Leeds & Grenville to Receive Up to $148,874 Funding from Ontario’s Rural Economic Development (RED) Program to Boost Local Tourism

Jones Falls — It was announced on Tuesday, October 15th that the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville will receive up to $148,874 in funding through the latest intake of the Rural Economic Development (RED) program.

The announcement was made by Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs and Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes at the Hotel Kenney in Jones Falls on Tuesday.

The United Counties says that the funding will help them implement its 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways Regional Tourism Destination Strategy. Through promotion activities, the strategy is designed to advance economic recovery and growth of key tourism and hospitality business sectors in the region.

“I’m pleased our government is providing a boost to support rural businesses in my riding that are so vital to our economic well-being and the vibrancy of our small towns and villages,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “Funding from the Rural Economic Development program will allow the United Counties to develop outstanding promotional activities to highlight the amazing shops, and the many communities and events, we have in Leeds and Grenville – for residents and visitors alike.”

The RED program supports projects that diversify and grow local economies, build community capacity and address barriers to economic development and labour force challenges.

“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,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs

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 Feb. 21, 2024.

“The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is very appreciative to the Government of Ontario for their support to advance our tourism destination strategy for the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways region,” said Nancy Peckford, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. “These funds are critical to the development and marketing of tourism products that support local business and to give new reasons for visitors to discover rural Ontario.”

The RED program provides cost-share funding support for 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 funding applications. 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.

“Businesses were looking for Leeds Grenville Economic Development to take a leadership role to develop tourism products and increase marketing of the region,” said Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. “These funds will allow us to directly make an impact on businesses by increasing visitors coming to enjoy the many culinary and outdoor experiences through our Adventure series.”

“It is great to see the Foodie Shop Adventure be created, and we are looking forward to seeing it grow,” said Cindy Healy and Derek Ouellet of Ridgway Confections in Seeley’s Bay, which specializes in fine hand-crafted Belgian chocolates, who noted they are already seeing new customers.