Funding will help attract investment, strengthen workforce capacity and build long-term growth
HURON-BRUCE — As part of its plan to protect rural Ontario, the government is investing a total of $94,534.81 to support economic growth and long-term prosperity in Huron-Bruce. The funding is through the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program, a $20 million investment by the province to strengthen local economies, support rural workers and assist communities in planning for long-term growth.
“Rural communities are the backbone of Ontario’s economy, and our government is committed to ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to grow, attract investment and create new opportunities,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. “Through the Rural Ontario Development program, we are supporting locally driven projects that strengthen community capacity, enhance economic development and help build a strong future for families, workers, and businesses across Huron-Bruce. These investments reflect our government’s ongoing commitment to working alongside rural communities to unlock their potential and ensure they continue to thrive.”
The province is supporting the following projects in both Huron and Bruce counties:
- $15,000.00 to the Town of Saugeen Shores for their Saugeen Community Tourism Strategy 2026-2031.
- $10,275.00 to the Friends of Historic Cargill for the Cargill 1880 Historic Schoolhouse Emergency Restoration and Stabilization Project.
- $15,000.00 to the Municipality of South Bruce for their Business Attraction Marketing Campaign – Growing with Purpose.
- $23,019.50 to the Municipality of Brockton for the Brockton Welcomes You: Signage, Lighting & Streetscape Renewal Project.
- $16,865.31 to the Township of Howick for their Community Improvement and Beautification Plan.
- $14,375.00 to the Municipality of Huron East for the Huron East Job and Volunteer Fair.
Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is investing over $5.5 million in 116 projects across rural Ontario.
QUICK FACTS
- The Rural Ontario Development (ROD) 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 on August 17, 2026. Learn more about the government’s plan to build safe, strong and prosperous rural communities in Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES