Apply Now: Shoreline Outdoor Revitalization and Enhancement Grants (Canada)

Deadline: 18-Nov-2026

The Shoreline Outdoor Revitalization and Enhancement (SHORE) Grants provide funding to local governments and First Nations communities in the Columbia Basin to improve public waterfront spaces. Grants support planning, accessibility, safety, recreational infrastructure, and climate-resilience projects that strengthen community connections to the Columbia River system. What Are SHORE Grants? SHORE Grants are offered by Columbia Basin Trust to help communities create safer, more accessible, and more resilient recreational waterfront areas. The program supports projects that improve public access and enjoyment of: Waterfront gathering spaces River access points Recreational river features Public pathways and ramps Docks and related infrastructure Accessible waterfront amenities Climate-resilient recreational spaces The program also recognizes the importance of relationships among Basin communities, Indigenous Peoples, and people connected to the Columbia River system. SHORE Grant Funding Streams The program has two funding streams designed to support projects at different stages.

Stream 1: Planning and Design

Stream 1 supports communities that need to develop their waterfront project before construction begins. Improvements that enhance public safety and accessibility Applicants can request up to $500,000 for eligible physical works. How Much Funding Is Available? The SHORE program can cover a substantial portion of eligible project costs.

Communities with populations under 2,500: Up to 90% of eligible project costs

First Nations communities: Up to 90% of eligible project costs

Larger communities: Up to 75% of eligible project costs

Stream 1 maximum: $50,000

Stream 2 maximum: $500,000

The applicant may therefore need to provide the remaining portion of project costs, depending on the project and community category. Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Local governments within the Columbia Basin Trust region First Nations communities within the Columbia Basin Trust region Projects must take place on land owned by the applicant or within First Nations communities. Applicants should also demonstrate that the proposed project will provide meaningful public recreational benefits and improve the waterfront experience for community members and visitors. What Projects Are Eligible? SHORE Grants prioritize projects that improve one or more of the following:

Public access: Making waterfront areas easier for people to reach and use.

Accessibility: Removing barriers for people with diverse mobility and accessibility needs.

Safety: Improving the safety of waterfront gathering areas and river access points.

Climate resilience: Incorporating features that help recreational infrastructure respond to climate-related risks.

Community use: Creating attractive and functional spaces for recreation and community gathering.

Indigenous connections: Strengthening relationships between communities, Indigenous Peoples, and the Columbia River system.

What Projects Are Not Eligible? The program does not support projects that fall outside its intended community waterfront focus. Projects that duplicate responsibilities normally handled by government or industry Projects that do not meet the program’s land ownership requirements Applicants should carefully review the program requirements before preparing a proposal. Why SHORE Grants Matter Waterfront areas are important community assets for recreation, gathering, tourism, and connection with local waterways. However, aging infrastructure, accessibility barriers, safety concerns, and climate-related risks can limit their use. SHORE Grants help communities address these challenges by supporting improvements that can: Strengthen connections with Indigenous communities The program therefore combines recreation, accessibility, climate adaptation, community development, and waterfront revitalization. How to Apply for SHORE Grants Applicants should prepare their proposal around the project’s need, expected community benefits, readiness, and long-term sustainability.

1. Confirm Applicant Eligibility

First, verify that the applicant is a qualifying local government or First Nations community located within the Columbia Basin Trust region.

2. Select the Appropriate Funding Stream

Determine whether the proposal is primarily for: Planning and design, under Stream 1, or Construction and physical improvements, under Stream 2 Choosing the correct stream helps ensure that the proposed activities match the funding purpose.

3. Confirm Land Ownership

Applicants must establish that the project site meets the program’s land requirements.

Prepare documentation confirming:

Land ownership The location of the proposed project The applicant’s authority to undertake the work

4. Develop the Project Plan

Clearly explain:

The current problem or need Proposed improvements Who will benefit How accessibility and safety will be improved How climate resilience will be addressed How the project supports community priorities How the completed infrastructure will be maintained

5. Prepare Technical and Financial Documents

Depending on the project, applicants should provide supporting materials such as: Maps Project designs Cost estimates Engineering information Environmental assessments where applicable Required permits or evidence of permitting Land ownership documentation

6. Demonstrate Community Support

Strong applications should show that the project responds to an identified community need and has appropriate local support. Partnerships with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders can also strengthen the broader community impact of a project.

7. Submit a Complete Application

Ensure that all required documents are included and that the proposed budget matches the activities and funding stream. Incomplete applications may be disadvantaged during assessment. How Projects Are Assessed SHORE applications are assessed using several factors, including:

Eligibility

Completene