Funding will help attract investment, strengthen workforce capacity and build long-term growth
COLBORNE — As part of its plan to protect rural Ontario, the government is investing $153,169 to support economic growth and long-term prosperity in Northumberland-Peterborough South. 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.
“Rural communities are the backbone of our region, and our government is committed to ensuring they have the tools they need for growth and success,” said David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland–Peterborough South. “Through the Rural Ontario Development Program, we are investing in initiatives that support small businesses, strengthen municipalities, and help our communities plan for long-term growth. Our government is proud to invest in projects that will drive economic growth and create new opportunities across our region.”
Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is supporting the following projects in Northumberland-Peterborough South:
- $143,169.50 for the Municipality of Port Hope’s Building Resilience: Manufacturing & Energy Sector Readiness
- $13,974 for the Municipality of Clarington’s Orono Economic Development Strategy and Marketing Plan
- $10,000 for Oat & Mill’s Marketing Materials Update
“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
“We’re grateful to the Rural Ontario Development program, and to MPP David Piccini for championing rural business in our community. The support and guidance helped us launch our new product line, Wild Child, in some of Canada’s largest grocery store chains, such as Metro, Sobeys, and Whole Foods Market. This growth translates directly into more local jobs.”
– Candace Tierney, Founder & CEO, Oat & Mill Ltd.
“Around here, Orono is known as the Village with a difference and at its heart is a tight-knit business community. We’re thrilled to be supporting Orono businesses, attracting visitors, and creating opportunities for growth with this project. Thanks to the Ontario government for making it possible with their support.”
–Adrian Foster, Mayor, Municipality of Clarington
“On behalf of the Orono BIA and the business owners we represent, we want to thank the Government of Ontario and MPP Piccini for their support through the Rural Ontario Development Program. This funding allows us to refresh Orono’s economic development strategy and build a marketing plan that tells our village’s story — investments that help the entrepreneurs of our rural community build, grow, and flourish. Programs like ROD show that rural Ontario matters, and they help make Orono a welcoming place where small businesses can put down roots and thrive for generations to come.”
– Chad Harmer & Brad Beckstead, Co-Chairs, Orono BIA
“We are grateful to the Province of Ontario for its investment in Port Hope and for recognizing the importance of preparing communities for future economic growth. This funding will help ensure our local businesses are ready to seize emerging opportunities in the energy and advanced manufacturing sectors. By strengthening our community’s readiness and competitiveness today, we are positioning Port Hope to attract investment, support business expansion, create jobs, and build long-term economic prosperity for residents and businesses alike.”
–Olena Hankivsky, PhD, Mayor, Municipality of Port Hope
Additional Resources