Ontario Driving Economic Growth in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston
Province investing over $471,000 to help boost local economy
December 17, 2024
John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, announced that Lanark County, Frontenac County and Kingston will receive up to $471,443 in funding through the latest intake of the Rural Economic Development (RED) program. The RED program supports projects that diversify and grow local economies, build community capacity and address barriers to economic development and labour force challenges.
In Lanark County, the nearly $196,000 in funding will help to support the rehabilitation of the Tay-Havelock Trail and bridge surfaces. The project will significantly improve the trail’s infrastructure, accessibility and safety, ensuring it remains a valuable resource for the local community and visitors.
The province will provide Frontenac County with up to $210,000 in funding to help rehabilitate an additional eight kilometres of the K&P Trail, bridging Clarendon Station to the Mississippi River. As part of a larger strategic effort to create a 350-kilometre Rail Trail Loop in Eastern Ontario, this project will enhance connectivity within the region and integrate the K&P Trail into a distinct touristic experience.
The province also provided the Ontario East Economic Development Commission, in Kingston, with up to $36,000 in funding to revitalize the local economy through a marketing and outreach campaign.
The Town of Perth and the Township of Beckwith were also successful recipients of the latest intake of the RED program, with Perth receiving $14,800 for its Downtown Perth Glow Up Project and Beckwith receiving $14,643 for streetscaping, landscaping and wayfinding enhancements.
“Our government’s vision for a healthy, vibrant Ontario includes a strong emphasis on local priorities. That’s why I am proud that Lanark and Frontenac Counties and Kingston received this Rural Economic Development funding through Minister Thompson and the Ministry of Rural Affairs,” said MPP Jordan. “Funding like this is pivotal in developing strong, resilient communities, while enhancing economic well-being in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. We are working together to promote rural municipalities as great places to live, work and do business.”
“Today’s announcement continues to demonstrate our government’s commitment to Ontario’s rural communities which enables them to attract investment and grow tourism opportunities,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “By way of the RED program, Lanark and Frontenac counties have leveraged over $1.6 million in funding to rehabilitate the Tay-Havelock Trail and K&P Trail. This investment promotes active living and will ultimately increase tourism to the surrounding communities.”
Through the most recent intake of the RED program, the Ontario government is investing more than $5.7 million in 85 projects throughout the province. These projects are helping create jobs and boost economic development in rural communities in Ontario. The intake for these approved projects closed on February 21, 2024.
“We are really thankful for receiving a Rural Economic Development grant to help complete the upgrades to the Tay Havelock Trail,” said Kurt Greaves, CAO for the County of Lanark. “The Tay Havelock Trail is a multi-use trail that connects to the Trans Canada Trail. It is perfect for bicycles, horses, ATVs and Snowmobiles allowing residents and tourists to get outside and enjoy the beauty of Lanark County.”
“The extension of the Frontenac K&P Trail into North Frontenac is an exciting milestone in creating a world-class 78-kilometre rail trail, “said Gerry Lichty, Warden of Frontenac County. “Thanks to the support of the Rural Economic Development program, we are already seeing local entrepreneurs embrace opportunities to serve the growing trail community, strengthening our region’s economy and enhancing its appeal to visitors and residents alike.”
The RED program provides cost-share funding support towards activities that create strong rural communities. This includes funding assistance to build local capacity and improve job prospects. The Rural Economic Advisory Panel provides recommendations to the minister on applications for funding. The RED program aligns with the government’s priorities of removing barriers to investment, opening doors to rural economic development, and creating good jobs across the province.
MPP John Jordan, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston
www.johnjordanmpp.ca
john.jordan@pc.ola.org
613-284-1630
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