meet all technical, environmental, and regulatory standards and/or requirements, as applicable. (E.g., a water licence has been issued/amended; documentation from the Ministry of Forests confirming the proposed work is mandatory or recommended, and an authorization has been provided by the Dam Safety program for the alternation, improvement, or replacement of a dam; approval from Agricultural Land Commission (ALC).

Funding Details

An initial payment (50%) will be made by IAF to all projects upon signing of their contribution agreement, however IAF may reduce this advance based on project/applicant risk. Interim and final payments will not be initiated by IAF until reporting requirements are satisfactorily met by the client. These requirements may include one or more progress reports or a single final report at the end of a project, based on the amount of funding approved, length of project, and project complexity/risk.

Interim and final payments will be made based on actual expenses reported and payments will be made in arrears. All projects will require a final report and a minimum of 20% of approved funding will be retained by IAF, pending submission of final reporting.

STREAM 3: Agricultural Water Supply Assessments, Engineering Studies, or Plans

Successful applicants of this category will be able to receive cost-shared funding for assessments, engineering studies or plans, and upon completion, may be eligible to apply for additional funding from Streams 1 or 2.

This category will fund assessments, engineering studies, or plans that:

  • Are required, often by law, before implementing on-ground infrastructure work,
  • Will enhance the understanding of the operational and developmental limitations to the water supplies in the regions and/or watersheds, which enable applicants to determine the appropriate type and scale of infrastructure required (Streams 1 and 2) to achieve their project goals, or
  • Will help ensure funding will be allocated to projects that will remain viable, valuable, and resilient into the future under predicted climate change scenarios.

Eligible Participants

Activities 1 & 2:

  • Irrigation/improvement districts & local/municipal governments including First Nations.

Activity 3:

  • Incorporated and individual producers.
  • Agricultural and conservation groups.
  • Irrigation/improvement districts and local/municipal governments that supply water to agriculture.
  • Indigenous Communities and Indigenous Producers.

Ineligible Participants

These following applicants are not eligible to participate in this program:

  • Non-agricultural individuals or groups, including Seafood/Aquaculture.
  • Provincial and federal governments.
  • Crown Corporations.

Eligible Activities & Expenditures

  • In some areas of B.C., some streams or aquifers may be fully subscribed for licensing. Identifying streams or aquifers that are not fully subscribed and assessing how much additional water is available may allow increase in water supplied for agriculture.
  • Some streams, or aquifers, or off-stream water storages may be suitable for future storage capacities to support agricultural water use. Identifying potential water storage sources could help alleviate future climate change induced drought.

Agricultural water supply assessments or feasibility studies:

  • address current water supply risk in a region with significant water supply problems that directly affect the viability of current agricultural operations and where it is very difficult to develop reliable water supply sources;
  • explore opportunities to provide additional water for agricultural expansion; and
  • formulate long-term water supply solutions for existing and future agricultural operations within the service area of the water supply system.

The components of the assessments or studies should include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • consideration of new or improved methodology or technology that:
  • promotes water use efficiency; and
  • is significant in the development/use of a sustainable water supply, providing long-term solutions/benefits to address the current and/or anticipated water supply risks.
  • collection, compilation and in-depth hydrological analysis of existing and new water resource information/data as well as identification of water allocation notations and existing licence demand that will help:
  • assess the severity of the water issues that affect existing agricultural operations;
  • assess current and viable future water supply sources and their points of diversion;
  • determine current and future agricultural water demands;
  • plan future water infrastructure required to support those water demands that are not being met with the current water supply sources; and
  • determine any land easements as required.
  • a schematic/drawing that identifies:
  • location of water supply options;
  • benefited agricultural areas; and
  • mechanism and infrastructure required to deliver water from water sources to farms.
  • demonstration of alternate available options and identification of the best possible or most cost-effective long-term solution, using a cost-benefit analysis, that will not only be beneficial today but also remain viable and valuable in the future under climate change scenarios. The options could include, but are not limited to, the realization of new sources or upgrades of conveyance or water infrastructure.
  • consultation to inform and discuss with key stakeholders the scope of the assessment or feasibility study and potential options for water sources.
  • a detailed plan that includes the technical, regulatory, environmental, financial, construction and project management requirements that would be necessary to execute the development, i.e., future construction.

Eligible Costs: Consulting services by Qualified Professionals

Ineligible Items: Construction services

  • Many purveyed water systems require engineering studies or plans before any efficiency upgrades or expansion can occur.
  • Many storage systems do not have accurate estimates of how much water is being stored, how much is being used, and when it is being used by different users.

