Ontario Driving Economic Growth in Oxford

Province investing $292,380 in local projects

October 16, 2023

WOODSTOCK – Today, Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford announced that the Town of Tillsonburg and Downtown Tillsonburg BIA will receive up to $292,380 in funding through the latest intake of the Rural Economic Development program (RED).

The RED program supports projects that diversify rural economies, retain skilled workers, and create jobs in local communities. The province is investing over $4.3 million in cost-share funding through the 2023 intake, which will support up to 80 projects across the province.

“This funding is a welcome investment in the economic development of Oxford,” said Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford. “The sharing of project costs better positions rural communities to attract and retain jobs and investment, and enhance economic growth.”

The Town of Tillsonburg will receive up to $140,000 toward economic development and job creation at the Tillsonburg Airport. The Downtown Tillsonburg BIA will receive up to $152,380 toward streetscape, lighting, and renewal of street assets.

“Our government values rural communities throughout the province, 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 Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “The Rural Economic Development program is another example of how our government is ensuring small towns and 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 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.