Ontario Supporting Rural Economic Development in Wellington-Halton Hills
Funding will help attract investment, strengthen workforce capacity and build long-term growth
[Fergus, ON]— As part of its plan to protect rural Ontario, the government is investing $122,831 to support economic growth and long-term prosperity in Wellington-Halton Hills. 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.
“The Provincial government knows how important economic development is for small and rural communities. I’m pleased to see these important and strategic investments being made in communities across Wellington-Halton Hills,” said MPP Racinsky.
Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is supporting the following projects in Wellington-Halton Hills.
- $13,000 for the Elora Centre for the Arts to Support Regional Growth in the Arts Economy
- $59,831 for the Township of Puslinch for Beautification and Streetscaping of Downtown Aberfoyle and Morriston
- $50,000 for the Town of Halton Hills Harvesting Opportunity Economic Development Strategy
“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.
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- 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
“This investment from the Government of Ontario recognizes that arts organizations are also economic drivers. The Elora Centre for the Arts supports hundreds of artists, entrepreneurs, events, and small businesses each year. This project will help us strengthen those connections, create new opportunities for regional collaboration, and ensure our rural arts hub continues contributing to a vibrant local economy for years to come.”
– Lianne Carter, Executive Director at the Elora Centre for the Arts
Additional Resources
- Rural Ontario Development Program | ontario.ca
- Ontario Investing in the Success of Rural Communities | Ontario Newsroom
| Media Contact Rachel Scott Minister’s Office rachel.scott2@ontario.ca Ministry of Rural Affairs mra.meda@ontario.ca | news.ontario.ca/ministry name/en Disponible en français |