As part of its plan to protect rural Ontario, the Provincial Government is investing $136,377 to support economic growth and long-term prosperity in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. 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.
“These investments from the Rural Ontario Development Program will help create new opportunities for growth, innovation, and long-term success across our riding. From supporting local businesses and farms to helping municipalities plan for the future and revitalize community spaces, these projects will strengthen our local economy and improve quality of life for residents. I am proud to see our government investing in the people, businesses, and communities that make rural Ontario strong.” said Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.
Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is supporting the following projects in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex:
•$43,000 to the Township Of Warwick for their Economic Development Strategy.
•$15,000 to the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex for their Wayfinding and Community Signage Strategy.
•$31,718.45 to the Municipality of Lambton Shores for their Forest Downtown Parkette Revitalization project.
•$10,000 to Van Osch Farms Ltd. for their project to enhance market reach.
•$9,362.50 to Celebration: Event Facility and Museum for their Original People Diversification and Accessibility project.
•$9,100 to Porkland Farms Inc. for their succession planning project.
•$8,522.15 to 2840616 Ontario Inc. for their Business Modernization Through Technology and Enhanced Customer Experience project.
•$4,900 to Vlodale Farms Ltd. for their succession planning project.
•$2,100 to Back-to-Nature Organics for their Marketing Plan project.
•$1,750 to Ukrainian Pierogies Inc. for their project to Enhance Strathroy-Based Food Manufacturing Capacity.
•$823.96 to Laskey’s Services for their Field Service App project.
“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.
