Overview

From January 21 to February 21, 2024, the Rural Economic Development (RED) program approved the following 85 projects.

Central

County of Simcoe

The County of Simcoe will implement a workforce advancement initiative to foster economic growth in the region and empower careers by helping to attract and retain skilled labour.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $73,100.

Ontario Hazelnut Association

The Ontario Hazelnut Association will launch a series of marketing and networking activities to strengthen the hazelnut industry value chain and assist growers to establish a traceability program.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $22,015.

Town of Bracebridge

The Town of Bracebridge will provide historical information on the town through the design and installation of trail signage along the downtown area, near historic landmarks and along the Muskoka River.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $24,999.

Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury

The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury will implement its Business Catalyst Centre to support start-up businesses and early-stage entrepreneurs seeking to grow and expand their operations.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $150,000.

Town of Collingwood

The Town of Collingwood will enhance its e-tracking and permitting system to facilitate greater local and regional coordination and efficiencies.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $40,000.

Town of Georgina

The Town of Georgina will enhance its historic main street in downtown Sutton by installing ramps, street fixtures and furniture that will contribute to improved accessibility, the attraction of businesses, and wayfinding for visitors to the area.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $199,238.

Town of Innisfil

The Town of Innisfil will create and implement the Innisfil Business Retention + Expansion initiative, which consists of actions to support workforce development, business growth and support for local businesses.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $135,000.

Township of King

The Township of King will rehabilitate two heritage buildings within the King Heritage & Cultural Centre. The King Christian Church and King Railway Station will be restored, to help create a safe environment and new economic opportunities by enabling the use of both venues for a variety of events.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $250,000.

Town of Midland

The Town of Midland will create new murals and restore existing ones in Downtown Midland. This will contribute to the revitalization of the downtown core and increase business attraction.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $19,260.

Township of Oro-Medonte

The Township of Oro-Medonte will conduct and implement a Business Retention, Expansion and Attraction project focused on industrial and commercial businesses in the township.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $29,000.

Township of Ramara

The Township of Ramara will renovate St. Andrews Hall and the Standard Bank to create a community hub for residents that includes an event space and library, as well as the installation of wifi for public use.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $148,780.

Township of Severn

The Township of Severn will enhance access to Severn's community and natural assets and build a better visitor experience, through the installation of directional wayfinding signs.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $21,840.

Township of Uxbridge

The Township of Uxbridge will engage in marketing activities to promote Lower Brock as part of downtown Uxbridge. This includes developing a community profile for prospective investors, refreshing the Brock Street Heritage Guidelines, and implementing a marketing plan.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $28,437.

East

Ampere

Ampere will complete renovations on its headquarters to include a makerspace and space for rental offices as a collaborative hub within Kawartha Lakes.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $73,970.

Belleville Downtown District BIA

The Belleville Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA) will develop an in-person Membership Care Program (MCP). Program staff will work with member businesses to connect them to services such as the Welcoming Streets Program, to address local challenges and provide training to businesses and their staff. The BIA will also hold town hall meetings to help manage communication between businesses and residents.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $57,427.

City of Belleville

The City of Belleville will develop a digital investment and development toolkit, to support developers as they navigate the building, permitting, planning and regulatory environment.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $12,500.

City of Kawartha Lakes

The City of Kawartha Lakes and the Fenelon Falls and District Chamber of Commerce will develop and implement an evidence-based Downtown Revitalization action plan. This will include business training and support, the development of marketing materials and building partnerships within the community to better address economic barriers.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $35,000.

Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce

The Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce will renovate the Coboconk Train Station, to create a commercial space with rental units for businesses. The space will also include an innovation hub where smaller businesses can book space on a flexible basis.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $250,000.

County of Frontenac

The County of Frontenac, the Township of Central Frontenac, and the Ottawa Valley All Terrain Vehicle Club will rehabilitate the K&P trail, linking Clarendon Station to the Mississippi River. This will help to enhance connectivity within the region while creating a distinctive tourist experience.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $210,000.

County of Haliburton

The County of Haliburton will install wayfinding signage to further enhance the region's destination branding.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $3,345.

County of Prince Edward

Prince Edward County will address the need for a skilled local workforce and provide employment opportunities in the region, by creating a network of skilled workers through training and skills development.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $65,000.

