Over $440,000 is being funded through the Ontario Rural Economic Development (RED) program to support five Grey-Bruce-Owen Sound projects.
Announced by Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker in a release, the five programs receiving funding are among the 60 projects the provincial government is supporting to diversity local economies, retain skilled workers and create jobs in communities.
The projects receiving the funding include:
Town of South Bruce Peninsula, revitalizing the main street in Wiarton by installing decorative lighting, street furniture, landscaping, sun shelters, bicycle racks, wayfinding signs, and public WiFi, for a total amount of over $205,000.
Municipality of West Grey, creating a cohesive look in four communities by installing pole banners, waste receptacles, street benches, and bicycle stands, for an amount of over $10,000.
Town of Hanover, rehabilitating the Civic Theatre by improving washrooms and accessibility, refinishing the floors, entrance way improvements, lighting, as well as others for an amount of over $187,000.
Municipality of Grey Highlands, to implement the second year of the Re IMAGINE Grey Highlands Downtown Revitalization project, including expanding streetscaping undertaking in Markdale, Flesherton, Priceville, Maxwell, Kimberley, Eugenia, Feversham, and Rocklyn for an amount of over $28,000.
Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, to install wayfinding signage and public WiFi to enhance visitor experience and mitigate negative impacts of tourism in Tobermory as well, for a total cost of over $15,000.
Walker says the funding will be a significant boost to the local economic development initiatives.
“This is terrific news for our local communities. I’m excited to see that these worthwhile projects have received support,” says Walker.
In addition to this, the provincial government is planning on investing $5 million in cost-share funding under the next intake of the Rural Economic Development program in an effort to assist rural communities install other economic growth plans to address the impacts of the pandemic.
