WAVE Prize Application Process
Swim Drink Fish invites applications from local governments and First Nations seeking funding for the construction of a swimmable pier or swimming platform.
The WAVE Prize is endorsed by the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA), whose mandate is to foster active, healthy, and connected communities across British Columbia.
We are looking for a diverse range of projects, covering a spectrum of locations and sizes, from small-scale initiatives with impact to larger infrastructure projects. We welcome qualified communities with an interest to apply, regardless of community size or location.
Is Your Community Eligible?
Local governments and First Nations in British Columbia are eligible to apply.
Preference will be given to proponents that:
Waterfront Potential: Have existing, planned, or designated waterfront areas that could be enhanced with a swimmable pier or similar infrastructure focused on swimming and water recreation.
First Nations Collaboration: Have a demonstrated partnership or consultative relationship with local First Nations, or First Nations led.
Proven Experience: Have experience managing infrastructure projects, including the capacity for long-term operations and maintenance.
Environmental Commitment: Have a commitment to environmental sustainability and a dedication to protecting water quality.
Community Backing: Show clear community support and/or public interest in the proposed project.
Shared Investment: Provide reasonable assurance of a minimum 20% capital contribution toward total project costs, through municipal funding or other sources.
Design Commitment: Have a commitment to world-class, innovative design that sets a new standard for community waterfronts.
Environmental Sustainability: Are able to integrate environmentally responsible design, materials, and construction practices.
Not eligible: Community groups or organizations without land-use governance authority or formal land-use partnerships.
Funding Details
The WAVE Prize seeks to contribute between $3-15 million per project.
Funding to successful applicants will support the construction of swimmable piers or similar water-access infrastructure.
The funding model seeks to cover a maximum of 80% of eligible construction costs, with a minimum of 20% contributed by the participating community.
Key Dates
We’ve designed the application process to be simple, supportive, and accessible.
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November 3, 2025
Application Process Opens
January 9, 2026
Application Process Closes
Earlier submissions are welcome, and will be assessed at the time of receipt.
How to Apply
Swim Drink Fish recognizes that pursuing a capital project and preparing the supporting materials for an application can require significant time and effort from organizational staff. To help reduce this burden and make the process more accessible, we’ve designed the application to be as straightforward and efficient as possible.
*Applications must be submitted by January 9, 2026
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1. Overview
Overview of the proponent and proposed site for the swimmable pier or similar infrastructure focused on swimming and water recreation (maximum word count 200).
2. Location & Benefits
A summary of the proposed project: location, 3 key goals, 3 key benefits to the community (maximum word count 250).
3. Demonstrated Need
State the need for this project in your community, and list 2–3 ways you have identified this need. (maximum word count 150).
4. First Nations Applicant
If you are applying as a First Nation, describe whether you plan to work with a local government in the development and/or implementation of this project. If applicable, outline the respective roles (maximum word count 150).
5. Local Government Applicant
If you are applying as a local government, describe how you will partner or consult with First Nations in the development and implementation of this project (e.g., co-development, shared responsibilities, approval and support of the project, etc.). Please refer to the Q&A section on the website for the definitions of partnership and consultation (maximum word count 150).
6. Inclusion & Accessibility
Describe how this project will promote inclusion and ensure accessibility for as many community members as possible (maximum word count 150).
7. Water Quality
Information on whether water quality data has been collected and shared publicly. Share if you have it (maximum word count 100).
8. Environment & Sustainability
A preliminary outline of environmental and sustainability considerations. Describe how your project will improve the environment of the site or have a neutral impact (not in an environmentally sensitive area). Demonstrate no negative environmental impacts and possible improvements to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems (maximum word count 150).
9. Funding Contribution
Description of how the proponent plans to meet the minimum 20% funding contribution. Provide a proposed funding approach (which will be further defined in subsequent steps). (maximum word count 100).
10. Timeline
A clear statement of intent and readiness to implement the project within a reasonable timeline (maximum word count 100).
11. Contact
Designation of a single point of contact at the executive leadership level or higher (maximum word count 30).
12. Attachments (optional)
Candidates may include supporting materials such as budgets, maps, drawings, illustrations, plans, water quality results, and letters of support with their application.
If budget information is available, please include the following categories: Planning & Design, Construction & Materials, Environmental Mitigation & Sustainability Measures, and Community Engagement (please limit to 1 page).
Submission
Applications must be submitted through the secure online portal.
Applicants will be notified by email when submissions have been received.
All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.
For questions or assistance with the application process, please contact wave@swimdrinkfish.ca.
Q&A
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Eligibility
1. Who is eligible for funding from the WAVE Prize?
Swim Drink Fish will only consider applications from local governments and First Nations.
2. Do you accept applications from individuals or community groups?
No. Swim Drink Fish encourages interest and support from the community, but the application process is only available to local governments and First Nations.
