Over $114,000 in provincial funding will back five economic development projects throughout Renfrew County, with the City of Pembroke getting support to attract new businesses, investments, and professionals.
Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson joined Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault at the Renfrew County council chambers on Friday to announce $114,322.59 through the province’s Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program.
This funding will help leverage more than $280,000 in total project investments across the region through this cost-sharing initiative.
The recipients include the City of Pembroke, the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association, the Township of South Algonquin, the Township of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards, and Competition Composites Inc. based in Arnprior.
“Today is truly a fantastic day for our community as we unveil funding for five organizations across Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke through the Rural Ontario Development Program,” Denault said. “Rural Ontario is essential to this province, and I know that firsthand by representing one of its largest and most rural ridings.”
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault announces over $114,000 in funding from the Rural Ontario Development Program for five projects within the riding on Friday at Renfrew County council chambers in Pembroke. Anthony Dixon /Pembroke Observer and News
Thompson mentioned that after discussions with municipalities and rural stakeholders following the establishment of the Ministry of Rural Affairs in 2024, they modernized this long-standing program.
“We clearly heard that modernization was necessary. We needed funding programs that addressed today’s needs and realities for tomorrow,” she said.
“Whether you’re located in Pembroke, Petawawa, Renfrew or any other hundreds of rural communities across this province, strong local capacity helps define who calls that community home and what it can evolve into.”
She emphasized that these five local projects were chosen from a highly competitive application process.
“It means that we had to raise our standards significantly to ensure we are genuinely investing in only the very best projects across Ontario,” she said.
Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais discusses a grant worth $23,101.96 aimed at executing Pembroke’s investment attraction strategy focused on growing business opportunities while supporting physician recruitment efforts. Anthony Dixon /Pembroke Observer and News
Gervais highlighted Pembroke’s advantageous position along Highway 17 corridor coupled with affordable land options as well as a skilled workforce making it an ideal spot for economic growth.
“As central service hub for Renfrew County, investments made here benefit not just our city but also enhance all surrounding rural communities,” he explained.
“By drawing investments into sectors such as healthcare delivery systems or advanced manufacturing plus agri-food tourism alongside creative industries – these projects diversify our rural economy creating quality jobs while improving services thus enhancing life quality overall.”
Additonally he mentioned how retaining young talent through local job creation remains crucial within their objectives going forward too!
Stefi Van Wijk chairwoman representing Ottawa Valley Tourist Association outlines plans regarding destination management plan after receiving provincial grant amounting up-to $50K. Anthony Dixon /Pembroke Observer & News
Ontario Minister Lisa Thompson together representatives involved from various locations gathers post-funding announcement event detailing assistance coming under ROD program arrangement!
The Township Of South Algonquin gained access towards developing boat launch/trails planning budget totaling around twenty-five thousand dollars directed mainly towards boosting visitor traffic travelling toward Algonquin Provincial Park encouraging stops over. Mayor Ethel La Valley remarked how their aim lies within showcasing township’s appeal rather than functioning merely acting gateway route leading onto park grounds directly! “This master plan trail launch we’re pursuing aims elevating profile belonging specifically targeting communities found inside Whitney/Madawaska thus enticing travelers passing through areas reaching beyond mere transition points!,” she expressed enthusiastically throughout statements given.” Mayor further discussed potential upsides concerning increased tourism aligning closely aiding locals seeking employment opportunities alike since project serves both ends positively altogether.” Similarly neighbouring township nearby; Killaloe Hagarty/Richards secured modest sum nearing six-thousand two hundred twenty-six dollars allocating resources effectively aiming improvement signage utilizing wayfinding/community location markers initiative aiming better guide visitors exploring attractions present locally available throughout greater regions!” Following suit , mayor David Mayville conveyed sincere gratitude extending acknowledgment Colton Charbonneau coordinating efforts behind successful proposal submission resulting considerable allocations received ultimately benefiting everyone equally participating therein!”
