Ontario Driving Economic Growth in Simcoe-Grey

Province investing $40,000.00 to help boost local economy

December 06, 2024 – For Immediate Release

Collingwood – Today, MPP Brian Saunderson announced that the Town of Collingwood will receive up to $40,000.00 in funding through the latest intake of the Rural Economic Development (RED) program. The RED program supports projects that diversify and grow local economies, build community capacity and address barriers to economic development and labour force challenges.  

In the Town of Collingwood, the funding will help technology enhancements to improve the development and planning approvals process.

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 riding is home to several vibrant rural communities, all of them play an important role in our local economy,” said Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson. “In Collingwood, this funding will help fuel development in a growing community that is a four-season destination for new residents and businesses.”

“This grant is an investment in our community that will ensure a quicker development approval process,” said Yvonne Hamlin, Mayor of Collingwood.  “This means a more affordable housing supply in Collingwood. Thank you to the Ministry of Rural Affairs for this funding.”

“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 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.