Curve Lake First Nation

Curve Lake First Nation will renovate the Chemong Cottage for use as a rental facility for corporate and educational training and retreats.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $53,789.

Lanark County

The Lanark County and the Ottawa Valley All Terrain Vehicle Club will rehabilitate the Tay-Havelock trail and bridges that connect multiple communities in the area. This will help to improve infrastructure and extend the tourist season.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $195,830.

Loyalist Township

Loyalist Township will rehabilitate the Fairfield Homestead, and restore it for use in improved programming and events, and continued public visitation.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $65,294.

Municipality of Casselman

The Village of Casselman will implement a planning and approvals software program that will improve municipal service, revolutionize existing processes and enhance service delivery.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $17,288.

Municipality of Highlands East

The Municipality of Highlands East will install seasonal banners in its five communities, contributing to a unified and enhanced community appearance.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $906.

Nventure

Nventure in Northumberland County will expand a police technology accelerator program, to address challenges for small and mid-sized police departments, while promoting technological enhancement.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $150,000.

Ontario East Economic Development Commission

The Ontario East Economic Development Commission will promote the region collaboratively to help attract investment and retention in key industry sectors including agri-food manufacturing.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $36,000.

Prescott-Russell Inc. Employment Services Center

The Prescott-Russell Employment Services Center will launch an international talent acquisition and recruitment program, that will train employers, human resources staff and workers to encourage the long-term employment of newcomers. This will lead to improvements in regional economic development as well as increasing and retaining a skilled labour force.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $142,132.

Town of Perth

The Town of Perth will enhance downtown Perth, through the purchase and installation of holiday lighting, new planters, trees and wayfinding signage, to help encourage visitors and contribute to the vibrancy of the area.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $14,800.

Town of Petawawa

The Town of Petawawa will conduct a business retention and expansion project to identify the needs of existing businesses, implement short-term actions and inform the economic development priorities of the community.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $6,850.

Township of Beckwith

The Township of Beckwith will enhance the visibility and appeal of township landmarks and facilities for visitors, through the installation of wayfinding signage, seasonal lighting and planting trees.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $14,642.

Township of Champlain

The Township of Champlain will rehabilitate Vankleek Hill Museum, extending its lifespan, and enabling the continued operation of the Vankleek Hill Tourist Bureau.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $13,030.

Township of Greater Madawaska

The Township of Greater Madawaska will support local businesses and promote recreational tourism assets, with the installation of wayfinding signage and social media promotion.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $14,650.

Township of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards

The Township of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards, will adopt modernized technology for their website, to promote the community, businesses and tourism in the region.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $7,500.

Township of North Kawartha

The Township of North Kawartha will engage in downtown revitalization activities for the Village of Apsley to foster economic growth, community engagement, housing opportunities, and cultural vibrancy.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $25,000.

United Counties of Leeds and Grenville

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville will implement marketing and promotion activities to advance economic recovery and the growth of key tourism and hospitality business sectors in the region.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $148,874.

United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry

The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry will rehabilitate the historical jail, for use in revenue generating tourism and educational activities.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $53,085.

Northeast

City of North Bay

The City of North Bay will support the attraction of entrepreneurship through outreach to immigrants to promote growth.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $56,000.

Timmins Economic Development Corporation

The Timmins Economic Development Corporation and the Timmins and District Hospital will implement the Physician Recruitment Initiative to support the attraction of trained physicians to the region to support local growth.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $77,500.

Town of Gore Bay

The Town of Gore Bay and partners will implement a marketing program to raise awareness and support local tourism businesses through digital, video and print materials.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $43,724.

Town of Iroquois Falls

The Town of Iroquois Falls will deliver and implement a business retention and expansion program to support a strong business environment in the community.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $45,000.

Town of Parry Sound

The Town of Parry Sound will purchase and install decorative lighting and trees to encourage more pedestrian traffic and increase tourism to the downtown core.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $15,000.

Township of Sables-Spanish Rivers

The Township of Sables-Spanish Rivers will enhance community pride and increase historical knowledge of the town through the repair and replacement of historical markers found throughout the communities of Massey, Webbwood and Walford.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $2,592.

