WAVE Prize Application Process

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Thank you to the incredible communities who applied.

Swim Drink Fish invited 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.  

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

  • 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 30, 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.

    • Successful projects will be announced publicly on a rolling basis throughout 2026.

    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. 

For requests from media outlets: media@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.