The engineering studies or plans:

  • enhance the current water supply system to significantly reduce the water supply constraint/risk for current agricultural producers; and
  • formulate long-term water supply solutions that will result in the development, expansion and/or diversification of agricultural operations within the existing purveyed water system.

The components of the engineering studies or plans should include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • collection, compilation and in-depth analysis of existing and future water supply sources, agricultural water demands, and water infrastructure needs.
  • A schematic/drawing showing the location and extent of the proposed upgrade/expansion, current and future benefitted area, and any technical and construction aspects, e.g., survey of ditch length to be replaced by pipe, diameter of pipeline, location of pumphouse, locations of current and potential service connections, flow measuring devices, river/stream crossings, oil/gas/fibre optics pipeline crossings.
  • demonstration of alternate available options and identification of the best possible or most cost-effective long-term solution, using a cost-benefit analysis, that will not only be beneficial today but also remain viable and valuable in the future under climate change scenarios.
  • consultation to inform and discuss with key stakeholders the scope of the study or plan for potential upgrade or expansion.
  • a detailed plan that includes the technical, regulatory, environmental, financial, construction and project management requirements that would be necessary to execute the plan (i.e., future construction).

Eligible Costs: Consulting services by Qualified Professionals

Ineligible Items: Construction services

  • Dams are assessed for their risk consequence rating and may require upgrades to continue use. The cost of the engineering assessment and a design plan are often a financial barrier to producers.

Dam Engineering Assessments:

Dam Emergency Plans:

Dam Safety Reviews:

Redetermination of Consequence Classification:

Classification must follow the province’s Estimating Dam Break Downstream Inundation and Downstream Consequence of Failure Classification Interpretation Guideline.

Other Professional Consultative Services as required under the Dam Safety Regulation (DSR) may include but are not limited to:

  • Hydraulic, hydrological, seismic, geological or geotechnical analyses;
  • Invasive investigations; and
  • Development of an Operations, Maintenance and Surveillance (OMS) manual.

Please visit the Dam Safety Technical Resources website or contact the Dam Safety Program staff for details.

Eligible Costs: Consulting services by Qualified Professionals

Ineligible Items: Construction services

Ineligible Activities and Expenses

  • Activities or costs incurred prior to approval (no retroactive approval permitted)
  • In-kind activities.
  • Activities to support non-agricultural water use.
  • Activities not directly related to agricultural water use.
  • Purchase of farm equipment and related accessories or attachments (including tractors, skid steers and trailers).
  • Activities that are not compliant with federal, provincial, or local/municipal regulations.
  • Financial compensation for lost income, production or land or other associated losses due to water shortages, government orders, or other reasons.
  • Activities to remove land from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
  • Purchase of land or easement.
  • Regular or on-going operating or maintenance activities.
  • Training or educational courses.
  • Financing charges, loan interest payments, bank fees and related charges.
  • Activities currently receiving funding from other funding sources.
  • GST and other taxes/credits reimbursed to applicant.
  • Wells.

Funding Details

An initial payment (50%) will be made by IAF to all projects upon signing of their contribution agreement, however IAF may reduce this advance based on project/applicant risk. Interim and final payments will not be initiated by IAF until reporting requirements are satisfactorily met by the client. These requirements may include one or more progress reports or a single final report at the end of a project, based on the amount of funding approved, length of project, and project complexity/risk.

Interim and final payments will be made based on actual expenses reported and payments will be made in arrears. All projects will require a final report and a minimum of 20% of approved funding will be retained by IAF, pending submission of final reporting.

Applications

Important Dates

IAF will invite applicants for Streams 1-3 to apply through the IAF Client Portal from June 27th, 2023. Applications will be accepted on a continual basis until funding is fully committed.

While applications will be continually received, batches of applications will be reviewed and funded based on priorities provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and available funds. The review dates for each application batch for the 2023/24 fiscal year are as follows:

  • August 15, 2023
  • September 19, 2023*

*Due to likely oversubscription, IAF, in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, will pause applications following the September 19 review date. Applications may be accepted in the future dependent on available program funding. Please sign up for the AWI newsletter to stay up to date on the program.

Project Start Date on or after: September 15, 2023

Applications for funding should be complete at the time of submission (including any required permitting). If any required documentation is not submitted with the application, it will be returned to the applicant requesting missing information.