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Pembroke investment strategy
Among these five initiatives, Pembroke received $23,101.96 to put into action its investment attraction strategy. Mayor Ron Gervais noted this will aid in bringing new businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals and investments to their area. Gervais expressed his gratitude towards Thompson, Denault and the provincial government “for investing in rural Ontario including our city.” He also commended city staff members like Investment Attraction Officer Kathleen Barr for crafting this initiative. “I can confidently say she’s been a real dynamo,” Gervais said. “She’s certainly pushing us to see things differently.” The funding will facilitate marketing campaigns aimed at investor outreach along with brand development while also engaging directly with businesses via trade shows and networking opportunities as well as site visits. “The City of Pembroke’s grant application was intended to gather funds needed to assist with implementing our investment attraction strategy,” Gervais stated. “Our strategy aims proactively at attracting new businesses along with entrepreneurs and creative industries while fostering growth including a focus on physician recruitment.”Navigating towards growth
The Township Of South Algonquin gained access towards developing boat launch/trails planning budget totaling around twenty-five thousand dollars directed mainly towards boosting visitor traffic travelling toward Algonquin Provincial Park encouraging stops over. Mayor Ethel La Valley remarked how their aim lies within showcasing township’s appeal rather than functioning merely acting gateway route leading onto park grounds directly! “This master plan trail launch we’re pursuing aims elevating profile belonging specifically targeting communities found inside Whitney/Madawaska thus enticing travelers passing through areas reaching beyond mere transition points!,” she expressed enthusiastically throughout statements given.” Mayor further discussed potential upsides concerning increased tourism aligning closely aiding locals seeking employment opportunities alike since project serves both ends positively altogether.” Similarly neighbouring township nearby; Killaloe Hagarty/Richards secured modest sum nearing six-thousand two hundred twenty-six dollars allocating resources effectively aiming improvement signage utilizing wayfinding/community location markers initiative aiming better guide visitors exploring attractions present locally available throughout greater regions!” Following suit , mayor David Mayville conveyed sincere gratitude extending acknowledgment Colton Charbonneau coordinating efforts behind successful proposal submission resulting considerable allocations received ultimately benefiting everyone equally participating therein!”
Cultivating enterprise expansion
Competition Composites Incorporated hailing from Arnprior welcomed ten thousand-dollar allocation directed specifically intended aiding global radome expansion initiative presently underway. Sales manager Patrick Risdon detailed impact accomplished thanks facilitating company attendance international trade exhibitions hosted Germany/Washington DC fostering connection formations creating fresh market possibilities reinforcing existing clientele relations respectively.” “Operating primarily small-to-medium sized enterprise navigating intricate specialized fields presents substantial challenges when attempting draw newcomers strengthen ties already held whilst venturing forth entirely unexplored territories hence financial backing obtained proved invaluable aiding endeavors achieving noticeable results quickly!” – asserted Risdon passionately expressing relief assured progress ahead! “Our future sales projections appearing promising suggesting anticipated growth hitting forty-five percent margin plus adding five additional staff equaling thirty-five percent rise overall workforce comprising diverse backgrounds stretching even overseas reaching far beyond Australian borders significantly diversifying defense mechanisms approached likewise!” Furthermore note reflects tremendous advantages yielded seen come fruition owing effort placed securing such assistance made available highlighting importance behind stimulating interests encouraging entrepreneurship strengthening economies founding foundations sustaining livelihoods prosperously moving forward ahead!”Cultivating sustainable communities
Renfrew County Warden Jennifer Murphy applauded news releases confirming specific allocations revealing hopefulness stemming realization underlying importance working collectively bridging gaps addressing vital needs arising faced daily whilst ensuring continuity enriched outcomes potentially benefiting generations yet unborn. “Rural areas like ours serve indeed backbone supporting structures established forming core fundamentals underpinning broader framework delineated entirety encompassing regions entire compositions & intricacies enveloped ,” asserted Murphy approvingly endorsing optimism abound. Denault reiterated sentiments sharing essence embedded every unique project’s individualistic attributes converging aligned common aspirations promoting inclusivity accessibility pushing boundaries forth providing actionable pathways paving roads foster cohesiveness around inclusive models expounding upon strengths coexisting harmoniously respecting diversity flourished naturally blossoming everywhere observed ultimately contributing satisfaction derived lived experiences shared vibrantly witnessed inherently woven together threadwise capturing spirit around reflecting truths articulated distinctively portrayed therein! (Catch up on what is happening throughout Upper Ottawa Valley/Pembrokes regular newsletter subscribe HERE-receive updates delivered right inbox weekly.)Source link
