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

Wah-ila-toos is still accepting applications under the Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Energy program (Northern REACHE).
See the Program Description below for information about the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) funding streams.

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.

Wah-ila-toos is still accepting applications under:

Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Energy program (Northern REACHE).

Given limited remaining funding, applications submitted to the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) funding streams listed below will be put on a waitlist. Proposals will be assessed should funding become available:

CERRC – Biomass heating, district heating, and combined heat and power systems
CERRC – Research, Development, and Demonstration projects

Funding for the CERRC streams listed below is fully committed. Applications submitted will not be assessed for funding consideration, but may be reviewed to inform future funding program design and development:

CERRC Capacity Building projects
CERRC – Deployment of renewable energy projects

Wah-ila-toos pathfinding support will continue to help identify alternative funding options for eligible initiatives seeking support for clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities.Please continue to visit this website for further updates.

Eligible Community

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, Indigenous governments, tribal councils, development corporations, and other Indigenous organizations
Legally registered or incorporated Canadian for-profit and not-for-profit organizations
Provincial, territorial, regional, or municipal governments and related organizations
See Applicant Guide for complete details

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%

Up to 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.

We are honoured to have been gifted the sacred name Wah-ila-toos, by Indigenous Grandmothers and Elders, during a ceremony held on Treaty 6 Territory at the Northern Forestry Centre in Edmonton, on February 6, 2023.Wah-ila-toos serves as a reminder that we are all related, that we are all in a relationship with everything and everyone, and that we are all kin. The name bestows the responsibility to be in good relations with all living and non-living kin. It represents the meaningful relationships that we strive to establish with our Indigenous partners.Wah-ila-toos is a hybrid word formed from three words in the Nehiyaw and Michif, Inuinnaqtun and Haíɫzaqvḷa languages.Learn more about Wah-ila-toos