Funding will help attract investment, strengthen workforce capacity and build long-term growth
Winchester — As part of its plan to protect rural Ontario, the government is investing $118,000 to support economic growth and long-term prosperity in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. 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.
“As we plan for a prosperous future in SDG, we must strengthen our vital services and critical infrastructure that keep our community thriving,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. “From expanding our healthcare workforce to advancing our municipalities’ water access, our government is ensuring that SDG continues to be an incredible place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is supporting the following projects in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry:
- $68,000 for the United Counties of SDG to support Great River Ontario Health Team on a regional healthcare workforce recruitment campaign project. This campaign is focused on recruiting doctors, nurses, and other health-care professionals to fill open roles across the region.
- $50,000 for the Township of North Dundas to support phase 1 of its Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Study. This study will help the Township better understand the current condition and capacity of its water and wastewater systems, identify future servicing needs, and establish a roadmap to support growth over the coming decades.
“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.
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.
Quotes
“SDG Counties is grateful to receive Rural Ontario Development Program funding from the Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs. As a proud partner of the Great River Ontario Health Team and contributing member with the Great River, Great Future campaign project, we are looking forward to working with our partners to support healthcare recruitment and address the critical staffing shortages across the region.” – Warden François Landry, SDG Counties.
“Addressing health human resource needs requires a shared commitment and a collective approach. This project is a great example of what can be achieved when partners across the Great River Ontario Health Team come together with a common vision to strengthen access to care for the entire community we serve while building a more connected, sustainable healthcare workforce across the region.” – Diane Plourde, Executive Transformation Lead with the Great River Ontario Health Team
“Contribution from the ROD funding will help the Township undertake Phase 1 of its Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Study. This study will help the Township better understand the current condition and capacity of its water and wastewater systems, identify future servicing needs, and establish a roadmap to support growth over the coming decades.” – Township of North Dundas
Additional Resources
- Rural Ontario Development Program | ontario.ca
- Ontario Investing in the Success of Rural Communities | Ontario Newsroom
Media Contact:
Adrian Bugelli
Office of MPP Nolan Quinn
613-933-6513
Nolan.Quinn@pc.ola.org