If permits are pending/under review but the application is otherwise complete, IAF will proceed to consider and adjudicate the application. However, any approval will be conditional until all required documentation is received. Conditional offers/approvals will not receive contracts, be included in funding commitments, or be able to incur expenses and/or begin activities in their application until their project has met the conditions of approval and are subject to funding remaining available in the program.

Application Process

Applicants can apply through the IAF Client Portal. The application process and required documents are specific to each funding stream. The application process will generally consist of:

REMINDER: Do not wait to start this process – it can take up to two business days to validate your organization!

Create a personal profile (name and email)

Provide organization information, including:

  • Name
  • Contact details
  • Type of organization
  • BC ID / CRA numbers
  • Primary contact
  • And more

Select the Agricultural Water Infrastructure (Stream 1, Stream 2, Stream 3) from Funding Opportunities, and provide:

  • Applicant type
  • Project start & end dates
  • Alignment with program priorities
  • Details on water-related problems/issues
  • Proposed approach to address
  • Description of key activities, who will oversee/undertake work, and timeline
  • Demonstrate how all technical, environmental, regulatory standards and/or requirements (as applicable) are met.
  • Copies of relevant documents (e.g., permits, licensing, CBA, documentation from Dam Safety or Water Authorization Program staff)
  • Performance measurement information
  • Funding request / project budget

Applicants may be required to provide supplementary materials in support of their application (e.g., budget, water licence, change approval). These documents can be uploaded through the IAF Client Portal as attachments to the application.

IAF staff are available to answer questions regarding eligible activities, costs and/or the application process. IAF may also contact applicants for additional information or clarification to assess their application. Applicants can contact awi@iafbc.ca with any questions about the program or to receive support in developing their application.

Applicants are encouraged to include only activities they are confident will be completed on time and within budget limits.

Need help with IAF’s Client Portal?

We’ve created a number of tutorials and FAQs about the IAF Client Portal to help you navigate this resource successfully.

Review and Adjudication

IAF will accept applications on a continuous basis with review and adjudication in batches based on the review dates noted above. All applications received by the review date will be reviewed by IAF for eligibility and completeness. Applications that meet program eligibility requirements will be prioritized based on the pre-set priorities and evaluation criteria for the application intake as provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (see Appendix). Eligible applications may be reviewed by a technical advisor to provide additional technical evaluation to allow IAF to rank applications against the priority list. IAF will complete adjudication within 60 days* after an intake review date, followed by decision emails to applicants.

*Please note that while decision emails will begin being distributed 60 days following each review date, if we have contacted you for additional clarification or missing documents your decision will be delayed.

Applications that best align with the prioritization criteria will be offered funding first. Applications will be considered in batches until all available funding is committed.

Applications that are not successful will not be brought forward to the next review batch and applicants will need to re-apply for future consideration. All adjudication decisions are final.

Notifications & Obligations

Funding Notifications & Contracts

If the project is approved, IAF will inform the applicant of the details of the decision and any associated terms and conditions. The applicant then enters into an agreement with IAF which outlines the obligations of each party.

Funding is application and project-specific and must be used for the approved project and related expenses. Funds are non-transferable.

Project activities requiring financial resources cannot commence until the contribution agreement has been signed by both the applicant and IAF.

Projects receiving funding through Streams 1-3 of the Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program can begin as of approval and must be complete by January 15, 2026. Projects may carry over between fiscal years. All projects will need to be completed by January 15, 2026. For large-scale projects that will take over three years to complete, the Program will fund phases of the projects that can be completed within the program timeframe.

Applicants applying to Stream 3 will be eligible to apply to Streams 1 or 2 for funding upon completion of their project if funding and time remains in the program. Funding limits are set per stream per project. Applicants can apply to multiple streams; however, they will need to apply for each stream separately and can only have a single project per stream underway at once. There is no lifetime maximum funding limit per applicant.

If the project is not approved, the applicant will receive a written response from IAF.

Funding Acknowledgement

This program is funded by the Government of BC, as such acknowledgement of funding is required when publicly communicating about a project and/or funding. To ensure appropriate acknowledgement, all communications and marketing materials, including public announcements or social media posts, must be pre-approved by the IAF Communications Team. Materials can be submitted via the IAF Client Portal.

