(Perth-Wellington) – Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece today announced that the Township of Mapleton will receive funding to revitalize Alma’s downtown area.

Funding will come from Ontario’s Rural Economic Development (RED) program in the amount of $15,792 for province’s share. It is intended to support the township’s beautification efforts, including new decorative light posts, banners, holiday lights, benches and waste receptacles.

“Our government is committed to the success of rural and small-town Ontario,” Pettapiece said. “I have always supported this type of funding, which directly supports local priorities in our area.”

“I want to congratulate the township on their leadership in identifying the need,” he added.

The project is one of more than 60 projects the Ontario government is supporting to help diversify local economies, retain skilled workers, and create jobs in rural communities.

“Supporting local jobs and economic development in rural communities is more important than ever,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “As the economy continues to reopen, our investments in the Rural Economic Development program will have a very real impact for communities across rural Ontario.”

In addition, the Ontario government is committing $5 million in cost-share funding under the next intake of the RED program to help rural communities implement additional economic growth plans to address the economic impacts of COVID-19. The new RED intake will open on August 30.

Ontario’s Rural Economic Development (RED) program will allow rural communities to better respond to the local economic impacts of the pandemic, by supporting actions that will address barriers to economic development, and better position rural communities for economic growth and job creation.

Economic growth in rural and Indigenous communities during COVID-19 is part of the government’s plan to get every region of Ontario back on track so they can create jobs, opportunity and prosperity for everyone.

More information: https://www.ontario.ca/page/rural-economic-development-program