Funding will help attract investment, strengthen workforce capacity and build long-term growth
WOODSTOCK — As part of its plan to protect rural Ontario, the government is investing $145,318 to support economic growth and long-term prosperity in Oxford. 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.
“Our rural communities have always been built on hard work, strong local leadership, and people who are willing to invest in their neighbours and their future,” said Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford. “These six projects are great examples of that. I’m pleased our government can help support initiatives that will strengthen our local communities, encourage economic growth, and improve the quality of life for the people who call rural Ontario home.”
Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is supporting the following projects in Oxford:
- $10,000 for Oxford Speech Plus to make improvements to its Children’s Treatment Centre
- $2,535.75 for CAT Demolition and Excavating to improve service delivery and marketing through digital integration
- $32,182.41 for Oxford County to use toward its Handcrafted Routes program
- $21,600 for The Livingston Centre feasibility study Supporting Rural Economic Development and Capacity Building
- $29,000 for The Town of Tillsonburg to use toward its health care recruitment program
- $50,000 for the City of Woodstock to use toward its 2026-2031 economic development strategic plan
“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.