Ontario Community Environment Fund (OCEF)
The Ontario Community Environment Fund (OCEF) uses money collected from environmental penalties for projects located in the watersheds where the violation(s) occurred. Environmental penalties are issued for spills and other violations such as failing to comply with regulatory requirements. Environmental penalties encourage industrial facilities to plan ahead to prevent spills and mitigate any effects when spills do occur.
OCEF money funds projects focused on environmental remediation, research and education relating to spills and restoration of the environment, and projects related to spill preparedness.
Community Stewardship Councils, part of the Ontario Stewardship Program, are helping to promote the fund. Each year, Stewardship Councils help raise awareness of available funds, identify community projects, and invite eligible groups to apply and potentially make use of this funding opportunity.