Reporting Requirements

Successful applicants must complete a final report and audit (if applicable) prior to receiving final payment from the program and may be required to submit interim activity and financial reporting. All required reports must be filled out and submitted to IAF to be considered for funding reimbursement. It is important reports are submitted on time and with all required information. Please retain all invoices and receipts, you may be asked to submit some or all receipt/invoices following a review of your report(s) by the IAF Team. Expenses will be reimbursed based on audited receipts, financial report, and the approved project budget. All reporting will be completed via the IAF Client Portal.

Changes to Contracted Projects

If you are not able to complete your project according to the approved workplan, please inform the IAF Team as soon as possible using the IAF Client Portal.

2023/24 Prioritization Framework

PRIORITIZATION CRITERIA FOR ALL APPLICATIONS TO STREAM 1 & 2:
Agricultural water supply assessment, engineering study or plan has been completed. Yes 1
No 0
All technical, environmental, and regulatory standards and/or requirements, as applicable, have been met, e.g., a water licence has been issued/amended; documentation from the Ministry of Forests confirming the proposed work is mandatory or recommended, and an authorization has been provided by the Dam Safety Program for the alteration, improvement, or replacement of a dam; approval from Agricultural Land Commission (ALC). Yes 1
No 0
Projects for existing agricultural dams will be ranked with preference given to dams with higher risk levels. Risk Level Ranking
1 10
2 8
3 6
4 4
5 2
A cost-benefit analysis that demonstrates there is a significant component in agricultural water use and that the proposed work focuses on improving long-term water security and food security to meet current and future needs in the agricultural sector. Excellent 4
Good 3
Average 2
Poor 1
Unacceptable 0
A workplan that has been well thought-out with a high level of long-term commitment where the proposed work will not only be beneficial today but also remain viable and valuable in the future under climate change scenarios. Excellent 4
Good 3
Average 2
Poor 1
Unacceptable 0
PRIORITIZATION CRITERIA FOR ALL APPLICATIONS TO STREAM 3:
A cost-benefit analysis to demonstrate there is a significant component in agricultural water use and that the proposed work focuses on improving long-term water security and food security to meet current and future needs in the agricultural sector. Excellent 4
Good 3
Average 2
Poor 1
Unacceptable 0
A workplan that has been well thought-out with a high level of long-term commitment where the proposed work will not only be beneficial today but also remain viable and valuable in the future under climate change scenarios. Excellent 4
Good 3
Average 2
Poor 1
Unacceptable 0

Ready to Apply?

Due to likely oversubscription, IAF, in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, has paused applications following the September 19 review date. Applications may be accepted in the future dependent on available program funding.

Resources

FAQ

Your organization must register through the IAF Client Portal to apply to IAF programs. Please note, if you have not already registered this process can take up to 2 business days and must be completed before the application deadline.

Retroactive costs will not be considered. All projects must receive IAF approval before starting activities or incurring any project costs. Project start dates are as of approval, and all projects must be complete by January 15, 2026.

IAF provides payments by EFT (direct deposit). To get your EFT information set up to ensure timely delivery of your payment(s), please follow the directions provided here to update your client portal.

For all streams, an initial payment (50%) will be made by IAF to all projects upon signing of their contribution agreement; however, IAF may reduce this advance based on project/applicant risk. Interim and final payments will not be issued when reporting requirements are satisfactorily met by the client. These requirements may include one or more progress reports or a single final report at the end of a project based on the amount of funding approved, the length of the project, and project complexity/risk.

Interim and final payments will be made based on actual expenses reported and payments will be made in arrears. All projects will require a final report and a minimum of 20% of approved funding will be retained by IAF, pending submission of final reporting.

All projects must be complete by January 15, 2026.

Please provide the status of the permit and any supporting documentation at the time of application.

All recipients are required to comply with all necessary laws and regulations.

Applications for funding should be complete at the time of submission (including any required permitting). If any required documentation is not submitted with the application, it will be returned to the applicant requesting missing information.

If permits are pending/under review but the application is otherwise complete, IAF will proceed to consider and adjudicate the application. However, any approval will be conditional until all required documentation is received. Conditional offers/approvals will not receive contracts, be included in funding commitments, or be able to incur expenses and/or begin activities in their application until their project has met the conditions of approval and are subject to funding remaining available in the program.

Have a Question?

Contact the IAF Team

Agricultral Water Infrastructure Program

Download the AWI Program Guide.

Funding Acknowledgement Requirements

Download the Funding Acknowledgement Requirements for AWI.

Have a Current Project?

Please visit the program’s Project Resource Hub for more information.

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We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.