LFK MPP John Jordan (Supplied photo)
The Ontario government is putting more than $412,000 into rural economic development projects across Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, including money for local business planning, workforce development, trail work and community-led growth.
MPP John Jordan says the funding is being delivered through the Rural Ontario Development program, a provincial fund aimed at helping smaller communities move projects ahead when local budgets may not be enough.
The province says the program is part of a $20-million plan to support rural workers, attract investment and help communities prepare for long-term growth.
In Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, the largest local allocation is $164,200 for Frontenac County to continue work on the K&P Trail between Snow Road Station and Wilbur.
Rural FASD is receiving $143,500 for its Reimagining Neurodiversity project. Jordan says the organization has become an example of how local volunteers can build a service that grows beyond its original idea and helps families across the region.
Lanark County is receiving $35,000 for a county-wide business retention and expansion project. The Township of Lanark Highlands is getting $24,500 for a new economic development strategy. The Town of Perth is receiving $24,000 for its Business Retention, Expansion and Inclusive Workforce Development Project.
Jordan says supporting small businesses is key in communities where local shops and services help keep downtowns active and strengthen the municipal tax base.
The funding also includes $17,149 for Central Frontenac’s Railway Heritage Enhancement Project, $3,500 for Grains & Goods Bakery in Sydenham, and $630 for Kelly’s Flowers and Gift Boutique for its Growing Local: Kelly’s Expansion Project.
The announcement covers public, private and non-profit projects, with grants ranging from a few hundred dollars to six figures.
Jordan says that mix matters because rural economic development does not look the same in every community. Some applicants are planning for growth across an entire municipality, while others need a smaller push to add products, improve services or reach new customers.
He says both types of projects can make a difference over the long term in a riding built around local small communities.
Across Ontario, the first intake is funding 116 projects with more than $5.5 million.