Northwest

City of Kenora

The City of Kenora will review and redesign its existing Community Improvement Plans and implement a new program to support Harbourtown Centre, the former Abitibi Mill Site, and Keewatin.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $75,000.

Dryden Food Bank

The Dryden Foodbank will renovate local property to increase the capacity to accept and distribute food and help remove the economic barrier of food insecurity for the communities it serves. The newly renovated facility will also provide a rentable boardroom for community businesses.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $216,268.

True Wealth Society

The True Wealth Society and the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre will implement the Regal Spark project, to support 2SLGBTQ+ business owners and entrepreneurs to grow and expand their enterprises in Northern Ontario.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $150,000.

West

County of Brant

The County of Brant will promote downtown Paris and help support local businesses that may be affected by a major redevelopment project in the downtown.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $112,500.

County of Bruce

The County of Bruce will conduct training, marketing and promotion activities to attract a cluster of businesses, that will lead the transition to and a focus on implementing clean sources of energy.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $150,000.

County of Dufferin

The County of Dufferin, Dufferin Board of Trade and Community Futures South Georgian Bay, will host a one-day tour for investors and developers. This will stimulate investment by showcasing Dufferin's tourism assets, identifying investment opportunities, and encouraging networking and partnership opportunities.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $15,938.

County of Middlesex

The County of Middlesex will generate leads and target meetings with businesses as they implement and market a commercial investment action plan.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $17,500.

County of Perth

The County of Perth will conduct a business retention and expansion project that will include business tours, photo, and video profiles of local businesses, and hosting a community business forum.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $8,875.

County of Perth

The County of Perth will collaborate with local businesses to craft and install 'Shareworthy Moments' to attract visitors and increase tourism to local businesses.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $30,000.

County of Wellington

The County of Wellington will implement the Path to Succession: Supporting Farm Transition program, to support and retain farming businesses through assisting in succession planning.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $22,500.

Elephant Thoughts Educational Outreach

Elephant Thoughts Educational Outreach will implement a workforce development program for rural Ontario's most vulnerable youth. This will help to address the inequities and barriers that currently prevent underrepresented young adults from participating fully in the labour market.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $150,000.

Grey County

Grey County will promote “Made in Grey” by developing and distributing marketing materials including photos, videos, branding and print publications, to support efforts such as workforce recruitment in agriculture, tourism and manufacturing.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $83,000.

Here For Now Theatre Company

The Here for Now Theatre will renovate the Stratford-Perth Archive Building for use as a theatre venue for year-round stage productions.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $191,657.

Launch Pad Youth Activity & Technology Centre

The Launchpad Youth Activity & Technology Centre in Hanover will implement the Skilled Programs Expansion, to equip youth and adults with the skills and tools to support the regional labour market and address skill shortages.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $62,282.

Municipality of Brockton

The Municipality of Brockton will improve the downtown area contributing to an enhanced visitor experience and sense of community pride, by increasing accessibility and the installation of recycling and garbage bins, planters, banners and Mobi mats.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $14,078.

Municipality of Lakeshore

The Municipality of Lakeshore will engage with the public to develop a community improvement plan and marketing materials and host an event to promote the new program for businesses.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $48,500.

Municipality of North Perth

The Municipality of North Perth will set up the North Perth Innovation and Business Centre in downtown Listowel, to offer business support and enhance the networking capacity of local entrepreneurs and business owners.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $17,350.

Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula

The Municipality of North Bruce Peninsula will increase and improve tourism infrastructure, contributing to an enhanced visitor experience by installing picnic tables, greenery, and bear-proof recycling and waste stations.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $24,000.

Municipality of the Township of Brooke-Alvinston

The Municipality of the Township of Brooke-Alvinston will enhance the main commercial area in Alvinston, contributing to an increased appeal for investment, and promote responsible environmental stewardship by installing waste receptacles, banners, and planting trees.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $4,679.

Niagara Falls Innovation Hub

The Niagara Falls Innovation Hub will establish networking and training events to support small businesses and start-ups, in key business sectors of the regional economy.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $97,650.

Norfolk County

Norfolk County will conduct a business retention and expansion project through engagement with local businesses to identify challenges and opportunities, as well as educate businesses on diversity, equity and inclusion, and support immigrants with employment resources.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $116,050.

