Rural municipalities have access to another $20 million.
The provincial government is now accepting applications from eligible communities for funding through the province’s Rural Ontario Development Program.
It was established to support economic development and infrastructure projects in small, rural and northern communities.
Rural Affairs Minister Lisa Thompson says the money is double what was previously committed.
“And through rural economic development projects, it’s been proven that for every dollar invested into our communities, into our municipalities, there is a return of four to one. . .for every dollar invested in rural Ontario,” says Thompson
Almost 500 projects have been assisted with the fund since 2019.
Thompson also announced that a series of rural summits will take place this year.
She says they will travel across the province to gather views on the issues impacting rural areas and the opportunities that exist.
“Because the realities in Niagara are not the same as the realities in Red Lake,” says Thompson.
“These summits will help shape a path forward throughout small towns and rural Ontario.”
No dates have been announced for the summits.
