Written By Olena Riznyk
MIDDLESEX COUNTY - MPP Bob Bailey and MPP Steve Pinsonneault visited Lucan Biddulph and North Middlesex on August 6 to present the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program, meet with municipal officials, and speak with local business and community representatives about opportunities and challenges in their regions.
The afternoon began in Lucan at the Donnelly Museum, where Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson welcomed the delegation. During a guided tour, the group explored Lucan’s cultural heritage and discussed how tourism assets could be leveraged through provincial support. The visit continued at the Lucan Community Memorial Centre with a roundtable involving municipal staff, the local economic development representative, and business owners. Discussion topics included tourism promotion, small business growth, and infrastructure needs.
The delegation then travelled to Parkhill, where they were welcomed at the North Middlesex Municipal Office by Mayor Brian Ropp and staff. Ropp outlined local economic development priorities and infrastructure requirements tied to housing growth, stating: “We’re growing, and there’s a lot of good things happening, but we need to do these services to go along with the housing.”
Pinsonneault explained that the ROD Program offers multiple funding streams, covering up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs for initiatives such as downtown revitalization, accessibility improvements, marketing, and workforce development. “We’ve got all the criteria,” he said. “You can see what fits your business, and if you like, we can help with the application.”
Bailey emphasized the scale of the funding available: “We have $20 million to give away over the next two years – $10 million a year – so there’s lots of potential there. You should look into it and see what you qualify for.”
The group’s next stop was Blessings Community Store on Main Street, a volunteer-run thrift and retail business. Board members described the store’s model and community impact, explaining: “We only keep what we need,” and noting that all proceeds, after expenses, are donated back locally, with funding decisions made collectively by the board and a focus on supporting local causes.
The final stop was Winnies Roadhouse, a newly opened Main Street business. The discussion there focused on how ROD funding could assist with business improvements, social media workshops, signage, and other marketing tools. Attendees also highlighted the importance of gathering spaces in small towns.
Bailey concluded the visit by encouraging municipalities and businesses to apply: “If the program is oversubscribed, it helps us make the case for more funding.”
Information about the Rural Ontario Development Program is available through municipal offices or the constituency offices of MPPs Bailey and Pinsonneault.
