By Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
Following a trip by Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs, the Municipality of Lakeshore will receive up to $48,500 in funding through the latest intake of the Rural Economic Development (RED) program to help boost the local economy.
This funding will help develop marketing strategies and materials to promote the community. This funding will also aid the municipality as they develop a Community Improvement Plan and host an event to promote the new CIP to local businesses as they work towards revitalizing the downtown core.
The RED program supports projects that diversify and grow local economies, build community capacity, and address barriers to economic development and labour force challenges.
“This project will support the development of Lakeshore’s unique rural communities, building on their strengths while honouring their pasts. Sustaining Lakeshore’s rural areas has been a priority for Council and supporting local businesses is critical to that effort,” said mayor of Lakeshore Tracey Bailey. “We’d like to thank Minister Thompson and the Ministry of Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for this important funding that will help us reach our goal.”
Bailey shares that the project will start with an analysis of Lakeshore’s communities to create a baseline which will measure progress.
“This funding will also tell the story of these communities to the broader region. The Municipality will engage residents, giving them the opportunity to tell their own stories and share their vision for the future of their communities, because together we are Lakeshore,” she added.
Through the most recent intake of the RED program, the Ontario government is investing more than $5.7 million in 85 projects throughout the province. These projects are helping create jobs and boost economic development in rural communities in Ontario.
“As our government continues to invest in our rural communities, I’m pleased to announce that the Municipality of Lakeshore has been granted $48,500 in funding through the Rural Economic Development program,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex. “Programs like the Rural Economic Development program are the bridge between municipalities and local businesses, creating partnerships that revitalize our communities and drive growth in these rural regions.”
The RED program provides cost-share funding support towards activities that create strong rural communities. This includes funding assistance to build local capacity and improve job prospects. The Rural Economic Advisory Panel provides recommendations to the minister on applications for funding. The RED program aligns with the government’s priorities of removing barriers to investment, opening doors to rural economic development, and creating good jobs across the province.
“Our government recognizes the importance of rural economic development, and this program provides municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profits with the funding they need for projects that contribute to local economic vitality,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “The Rural Economic Development program is another example of how our government is ensuring small towns and rural communities across Ontario continue to share in the province’s growth and economic prosperity.”
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