Earlier today while speaking at the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) annual conference, Premier Doug Ford announced the province is now accepting applications for a new intake this year under the Rural Economic Development (RED) program.

Rural communities and regions, Indigenous communities and organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and local service boards can all apply for the RED program starting today through February 24, 2020.

As part of the program's Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream, the province will cover up to 50% of the costs for eligible projects that help remove barriers to job creation and attract investment and skilled workers that will help regions grow. The Strategic Economic Infrastructure Stream of the program enables the province to cover up to 30% of eligible minor capital projects that help spur economic growth, such as restoring museums and heritage sites, setting up community hubs, and streetscaping.

The Ontario government is also working with our federal partners and the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) project to provide a combined investment of nearly $35 million for a broadband pilot in rural communities across Ontario. SWIFT is taking the next step today by awarding contracts to successful bidders to help bring better broadband service to three counties in Southwestern Ontario.

"This investment will help SWIFT move forward on projects that will provide broadband access to approximately 11,000 more homes and businesses across Norfolk, Wellington and Lambton counties," said Minister Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "Having high-speed Internet access is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity that allows our businesses to connect to global markets, enables students and workers to learn and upgrade their skills, and allows people to bank or shop online."

source: media release