Province funds County services, rural economy projects

Posing for a group photo following the presentation, front, from left, are: Emily Cowan (Prince Edward County) Duarte Da Silva (PEC Chamber of Commerce), Elisha Maguire (Belleville), Danielle Furtado (Belleville BIA), Lisa Kuypers-Schroedter (Trenton BIA); Second row, from left, are: Anna Zak (Lakecroft), Lisa Thompson (Minister of Rural Affairs), Tyler Allsopp (Bay of Quinte MPP), Luisa Sorrentino ( Quinte West); Third row: Jim Harrison (Mayor, Quinte West), Steve Ferguson (Mayor, Prince Edward County), Janice Maynard (councillor, Prince Edward County); Fourth row: David Harrison, Phil St-Jean and John Hirsch, councillors, Prince Edward County.

The provincial government has upped its Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund allocation for Prince Edward County to $4.2 million, from $3.6 million, and also announced funding for four projects here under the Rural Ontario Development Program.

Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp visited Shire Hall Thursday with Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs, for the announcements.

“Municipalities need stable, predictable funding to assist them in delivering priority projects that benefit their residents and businesses,” said Allsopp. “With additional funding flowing through the Ontario Municipal Partnership fund, our government is ensuring that rural municipalities like Prince Edward County and Quinte West can plan to meet their needs. “The County receives $4,209,300 while Quinte West will receive $1,594,600 though the partnership fund, which is used toward critical services such as road maintenance, maintain infrastructure and public transit.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates our government’s commitment to protecting rural municipalities,” said Thompson. “Through the OMPF, we’re helping to ensure that Prince Edward County and Quinte West have the resources to address local priorities, support economic growth and improve quality of life for residents.”

The County also received $120,000 from the Rural Ontario Development program supporting four projects.

“We are ensuring that local municipalities, economic development organizations, and businesses have the resources they need to continue to drive results within their communities during a period of uncertainty,” said Allsopp. “I’m excited to see how the successful applicants will leverage these ROD investments for the betterment of our region.”

This is the first intake of the program. The municipality will receive $50,000 to develop a Community Improvement Plan that would provide the municipality new tools to support business development activities.

The PEC Chamber of Commerce will receive $50,000 to work with local stakeholders to co-ordinate a four-season plan for the visitor economy.

“Seasonality is the hardest part of doing business in Prince Edward County,” said Duarte Da Silva, CEO of the Chamber. “This investment lets us build a practical plan to extend our season and give local businesses and workers year-round stability. We’re grateful to the Ontario government, Minister Thompson, and MPP Allsopp for investing in rural business
here at home.”

Lakecroft receives $10,000 to improve accessibility at its event venue and lakefront accommodations property in Cherry Valley by enhancing pathways and parking areas.

The County Cooperage also receives $10,000 to provide washroom accessibility ar the barrel-making facility in Cherry Valley.

Belleville received $38,500 for a destination development plan; Quinte West received $26,000 for a business retention and expansion study. The Trenton BIA gets $17,711 for a marketing initiative and the Belleville BIA $17,650 for a project to provide art installations and reimagine vacant storefronts.

Through this first intake of the ROD program, the province is investing more than $5.5 million in 116 projects across rural Ontario.

“Today’s announcement is great news for Prince Edward County. Having three other local recipients receive support through the Rural Ontario Development Program highlights the innovation and leadership that exists throughout our community,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson. “Together, these investments will support local businesses, encourage
economic growth, and create new opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”

The rural program supports applicants for local projects from municipalities, small businesses, not-for-profits and Indigenous groups.