Perth-Wellington projects receive over $307K in Rural Economic Funding

NEWS RELEASE
MPP MATTHEW RAE
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PALMERSTON – Today, Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington announced over $307,000 in Rural Economic Development funding for seven projects across Perth-Wellington. This is part of the Rural Economic Development (RED) program, which supports projects that diversify and grow local economies, build community capacity, and address barriers to economic development and labour force challenges.

“Rural Ontario generates more than $300 Billion in annual economic activity, our rural communities continue to be an economic driver of this province,” MPP Rae said. “Our provincial government will continue to make these important investments to support initiatives that strengthen and grow our local rural economies.”

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. The intake for these approved projects closed on February 21, 2024.

“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.”

“The RED program makes smart, sensible investments to grow Ontario’s arts and tourism sectors, and we are thrilled they’ve seen the potential of our new theatre to do both,” said Here For Now’s Artistic Director Fiona Mongillo. “This is the kind of visionary leadership we need more of across this country, and we are grateful to Matthew Rae for the work he’s done to help us access these funds.”

“The Town of Minto would like to thank the Province of Ontario through the Rural Economic Development Fund for their contribution to the Palmerston Railway Museum Rolling Stock Restoration Project,” Dave Turton, Mayor for the Town of Minto said. “The project includes the refurbishment of the historic caboose and box car and will allow the Town of Minto and the Palmerston Railway Museum Committee to create interactive spaces for visitors to the Museum to experience and learn about the history and importance of the Railway to Palmerston and surrounding communities.”

“Projects like this wouldn’t happen without amazing community partners,” added Mayor Turton. “The Town would like to thank the Palmerston Lions Club, All Aboard Palmerston Downtown Revitalization Committee, Palmerston Agricultural Society and the Minto Farmers’ Market along with numerous community donors for supporting our application and the project with both in-kind and cash contributions. Special thank you to the Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum Committee for their vision to see this project come to light and specifically to Bob McEachern and Diane Gilbertson for their countless hours researching, travelling and obtaining quotes to help ensure we restore the caboose and box car to authentic states.”

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.

Funding as provided by the Ministry of Rural Affairs:

The Township of Puslinch also received $49,500 to support the revitalizing of the Downtowns of Aberfoyle and Morriston.

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