Ontario Supporting Jobs and Economic Growth in Oxford

WOODSTOCK – The Ontario government is committing nearly $1 million in cost-share funding to help communities like Oxford diversify their economies, retain skilled workers and create jobs, through a new targeted intake of the Rural Economic Development (RED) program.

Details about the funding were released by Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and MPP for Oxford at an event in Leamington on September 18.

The intake is directed at not-for-profit organizations with a mandate towards regional economic development and eligible projects would be eligible for up to 70 per cent of total costs to a maximum of $75,000 in provincial funding.

Oxford is among those benefiting from support for local projects funded under the RED program. The City of Woodstock will receive $10,500 for its Downtown Winter Lights Project for streetscaping and landscaping.

“It’s a pleasure to see our local community benefit from the investment of our provincial government in rural Ontario,” said Hardeman. “Funding for these minor capital projects helps to improve public areas that add to the quality of life for all to enjoy.”

QUICK FACTS

  • Applications will be accepted from September 21 – October 9, 2020.
  • All costs must be incurred on or before March 31, 2021. Projects will not be extended beyond that date.
  • Projects need to meet the following criteria:
  • benefit rural Ontario
  • have tangible outcomes
  • reach beyond one county, region, or district

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Media inquiries please contact:

Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford

(519) 537-5222