3. Is our project eligible for funding?Waterfront Potential: Have existing, planned, or designated waterfront areas that could be enhanced with a swimmable pier or similar infrastructure focused on swimming and water recreation.
First Nations Collaboration: Have a demonstrated partnership or consultative relationship with local First Nations, or First Nations led.
Proven Experience: Have experience managing infrastructure projects, including the capacity for long-term operations and maintenance.
Environmental Commitment: Have a commitment to environmental sustainability and a dedication to protecting water quality.
Shared Investment: Provide reasonable assurance of a capital contribution of a minimum of 20% of total project costs, through municipal funding or other sources.
Design Commitment: Have a commitment to world-class, innovative design that sets a new standard for community waterfronts.
Environmental Sustainability: Are able to integrate environmentally responsible design, materials, and construction practices.
4. Does Swim Drink Fish fund projects that are already completed?
No. Swim Drink Fish is only looking to fund new projects or projects that have not yet been completed.
5. Is a First Nation organization required to partner with a local government?
No. A First Nation organization is not required to partner with a local government. If a partnership is appropriate, please describe the relationship in your application.
6. What if a local government has not yet established a partnership or consultative relationship with a local First Nation?
For local government led projects, only those that demonstrate an active partnership or consultative relationship with local First Nations will be considered.
7. As a local government working with First Nations, how are you defining both partnership and consultation within your project?Partnership: A partnership reflects a long-term commitment, with projects co-developed alongside First Nations and governance responsibilities shared. While the local government may take the lead on implementation (e.g., permits, RFPs, and regulatory processes), the project remains grounded in partnership with Indigenous Nations.
Consultation: A consultation reflects a shorter-term engagement between the proponent and the First Nation (s). The project has the Nation’s support to proceed, and the Nation has indicated their desired level of participation. However, the Nation is not directly involved in co-developing the project or sharing governance responsibilities.
Submitting an Application
1. How do we submit an application?
Applications must be submitted to Swim Drink Fish through our secure online portal by January 9, 2026.
2. Can we submit our application by mail and/or email?
No. Only applications made via the online portal will be considered.
3. Do you accept applications in languages other than English?
No. Applications must be submitted in English.
4. Can we save our application as a draft and return later?
Yes. The application can be saved at any time to be edited and/or completed at a later date.
5. Can we print a copy of our application?
Yes.
6. What happens if we made an error on an application that has already been submitted?
We treat submitted applications as final. No edits or additional information will be accepted.
7. What should we do if we experience technical issues with the application portal?
Technical issues should be directed via email to wave@swimdrinkfish.ca
8. Can I receive support for my application?
Support is limited to guidance on the application process and does not include financial support to develop an application. Questions should be directed via email to wave@swimdrinkfish.ca
9. Will there be a second application process?
Not at this time.
Project Funding
1. What is a reasonable amount to request for our project?
Projects may request between $3-15 million in funding.
2. Is there flexibility to the funding model?
The funding model seeks to cover a maximum of 80% of eligible construction costs with a minimum of 20% contributed by the participating community."
3. Is the 80% maximum contribution solely dedicated towards construction costs or can we use it for other costs as well?
The 80% maximum contribution is meant for project build costs. Project build costs refer to the implementation phase, encompassing detailed design, permitting, procurement, and costs of materials, and physical construction of swimming infrastructure.
Application Approvals and Process
1. How many projects will be approved?
The WAVE Prize seeks to award up to 5 approved projects.
2. What is the application process from submission to the next stage?Proponents who submit an application will receive confirmation of receipt
SDF will then screen all submissions for eligibility
Eligible communities may be invited to participate in discovery interviews with SDF staff. SDF will reach out via email to set up an interview.
Applicants advancing to the next stage after successful discovery interviews will participate in MOU and/or Grant Agreement development.
Applicants will be notified by email in February 2026 if they are not advancing to the next stage
3. How will the application be evaluated?
The application will be evaluated based on:Project Concept and Alignment with Goals
First Nation Partnership or Consultation, or First Nations led
Community Engagement and Support
Project Readiness
Environmental Sustainability and Water Quality
Financial Plan and Funding Strategy
Long-Term Maintenance and Management
Equity and Regional Impact
4. Do you provide feedback on proposals that are declined?
Yes. A brief written summary of feedback will be provided via email to unsuccessful applicants.
5. Is SDF or the Weston Foundation seeking naming rights for the swimming structure?
No. The Weston family’s contribution supports the ambitions of Swim Drink Fish and the creation of the WAVE Prize with the goal of expanding public access to the water, allowing it to serve as an exceptional, welcoming and sustainable place for community connection and well-being.
Need Support?
Contact information regarding applications: wave@swimdrinkfish.ca.
A Word of Thanks
Swim Drink Fish is proud to offer this opportunity with the support of the Weston Family, whose generosity makes this work possible. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to the health of our waters and the well-being of Canadian communities. Together, we are investing in a future where communities have access to swimmable, drinkable, fishable water.
