Rural communities across the province now have a new chance to get funding for local projects.
On Tuesday, June 24, Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson announced in Clinton that the province is now accepting applications for the updated Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program. Applications are open until September 24.
The province is doubling its investment from $10 million to $20 million over the next two years. This money will help small towns grow their economies, create jobs, and improve community infrastructure.
"Our government has doubled its investment in the Rural Ontario Development program to drive economic growth and increase the workforce across rural Ontario" said Thompson. "The expanded program will benefit rural communities and rural businesses by attracting investment, creating jobs and building rural Ontario."
The program comes at a time when many rural areas are struggling with job shortages and problems with international trade. The Ontario government says the goal is to help rural communities stay strong and improve the lives of people who live there.
Groups that can apply include rural municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations, and small businesses. The funding can support job training, internet upgrades, tourism projects, public space improvements, and helping local businesses reach more customers.
The ROD program is part of a larger plan shared by Minister Thompson at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference earlier this year. The government says this plan is focused on solving the unique problems that small towns face, especially in areas like housing, keeping workers, and attracting new businesses.
Minister Thompson, who also represents the riding of Huron-Bruce, has spent months visiting rural areas to listen to community leaders. Their feedback helped shape the updated program.
At the same ROMA conference in January, the province also announced $10 million a year in new rural funding and opened applications for the $175 million Health and Safety Water Stream. That program is helping small towns and First Nations improve drinking water, wastewater systems, and flood protection. Another $400 million has been set aside to help build roads and services for up to 160,000 new homes, many in rural or fast-growing areas.
Local leaders have praised the changes to the ROD program. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association say the improvements will make a real difference.
Huron County Warden Jamie Heffer also said he’s already seen the positive results of these kinds of investments in his area.
"The newly enhanced Rural Ontario Development Program is a vital tool for strengthening the heart of our rural communities." he said. "In Huron County, we see every day how targeted investments can make a real difference for families, farmers, local businesses and community organizations. We’re thankful to Minister Thompson and the Ontario government for recognizing that when rural Ontario succeeds, all of Ontario benefits."
Application forms and more information are available now on the Ministry of Rural Affairs website. Projects that receive funding will be announced later this year.