Province invests nearly $90K in Perth County through Rural Ontario Development program

Marty Klomp of Klomp's Home and Garden, Meredith Forget, director of economic development and tourism, Casey Howanyk of The Perth Farmhouse, Perth County Warden Dean Trentowsky, Justin Dias, economic development officer for Perth County, Steve Howanyk of The Perth Farmhouse and others pose in front of one of the 10 picture frame signs funded through the Rural Ontario Development program. Amanda Nelson photo

By Amanda Nelson

Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae met with Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program funding recipients at The Perth Farmhouse earlier this week.

The Ontario government is investing $89,468.06 to support economic growth and long-term prosperity in Perth County, aiming to strengthen local economies, support rural workers and assist communities in planning for long-term growth.

Across the region, four projects are receiving funding through the first intake of the ROD program. Funding recipients include The Perth Farmhouse, Perth County, Broken Rail Brewing Company and Klomp's Home and Garden.

Casey and Steve Howanyk, owners of The Perth Farmhouse, said the funding will be used for architectural changes that will allow them to continue offering services during the shoulder season.

“It's incredible to receive the funds,” said Steve Howanyk. “Without it, I don't know that we could have taken the leap to extend our operations. It would have taken a lot longer and a lot more sacrifices for us.”

Rae said the program demonstrates the provincial government's continued commitment to supporting rural and northern communities across Ontario.

“Strong rural communities are built through partnerships that support local businesses, encourage investment, and create new opportunities,” said Rae. “This provincial funding will help Perth County and its local businesses build on the great work already underway, strengthen the local economy and enhance the quality of life that makes our communities such great places to live, work and visit.”

Alongside The Perth Farmhouse, which received $10,000 to help diversify its winery for year-round tourism, Klomp's Home and Garden received $8,607.12 to increase roadside appeal, Broken Rail Brewing Company received $309.69 for equipment and accessibility expansion, and Perth County Tourism received $70,551.25 for its ongoing wayfinding signage project throughout Perth County.

“When there are investments into our rural communities, the impact helps strengthen local economies, support small businesses and create an environment where tourists and locals alike can enjoy the amazing places and businesses close to home, and that matters not just here in Perth County, but across rural and northern communities,” said Rae.

Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is investing more than $5.5 million in 116 projects across rural Ontario. The Rural Ontario Development program supports local projects from municipalities, small businesses, not-for-profits and Indigenous groups. Since 2019, Ontario has invested $34.3 million in 653 projects through the ROD program and the former Rural Economic Development Fund.

The third intake for the ROD program opens Aug. 17. To learn more, visit ontario.ca.