Ontario Supporting Economic Growth in Rural Communities
New rural economic development program part of new strategy to boost economic opportunities and create jobs
NEWS
January 22, 2025
LAMBTON-KENT-MIDDLESEX – Today, Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex announced that the Ontario government has released a new Rural Economic Development Strategy with $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 Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy focuses on three key areas:
- Safe and Strong Rural Communities – Improving local economic development capacity and championing local leadership, supporting the rehabilitation of municipal and community infrastructure, optimizing rural connectivity, and supporting communities in developing plans for housing and transportation to ensure rural communities are places where people want to live, work and play.
- Business Development and Attraction – Supporting rural communities and other economic development partners in strengthening and growing rural business, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, attracting investment, revitalizing downtowns and diversifying regional economies.
- Growing the Rural Workforce – Helping grow local talent, raising awareness of job opportunities available in rural Ontario, supporting workers in obtaining the skills needed to succeed, and attracting and retaining workers so that rural communities and small towns thrive.
Minister Thompson’s announcement of a new Rural Economic Development Strategy is a key pillar in the government’s plan to help rural communities address the challenges they are facing and take advantage of new opportunities. 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.
“This strategy ensures that rural Ontario has the tools to grow, attract new opportunities, and thrive for years to come. Whether it’s supporting local businesses, developing infrastructure, or strengthening the workforce, this investment will tackle the unique challenges we face while helping us build a stronger future.” – Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.
QUICK FACTS
- To help inform the creation of the new Rural Economic Development Strategy, our government conducted a thorough consultation process with partners from rural municipalities, not-for-profit entities, and Northern and Indigenous communities. The government held 13 regional roundtables to hear the thoughts, experiences, and ideas of those living and working in rural Ontario and received many online submissions through our website.
- Rural Ontario is a significant contributor to the vitality and resilience of the province’s economic and social fabric while also being crucial to the province’s overall prosperity.
- With 2.5 million people and counting, rural communities produce an estimated $113 billion – 13 per cent – of Ontario’s GDP and employ over 1.2 million Ontarians, representing 15 per cent of the province’s jobs.
- Boosting the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) by $100 million over two years is helping ensure small, northern, and rural municipalities have the resources they need to thrive.
To learn more about the new strategy, visit: Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy | ontario.ca
CONTACT
Wallaceburg Office:
Unit 14 – 60 McNaughton Ave, Wallaceburg, ON N8A1R9
519-627-1015
Strathroy Office:
81 Front St W, Strathroy, ON N7G 1X6
519-245-8696