The Ontario government is committing nearly $1 million in cost-share funding to help rural communities diversify their economies, retain skilled workers and create jobs.

Today, details about the funding which is being provided through a new targeted intake of the Rural Economic Development program (RED) were released by Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs,

The intake is directed at not-for-profit organizations with a mandate towards regional economic development and eligible projects would be eligible for up to 70 per cent of total costs to a maximum of $75,000 in provincial funding.This funding will support economic development efforts such as:

• Capital improvements to enhance an uptown arts and cultural hub to increase tourism;
• Implementing new and accessible streetscaping to develop a more inviting downtown;
• Waterfront development to expand and revitalize local trails.

Applications will be accepted from September 21 – October 9, 2020. All costs must be incurred on or before March 31, 2021. Projects will not be extended beyond that date.
Projects need to meet the following criteria:

• benefit rural Ontario
• have tangible outcomes
• reach beyond one county, region, or district

source: Ontario News