WELLINGTON COUNTY – Two north Wellington municipalities and an area theatrical company will receive a combined total of about $86,000 in funding for local projects through the Rural Economic Development (RED) program.
The Township of Wellington North will receive $16,600 for the Lynes Blacksmith Shop restoration project, the Town of Minto will receive $20,000 for downtown revitalization efforts and Drayton Entertainment $49,403 to help with modernization of its operations.
“It is important that we continue to invest in our rural communities, ensuring they continue to thrive,” Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae stated in a press release.
“Our provincial government recognizes the importance of our small and rural communities through targeted programs like RED. I will continue to advocate for local investments that improve our communities.”
The RED program supports projects that diversify rural economies, retain skilled workers, and create jobs in local communities. The province is providing over $4.3 million in cost-share funding through the 2023 intake, which will support up to 80 projects across the province.
“Our government values rural communities throughout the province, and this program provides municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profits with the funding they need for projects that contribute to local economic vitality,” stated agriculture minister Lisa Thompson.
“The Rural Economic Development program is another example of how our government is ensuring small towns and communities across Ontario continue to share in the province’s growth and economic prosperity.”
“The Town of Minto is thrilled to receive $20,000 from the Rural Economic Development Fund to assist with the Move to Minto – Your Business Belongs Here – business attraction campaign,” said Minto director of economic and community development Belinda Wick-Graham.
“Together with our partners from the Minto Chamber of Commerce, County of Wellington and Saugeen Economic Development Corporation we will take the information we have gathered to identify targeted businesses to attract to our downtowns and will amplify our marketing efforts to attract these businesses in unique and creative ways such as the Tour the Town Business Opportunity Open House.”
Wellington North CAO Brooke Lambert said she is thankful for the funding for the Lynes Blacksmith Shop, which she called “a unique cultural heritage asset.”
