Province announces over $114,000 for five community economic initiatives, with Pembroke, OVTA and three other recipients sharing funds
Jul 10, 2026 • Last updated 8 hours ago • 6 minute read
Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson speaks during Friday’s funding announcement, highlighting provincial investments to support economic development and rural communities across Renfrew County. Photo by Anthony Dixon /Pembroke Observer and News
More than $114,000 in provincial funding will back five economic development projects throughout Renfrew County, with the City of Pembroke receiving funds aimed at attracting new businesses, investments and professionals.
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Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson joined Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault at Renfrew County council chambers on Friday to announce $114,322.59 through the province’s Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program.
The funding is expected to leverage over $280,000 in total project investments across the region via this cost-sharing program.
Recipients include the City of Pembroke, the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association, the Township of South Algonquin, the Township of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards, along with Arnprior-based Competition Composites Inc.
“Today is really a great day for our community as we announce the funding for five organizations across Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke through the Rural Ontario Development Program,” Denault said. “Rural Ontario is the backbone of this province, and I know that firsthand having the privilege to represent one of the largest and most rural ridings in Ontario.”
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault announces more than $114,000 in Rural Ontario Development Program funding for five projects across the riding Friday at Renfrew County council chambers in Pembroke. Photo by 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.
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“We heard loudly and clearly that we needed to modernize. We needed to make sure we had funding programs that were addressing today’s needs and realities for tomorrow,” she said.
“Whether you’re in Pembroke , Petawawa , Renfrew , or any hundreds of rural communities across this province , strong local capacity helps define who calls that community home and what that community can become.”
She noted that these five local projects were chosen from a highly competitive application process.
“It means that the standard , the score had to be ratcheted up to ensure we were truly investing in only the best projects across Ontario,” she said.
Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais discusses his city’s grant amounting to $23，101．96 which supports implementing an investment attraction strategy focused on business growth attracting professionals while aiding physician recruitment. Photo by Anthony Dixon/Pembroke Observer & News
Gervais highlighted how Pembrokes location along Highway 17 corridor offers affordable land, a skilled workforce making it ideal for economic growth.
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“As The main service hub within renfew county, this investment benefits everyone throughout our rural areas ” he explained.
“Attracting investments into sectors like healthcare advanced manufacturing agri-food tourism creative industries creates jobs enhances services improves quality life all around”.
He continued saying efforts aim also targeting retaining youth fostering job opportunities locally.
“So all these endeavors allow us ultimately drive sustainable development while positioning pemboke area broadly where lifestyle meets opportunity”. The largest individual grant announced went towards Ottawa Valley Tourist Association(OVTA), receiving $50，000 allocated towards creating destination management plans surrounding area.
This hasn’t loaded yet but your article goes on below. OVTA executive director Stefi Van Wijk stated plan provides necessary roadmaps ensuring sustainable tourism growth benefiting both visitors residents alike.
“This grant comes just when it’s most needed here”she added.“Ottawa valley hosts remarkable experiences dedicated operators warm welcoming locals significantly boost quality living conditions.”
Stefi Van Wijk executive director says their approach links tourism closely aligning communities served adding “it becomes successful only when respects thrives sustainably leading future generations”.
Furthermore, she mentioned destination management plan would enhance visitor experience through clear roadmap uplifting existing strengths supporting local economies whilst boosting overall life quality among residents.
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Ontario Minister Lisa Thompson alongside Renfrews officials gathered groups representing cities counties associations came together celebrate announcements made during Fridays meeting held county council chambers located pemboke. Photo taken Anthony Dixon/Pemboke Observer&News
Supporting Business Growth Competition composites inc based arnprior awarded$10000 aimed expanding global radome initiative. Sales manager Patrick Risdon shared company benefited attending international expos Germany Washington D. C opening doors emerging market opportunities strengthening customer relationships pivotal success trajectory going forward! 9 This ad hasn’t finished loading completely feel free check out next bit now!
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault announces more than $114,000 in Rural Ontario Development Program funding for five projects across the riding Friday at Renfrew County council chambers in Pembroke. Photo by 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.
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
“We heard loudly and clearly that we needed to modernize. We needed to make sure we had funding programs that were addressing today’s needs and realities for tomorrow,” she said.
“Whether you’re in Pembroke , Petawawa , Renfrew , or any hundreds of rural communities across this province , strong local capacity helps define who calls that community home and what that community can become.”
She noted that these five local projects were chosen from a highly competitive application process.
“It means that the standard , the score had to be ratcheted up to ensure we were truly investing in only the best projects across Ontario,” she said.
