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Province supporting economic growth in rural communities

January 30, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

A new rural economic development program is part of a new strategy to boost economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas.

Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey, announced that the provincially funded Rural Economic Development Strategy will provide $10 million in annual funding for the next two years to support economic growth, workforce capacity, and business development in rural communities.

“The Rural Economic Development Strategy is our plan to help rural and Indigenous communities realize their potential and support the economic prosperity of communities across Ontario,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “It’s based on our government’s belief that a strong and dynamic rural Ontario is essential for the success of the province’s economy.”

The strategy focuses on three key areas.

They include creating safe and strong rural communities, improving local economic development capacity and championing local leadership, supporting the rehabilitation of municipal and community infrastructure, and helping communities develop plans for housing and transportation.

The strategy supports business development and attraction, by helping rural communities and other economic development partners in strengthening and growing rural businesses.

Growing the rural workforce is part of the strategy by helping grow local talent, raising awareness of job opportunities available in rural Ontario, and supporting workers in obtaining the skills needed to succeed while attracting and retaining workers so that rural communities and small towns thrive.

As part of this strategy, the government has revamped the previous Rural Economic Development Program, now called the Rural Ontario Development Program, and is doubling its funding to $20 million over the next two years. More details on the enhanced program will be available in the coming weeks.

“Rural communities and businesses are the backbone of our riding,” said Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson. “For generations, families have worked their farms and their businesses as a critical part of our local economy. This investment will enhance and strengthen that proud legacy in Simcoe-Grey.”

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