Nuclear Innovation Institute

The Nuclear Innovation Institute in Bruce County will renovate a building to make the Nuclear Innovation Institute's Advance Technology Campus. This will serve as a regional innovation and technology space and learning centre.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $211,600.

Ontario Farmland Trust

Ontario Farmland Trust will implement its Flavours of Farmland project through marketing and outreach, including highlighting the unique products produced by farming businesses across Ontario, and encouraging local food purchases.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $9,927.

Rural Ontario Institute

The Rural Ontario Institute will expand the Northern Ontario Rural Housing Information System (RHIS) to Ontario's North, providing better information and data on housing options and opportunities to support the creation, retention, and expansion of skilled labour jobs.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $132,344.

Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation

The Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation will showcase rural businesses in Oxford at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show, which offers visitors an interactive experience, allowing them to taste, touch or try the locally sourced goods firsthand.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $6,500.

Saugeen Sparks Training Centre

The Saugeen Sparks Training Centre will implement the Ignite Your Future program to provide vocational education, mentoring and training to equip youth and job-seekers with skills in the trades.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $50,000.

St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation

The St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation will renovate the Horton Farmers' Market building, to create a commercial kitchen to be rented to entrepreneurs and used for educational programming and as a culinary events space.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $41,800.

TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario

TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario will implement the Rural GROW Accelerator program, a 12-week initiative that will help support businesses in rural communities to take the next step from being a start-up to a scale-up operation in communities including St. Thomas, Woodstock, Sarnia, Strathroy and other adjacent towns.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $115,900.

Town of Essex

The Town of Essex will implement the actions from a recently completed business retention and expansion plan. This includes connecting businesses with relevant services to address identified gaps, and software to access and track funding opportunities for economic development-related projects.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $65,230.

Town of Kingsville

The Town of Kingsville will enhance the town's aesthetics, contributing to increased visitor experience, improved navigation and tourism promotion, through the installation of wayfinding signage, streetscaping furniture and planting trees.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $22,500.

Town of Minto

The Town of Minto will restore the Palmerston Railway Museum caboose and box car to generate tourism and economic development opportunities as the town celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $11,388.

Town of Shelburne

The Town of Shelburne and Community Futures South Georgian Bay will strengthen their business community, by delivering workshops to business owners. Topics include human resources practices, theft and fraud. The town will record the workshops to provide ongoing learning opportunities for their businesses.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $9,041.

Town of Tecumseh

The Town of Tecumseh will revitalize the town's main street, to increase the beautification and redefine historical elements, through the installation of decorative street lighting and street trees.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $240,000.

Town of the Blue Mountains

The Town of the Blue Mountains will promote Open Fields self-guided farm tours that educate the public on the agri-food sector and spotlight the importance of agriculture to the community’s economy.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $14,750.

Township of Huron-Kinloss

The Township of Huron-Kinloss will implement its Downtown Ripley Action Plan. This includes developing a design rendering of downtown Ripley, hosting community events and business training, and developing and implementing targeted marketing campaigns to attract visitors and new businesses to Downtown Ripley.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $32,000.

Township of Lucan Biddulph

The Township of Lucan Biddulph will enhance the town's main street, contributing to a unified community identity and a revitalized downtown, through the purchase and installation of street banners and new garbage and recycling receptacles.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $1,711.

Township of Mulmur

The Township of Mulmur will beautify their parkways with various street art, contributing to tourism efforts and business attraction.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $1,708.

Township of Puslinch

The Township of Puslinch will engage in downtown revitalization activities to support downtowns in Aberfoyle and Morriston including, community engagement, implementing activities recommended by the Your Town Rising consultation, identifying opportunities for signage in the communities and amending the Community Improvement Plan.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $49,500.

Township of Wellesley

The Township of Wellesley will develop and implement a new Community Improvement Plan to support business investment in the downtown.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $19,988.

United Way of Perth-Huron

The United Way of Perth Huron will implement the United Housing Small Urban Mixed Use Collaborative Toolkit, to support the creation of affordable and attainable housing for labour creation in the region and rural Ontario.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $25,461.

Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie

The Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie will develop the Human Resource Preparedness Tool Kit to provide tools to support businesses and business development in the region.

Provincial share of project funding: up to $63,825.

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