The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency is expanding support for rural landowners, communities and local governments with their channel clearing and drainage projects.

Up to $1-million in rebates are available for individual landowners, rural and small urban municipalities (population under 5-thousand), conservation and development area authorities (C&Ds) and watershed associations.

WSA Spokesperson Sean Osmar noted eligibility expanded to individual landowners, who previously had to apply for the rebate through their R.M., as well as the small municipalities “for some of their more natural water courses that they need to keep clear.”

He says it will cover up to 50 percent of costs, with a maximum allowable rebate of $100-thousand.

“Activities can include removing silt, beaver dams and debris, (such as trees, brush and deadfall), to lessen the possibilities of blockages that can cause flooding to roadways and agricultural land, on both approved drainage projects and natural channels” the WSA explains in a news release.

Osmar says eligibility requirements, as well as aquatic habitat protection information, are online at wsask.ca.

“We encourage everybody to make sure you review those eligibility requirements before applying,” Osmar said.

The deadline to apply for the rebate is January 31st, 2024.