Wah-ila-toos (Clean Energy in Indigenous, Remote and Rural Communities Hub)

Program Category: Clean Energy, Climate Mitigation, Environment

Program Sub-Category: Energy Efficiency (Housing / Buildings), Renewable Energy, Economic Development, Innovation

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Status: Open

Funder

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Deadline Details

Continuous Intake until March 31, 2027.

Due to high demand, the program will no longer accepting applications, effective September 15th, 2023, for Capacity Building projects and Deployment of renewable energy projects. See program description for other eligible projects.

Funder Organization Type

Federal Government

In Partnership With

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)

To make funding more accessible for Indigenous communities, multiple federal departments are changing the way they work. Through a commitment to improving community access to federal clean energy funding and resources.

There are approximately 200 communities across Canada that rely completely on diesel energy for heat and power. Many of these diesel-reliant communities are in remote areas with primarily Indigenous populations. To support the transition to clean energy, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC), Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Infrastructure Canada (INFC) are working in collaboration with Indigenous partners to establish programming for clean energy in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities.

The transition to clean energy continues to be important to Indigenous communities and the Government of Canada as we work together towards reconciliation. These projects can help advance Indigenous-led climate action, support local economic development and create skilled jobs while reducing pollution and improving air quality.

Please note: Due to high demand, the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program under Wah-ila-toos is no longer accepting applications for:

Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Capacity Building projects
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities – Deployment of renewable energy projects
Note that capacity building and deployment projects in the North are eligible under Northern REACHE.
Eligible projects submitted to these funding streams before September 15, 2023, have been added to a waitlist and will be considered for funding should funds be made available in the future. Our Pathfinding support may also assist with finding alternative funding options.

Wah-ila-toos is still accepting applications under:

Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities – Biomass heating, district heating, and combined heat and power systems
Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Energy program (Northern REACHE).

Please note: Due to high demand, remaining funding for this stream is limited, eligible projects received will be added to a waitlist, should funds become available:

Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities – Research, Development, and Demonstration projects

If you are unsure which stream your application fits within, please submit a contact form and we will be in touch to discuss. Please continue to visit this website for further updates.

Eligible Community

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, governments, development corporations, and organizations
Canadian businesses and not-for-profit organizations
Provincial, territorial, regional, or municipal government organizations

Required Community Contribution

No community contribution required

No community contribution required, but community contribution is encouraged. Depends on the scope and size of the project.

Funding Stacking Restrictions

Professional Input Required

Specific Eligibility Requirements

Program supports projects in remote off-grid communities that reduce reliance on diesel for electricity and heat. Projects that are Indigenous-led or have Indigenous partnerships are given priority.

Other Eligible Applicants

Indigenous Economic Agencies
Indigenous-owned Businesses
Businesses / For-profit
Other
Indigenous Organizations
Non-governmental Organizations / Not-for-Profits
Economic Development Agencies
Academic Institutions

Type of Funding

Grant
Support (e.g. consulting management)
Non-repayable Contribution

Range of Funding Available per Project

Under $100 000
From $100 000 to $1 000 000
Over $1 000 000

Description of Funding

The program can provide up to 100% funding and cost-share with other federal programs. Varies dependent on project.

Percentage of Project Funded

100%

Eligible Costs

Engineering
Design
Planning
Operational and Maintenance Costs
Capital Costs
Community Engagement
Equipment/Material Purchase
Project Management
Staff Costs
Administration Fees
Capacity Building for the Community
Training
Reporting
Awareness and Education
Research and Development

Ineligible Costs

Any costs incurred prior to signing a funding agreement
Land Acquisition

NRCan will also not support legal fees.

Reporting Requirements

Progress reports and final reports

Expected Timeframe for Funding Decision

Dependent on project size and scope. The program will work directly with applicant throughout the intake and review process.

The Clean Energy in Indigenous, Remote and Rural Communities Hub was gifted an Indigenous name. Our mission is to improve access to funding and provide support for clean energy initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada. We have recently been gifted a sacred name by Indigenous Grandmothers and Elders that represents the meaningful relationships that we strive to establish with our Indigenous partners. Learn more about Wah-ila-toos