Funding will help attract investment, strengthen workforce capacity and build long-term growth
NEWS: June 19, 2026 – For Immediate Release
Stayner ON: As part of its plan to protect rural Ontario, the government is investing $181,674 to support economic growth and long-term prosperity in Simcoe-Grey. The funding is through the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program, a $20 million investment by the province to strengthen local economies, support rural workers and assist communities in planning for long-term growth.
“Strong rural communities need strong local economies, and these investments will help municipalities across Simcoe-Grey plan for future growth, attract new investment, and create opportunities for residents and businesses,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey. “Whether it is supporting economic development strategies in our municipalities or exploring new opportunities through initiatives like the Simcoe County Film Industry Development Strategy, this funding will help communities build on their strengths and position themselves for long-term success. I am pleased to see our government investing in projects that will support economic growth and prosperity across Simcoe-Grey.”
Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is supporting the following projects
- $8,030 for Nottawasaga Futures
- Simcoe County Film Industry Development Strategy: A Five-Year Roadmap for Growth and Investment
- $50,000 for Township of Essa
- Economic Development Strategic Plan
- $42,500 for Town of Collingwood
- Pathways to Prosperity: Collingwood’s Economic Development Action Plan
- $31,144 for Township of Clearview
- Clearview Township Economic Development Strategy
- $50,000 for Town of the Blue Mountains
- Economic Development Action Plan & Carrying Capacity Study
“The Rural Ontario Development program demonstrates our government’s commitment to supporting small, rural and northern communities across Ontario,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “Through investments that support local priorities and economic development opportunities, we are helping rural communities build strong foundations for long-term success.”
Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is investing
over $5.5 million in 116 projects across rural Ontario.
QUICK FACTS
- The Rural Ontario Development program supports local projects from municipalities, small businesses, not-for-profits and Indigenous groups.
- Since 2019, Ontario has invested $34.3 million in 653 projects through the ROD program and the former Rural Economic Development Fund.
- The third intake for the ROD program opens on August 17, 2026.
- Learn more about the government’s plan to build safe, strong and prosperous rural communities in Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy.
QUOTES
“Film and television production represents a significant opportunity to diversify Simcoe County’s economy, attract new investment, and create high-quality jobs. Through this strategic initiative, Nottawasaga Futures is proud to work alongside municipalities, industry partners, and community stakeholders to develop a unified vision that positions Simcoe County as a premier destination for screen-based production in Ontario. We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for this investment, which recognizes the important role that rural communities can play in Ontario’s growing creative economy.”
~ Martin Kuzma, CEO, NT Temps Inc. & Nottawasaga Futures
“The Township of Essa is grateful to the Province of Ontario and Ministry of Rural Affairs for investing in our community’s future and supporting the development of an Economic Development Strategic Plan through the Rural Ontario Development Program. This funding will help the Township in attracting investment, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening our long-term economic position. This initiative will ensure that Essa remains competitive and prosperous for residents and businesses for generations.
~ Sandie Macdonald, Mayor, Essa Township
“We appreciate the Province’s ongoing support for communities like Collingwood. This funding will help us create a clear Economic Development Action Plan. We will be gathering input from local partners, using data to guide decisions, and setting practical priorities. The plan will help attract new investment, support local businesses, encourage sustainable tourism, and promote steady growth in the years ahead.”
~ Yvonne Hamlin, Mayor, Town of Collingwood
“We thank the Province for recognizing the importance of supporting rural municipalities like ours. This funding allows Clearview Township to meet the needs of our growing community in a fiscally responsible way with the creation of an economic development strategic plan that will reflect the priorities of our local businesses and set a clear path of sustainable growth for years to come.”
~ Doug Measures, Mayor, Clearview Township
“The Blue Mountains is proud to be one of Ontario’s leading tourism and rural agricultural communities. This provincial investment will help ensure we remain well-positioned for the future by developing a focused Economic Development Action Plan and undertaking a comprehensive Carrying Capacity Study to support local businesses, attract investment and responsibly manage growth. These projects will provide the data, direction and tools needed to strengthen our economy while supporting the qualities that make our community special. We thank the Province of Ontario for its support and commitment to helping rural communities build long-term prosperity.”
~ Andrea Matrosovs. Mayor, Town of The Blue Mountains
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES