Rural Investment

Province invests $220,000 in rural economic development across Bay of Quinte

The provincial government is investing nearly $220,000 in eight projects across the Bay of Quinte region through its Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program, including $100,000 for two initiatives in Prince Edward County.

The funding is part of more than $5.5 million being distributed to 116 projects through the first intake of the ROD program, a $20- million provincial initiative intended to strengthen rural economies, support workers and encourage long-term growth.

Prince Edward County will receive $50,000 to develop a Community Improvement Plan, giving the municipality new tools to support business development. Another $50,000 will go to the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce to develop a four-season plan for the local visitor economy.

“Today’s announcement is great news for Prince Edward County,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson. “Having three other local recipients receive support through the Rural Ontario Development Program highlights the innovation and leadership that exists throughout our community.”

Ferguson said the County is pleased to partner with the Chamber on its Four Seasons Economy initiative, while using the Community Improvement Plan funding to support local businesses and economic growth.

For the Chamber, extending the tourism season is a key priority.

“Seasonality is the hardest part of doing business in Prince Edward County,” said Chamber CEO Duarte Da Silva. “This investment lets us build a practical plan to extend our season and give local businesses and workers year-round stability.”

The County funding is part of a broader regional investment that also includes projects in Belleville and Quinte West.

The Trenton Downtown BIA will receive $17,711 for a “Rediscover Downtown Trenton” marketing campaign designed to draw attention to businesses, attractions and activities in the downtown.

“We want people to rediscover Downtown Trenton, explore what is here, spend time in our downtown and see for themselves what makes it such an important part of our community,” said BIA executive director Lisa Kuypers-Schroedter.

The Belleville Downtown District BIA will receive $17,650 for art installations, improved lighting and the reimagining of vacant storefronts, while the City of Belleville will receive $38,500 for a destination development plan.

Quinte West will receive $26,000 for a business retention and expansion study focused on its commercial and retail sectors.

Two Prince Edward County businesses will also benefit. Lakecroft, an event venue and lakefront accommodations property in Cherry Valley, will receive $10,000 to improve accessibility along key pathways and parking areas.

The County Cooperage, also in Cherry Valley, will receive $10,000 to install an accessible washroom at its barrel-making facility.

The investment will allow the Cooperage to improve access to its agri-tourism operation and potentially expand employment opportunities.

“This opens up job opportunities for persons with disabilities in PEC and provides an accessible agritourism destination,” said founder and cooper Joe Thomson. “This will create jobs, attract investment and expand our barrel business, none of which would have been possible without the washroom upgrade.”

Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp said the funding will give local municipalities, economic development organizations and businesses resources to pursue locally driven projects.

“I’m excited to see how the successful applicants will leverage these ROD investments for the betterment of our region,” Allsopp said.

Since 2019, Ontario says it has invested $34.3 million in 653 projects through the ROD program and its predecessor, the Rural Economic Development Fund.

The third intake of the Rural Ontario Development program opens August 17.