Ontario Protecting Workers and Jobs in Rural Communities
June 24, 2025
Province accepting applications for new Rural Ontario Development program
June 24, 2025
Rural Affairs
Table of Contents
- Content
- Quick Facts
- Quotes
- Additional Resources
- Related Topics
CLINTON — The Ontario government is now accepting applications for the new Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program to help support economic growth, protect jobs and improve infrastructure in small communities. In January, the government announced $20 million over the next two years to help rural communities attract investment and create new jobs and opportunities for rural workers. In the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty, this expanded funding will support the government’s plan to protect rural Ontario communities by encouraging economic development and helping keep workers on the job.
“Our government has doubled its investment in the Rural Ontario Development program to drive economic growth and increase the workforce across rural Ontario,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “The expanded program will benefit rural communities and rural businesses by attracting investment, creating jobs and building rural Ontario.”
Eligible rural municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and small businesses can apply to four funding streams:
- Economic Diversification, Competitiveness and Capacity Building: building economic development capacity and implementing strategies that increase competitiveness to retain businesses, attract investment and enhance growth.
- Workforce Development, Attraction and Retention: investing in strategies and/or to undertake initiatives for attracting and retaining workers.
- Community Infrastructure Enhancements: investing in community infrastructure and improving public spaces or existing community assets.
- Business Development: investing in projects that support businesses to be financially sustainable and competitive, including cyber security initiatives, accessibility enhancements or expansion to new markets.
The Rural Ontario Development program is a key component of Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy.
Quick Facts
Quotes
“AMO applauds the province’s two-year, $20 million investment in the Rural Ontario Development program. This commitment demonstrates leadership in protecting and strengthening local economies, which is vital amidst current trade disruptions, tariffs and looming economic downturn.”
– Robin Jones
President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Mayor, Westport
“ROMA thanks the Ontario government for enhancing the Rural Ontario Development program. Its new design directly responds to rural needs by doubling funding, setting a higher cost-sharing ratio, adding planning and strategy investments as eligible costs and maintaining sector training and application support. ROD will empower rural municipalities to attract and retain investment, driving provincial prosperity.”
– Christa Lowry
Chair, Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), Mayor, Mississippi Mills
“The newly enhanced Rural Ontario Development Program is a vital tool for strengthening the heart of our rural communities. In Huron County, we see every day how targeted investments can make a real difference for families, farmers, local businesses and community organizations. We’re thankful to Minister Thompson and the Ontario government for recognizing that when rural Ontario succeeds, all of Ontario benefits.”
– Jamie Heffer
Warden of Huron County
Additional Resources
Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy
Rural Ontario Development Program Guidelines and Application
Ministry of Rural Affairs at Ontario.ca
Related Topics
Business and Economy
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