Pembroke investment strategy Among those projects , Pembroke received $23 ,101.96 to implement its investment attraction strategy which Mayor Ron Gervais stated will help draw new businesses , entrepreneurs , professionals , and investments into the area. Gervais expressed gratitude toward Thompson , Denault , and the provincial government “for investing in rural Ontario including our City of Pembroke.” This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
He also praised city staff especially Investment Attraction Officer Kathleen Barr for developing this initiative.
“I can say she’s been fantastic short-term,” Gervais said. “She’s definitely driving change within how we look at things.”
The funding will enable marketing campaigns; outreach to investors; brand development; plus direct engagement with businesses through trade shows , networking opportunities, and site visits.
“The City Of Pembrokes grant application was crafted specifically to secure funds necessary for rolling out its investment attraction strategy,” Gervais added.
“The strategy aims for us as a city being proactive about bringing new businesses, jobs, and creative industries into our community while supporting retention efforts including physician recruitment.”
Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais discusses his city’s grant amounting to $23，101．96 which supports implementing an investment attraction strategy focused on business growth attracting professionals while aiding physician recruitment. Photo by Anthony Dixon/Pembroke Observer & News
Gervais highlighted how Pembrokes location along Highway 17 corridor offers affordable land, a skilled workforce making it ideal for economic growth.
This hasn’t loaded yet but your article continues below.
“As The main service hub within renfew county, this investment benefits everyone throughout our rural areas ” he explained.
“Attracting investments into sectors like healthcare advanced manufacturing agri-food tourism creative industries creates jobs enhances services improves quality life all around”.
He continued saying efforts aim also targeting retaining youth fostering job opportunities locally.“So all these endeavors allow us ultimately drive sustainable development while positioning pemboke area broadly where lifestyle meets opportunity”. The largest individual grant announced went towards Ottawa Valley Tourist Association(OVTA), receiving $50，000 allocated towards creating destination management plans surrounding area.
This hasn’t loaded yet but your article goes on below. OVTA executive director Stefi Van Wijk stated plan provides necessary roadmaps ensuring sustainable tourism growth benefiting both visitors residents alike.
“This grant comes just when it’s most needed here”she added.“Ottawa valley hosts remarkable experiences dedicated operators warm welcoming locals significantly boost quality living conditions.”
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Planning For Growth
Township South Algonquin secured $25，000 fund dedicated enhancing boat launch trails masterplan aiming entice more travelers stopover Whitney Madawaska en route Algonquin Park. Mayor Ethel La Valley expresses hopes project showcases township better serves gateway park alone. “This master trail launch intends bring focus onto township Whitney Madawaska so individuals choose stay over between trips park,”she explained.“While some do stop many others head straight.” La Valley emphasized increased foot traffic supports local employment generating income avenues beneficially impacting economy overall. “This project symbolizes importance investing tourism how attract individuals create career paths encouraging them stay contribute meaningfully rather finding work elsewhere.” 8 The ad isn’t fully done loading just hang tight as you continue! Township Killaloe, Hagarty Richards received$6220.63 geared towards guiding growth wayfinding markers identifying locations essential directing tourists navigate attractions amenities available nearby. Mayor David Mayville remarked improvement signage assisting people connect easily reach enjoy various offerings town represents crucial step forward. “This allocation ensures visibility highlights township significance facilitates easier exploration helping visitors discover attractions eateries restrooms amenities promptly”he noted adding credit goes Colton Charbonneau coordinator developed successful proposal!Supporting Business Growth Competition composites inc based arnprior awarded$10000 aimed expanding global radome initiative. Sales manager Patrick Risdon shared company benefited attending international expos Germany Washington D. C opening doors emerging market opportunities strengthening customer relationships pivotal success trajectory going forward! 9 This ad hasn’t finished loading completely feel free check out next bit now!
In statement made above quoted him saying challenges arise small-medium sized operations targeting fresh clientele bolstering ties existing partners exploring newer marketplaces remain ongoing hurdles met consistently! Expectations have already reflected projections indicating sales growing greatly upward+45%as well as filling newly created roles representing35%increase staffing levels promising future prospects worldwide extending exports even reaching Australia fortifying defense portfolios! Risdon reiterated belief behind value investing back into agricultural sector impactful positive repercussions occur nearly everywhere else resulting overall healthiness economy prospering locally too!!
Strengthening Rural Communities Renfew county warden Jennifer Murphy welcomed recent influx funds seeing numerous initiatives assist populations grappling adversity economically revitalizing areas longterm prosperity ahead ! 10 Check out additional information regarding this section found down here still loading up ! Murphy voiced praise noting regions potential recognizing objectives align vision building robust societies fueling business expansions opening avenues generations coming afterwards flourish too. Denault remarked differences exist amongst each project however harmony remains evident goal wise:- create chances encourage entrepreneurship drawing guests facilitating stronger relationships developing communal bonds !Share This Article In Your Social Network
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