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The Ontario government says it is investing more than $114,000 in five economic development projects across Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke through its Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program.
The funding is part of the province’s $20-million Rural Ontario Development program, which supports projects aimed at strengthening local economies, creating jobs and helping rural communities plan for long-term growth.
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault said the investments will help create new economic opportunities throughout the riding.
The largest local grant, $50,000, will go to the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association to develop a destination management plan for the region.
The City of Pembroke will receive $23,101.96 to implement its investment attraction strategy, while the Township of South Algonquin will receive $25,000 to develop a boat launch and trails master plan.
Competition Composites Inc. has been awarded $10,000 for its Global Radome Expansion Initiative, and the Township of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards will receive $6,220.63 for wayfinding and community location markers intended to support economic attraction.
Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson said the program is designed to help rural and northern communities pursue projects that reflect local priorities.
Renfrew County Warden Jennifer Murphy said that she anticipates the funding will go even further than the province expects, because “that’s how we roll here in the Ottawa Valley.”
Provincewide, the first intake of the Rural Ontario Development program is providing more than $5.5 million to support 116 projects.
The province says the program is open to municipalities, small businesses, not-for-profits and Indigenous communities. Since 2019, Ontario has invested more than $34.3 million through the ROD program and its predecessor, the Rural Economic Development Fund.
The next intake for the Rural Ontario Development program is scheduled to open on Aug. 17.
(Steve Berard)
