Funding will help attract investment, strengthen workforce capacity, and build long-term growth
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY – As part of its plan to protect rural Ontario, the provincial government is investing $219,861 through the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program to support economic growth and long-term prosperity across Bay of Quinte.
“With today’s announcement supporting eight local 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 uncertainty,” said Tyler Allsopp, MPP for Bay of Quinte. “I’m excited to see how the successful applicants will leverage these ROD investments for the betterment of our region.”
Through the first intake of the ROD program, the Province is supporting the following projects:
- $50,000 for Prince Edward County to develop a Community Improvement Plan that would provide the municipality new tools to support business development activities.
- $50,000 for the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce to work with local stakeholders in co-ordinating a four-season plan for the local visitor economy.
- $38,500 for the City of Belleville to develop a destination development plan that will strengthen its tourism sector, guide future investment, and create new opportunities for growth.
- $26,000 for the City of Quinte West to conduct a business retention and expansion study within its commercial and retail sectors.
- $17,711 for the Trenton Downtown BIA for a “Rediscover Downtown Trenton” marketing initiative to tell stories of the downtown in a new way.
- $17,650 for the Belleville Downtown District BIA for a project that will provide art installations, enhanced lighting, and reimagined vacant storefronts to promote investment, entrepreneurship and visitation.
- $10,000 for Lakecroft to improve accessibility at its event venue and lakefront accommodations property in Cherry Valley by enhancing key pathways and parking areas to accommodate better flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in outdoor spaces.
- $10,000 for the County Cooperage to provide washroom accessibility, supporting visitation to their barrel-making facility in Cherry Valley.
The ROD program is a $20-million investment by the province to strengthen local economies, support rural workers, and assist communities in planning for long-term growth.
“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.
QUOTES
“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. We are proud to partner with the Chamber of Commerce on its Four Seasons Economy initiative and grateful to receive funding to develop a Community Improvement Plan. Together, these investments will support local businesses, encourage economic growth, and create new opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”
-Steve Ferguson, Mayor, Prince Edward County
“Seasonality is the hardest part of doing business in Prince Edward County. 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.”
-Duarte Da Silva, Chief Executive Officer, Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce
“We are grateful for the support received through the Rural Ontario Development Fund, which will help the City of Belleville develop a clear and actionable Destination Development Plan. This funding will support the research, planning and stakeholder engagement needed to strengthen Belleville’s tourism sector, guide future investment, and create new opportunities for community and economic growth.”
-Elisha Maguire, Manager of Economic Development, City of Belleville
“The Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program is an instrumental tool in helping the City understand and respond to the needs of our local business community. This funding will help us identify opportunities, address emerging concerns and develop targeted strategies that support local businesses and strengthen our local economy.”
- Jim Harrison, Mayor, City of Quinte West
“We are incredibly excited about what this investment means for Downtown Trenton. This is a wonderful opportunity to give our downtown a real boost and tell its in a fresh and exciting way. There is so much happening in our downtown that people may not know about, and this campaign gives us the chance to change that. 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. I am especially excited about the opportunity to refresh our downtown identity and create new energy and excitement around Downtown Trenton.”
-Lisa Kuypers-Schroedter, Executive Director, Trenton Downtown BIA
“The Belleville Downtown District BIA is incredibly grateful to the Province of Ontario and the Rural Ontario Development Program for investing in the future of our community. This funding will help us transform public spaces through art, improve safety with enhanced lighting, and reimagine vacant storefronts in ways that inspire new investment and entrepreneurship. Together, these improvements will create a more vibrant, welcoming downtown that supports local businesses and enhances the experience for everyone who lives, works, and visits Belleville.”
-Danielle Furtado, Executive Director, Belleville Downtown District BIA
“We’re grateful for the support that has helped us continue improving accessibility at Lakecroft. These enhancements will make it easier for guests of all abilities to enjoy the outdoor property and ensure everyone has a more comfortable and welcoming experience from the moment they arrive.”
-Anna Zak, Co-Founder, Lakecroft
“With the help of the Rural Ontario Development Program, The County Cooperage has installed an accessible washroom. This opens up job opportunities for persons with disabilities in PEC and provides an accessible agri-tourism destination. This will create jobs, attract investment and expand our barrel business, none of which would have been possible without the washroom upgrade.”
-Joe Thomson, Founder/Cooper, The County Cooperage
QUICK FACTS
- The Rural Ontario Development program supports local projects from municipalities, small businesses, not-for-profits and Indigenous groups.
- Since 2019, Ontario has invested $34.3 million in 653 projects through the ROD program and the former Rural Economic Development Fund.
- The third intake for the ROD program opens on August 17, 2026.
- Learn more about the government’s plan to build safe, strong and prosperous rural communities in Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy at https://www.ontario.ca/page/enabling-opportunity-ontarios-rural-economic-development-strategy
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Rural Ontario Development Program – https://www.ontario.ca/page/rural-ontario-development-program
- Ontario Investing in the Success of Rural Communities – https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005610/ontario-investing-in-the-success-of-rural-communities