Northumberland’s rural communities ‘backbone of our region’: MPP
By West Northumberland Independent staff
The provincial government is chipping in $153,169 aimed at attracting investment, boosting workforce capacity and building long-term growth in rural Northumberland County.
The funding is being provided through the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program, a $20-million investment by the province geared to strengthen local economies, support rural workers and help communities plan for future expansion.
Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini, recently joined Candice Tierney, founder and CEO of Oat and Mill, and James Don-Carolis, director of operations, to tour their manufacturing site in Colborne.
“Rural communities are the backbone of our region, and our government is committed to ensuring they have the tools they need for growth and success,” said Piccini, in a release. “Through the (ROD) program, we are investing in initiatives that support small businesses, strengthen municipalities, and help our communities plan for long-term growth.
“Our government is proud to invest in projects that will drive economic growth and create new opportunities across our region.”
Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is supporting three projects in Northumberland-Peterborough South. This includes $143,169.50 for the Municipality of Port Hope’s “Building Resilience” initiative aimed at manufacturing and energy sector readiness, $13,974 for the Municipality of Clarington’s Orono economic development strategy and marketing plan, and $10,000 for Oat and Mill’s marketing materials update.
“We’re grateful to the (ROD) program, and to (Piccini) for championing rural business in our community,” said Tierney. “The support and guidance helped us launch our new product line, Wild Child, in some of Canada’s largest grocery store chains, such as Metro, Sobeys, and Whole Foods Market. “This growth translates directly into more local jobs.”
According to the province, through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is investing more than $5.5 million in 116 projects across rural Ontario. The ROD program supports local projects from municipalities, small businesses, not-for-profits and Indigenous groups, reads a release from Piccini’s office.
“We are grateful to the province of Ontario for its investment in Port Hope and for recognizing the importance of preparing communities for future economic growth,” said Municipality of Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky. “This funding will help ensure our local businesses are ready to seize emerging opportunities in the energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.
“By strengthening our community’s readiness and competitiveness today, we are positioning Port Hope to attract investment, support business expansion, create jobs, and build long-term economic prosperity for residents and businesses alike.”
Since 2019, Ontario has invested $34.3 million in 653 projects through the ROD program and the former Rural Economic Development Fund, the province reported.
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