Funding will help attract investment, strengthen workforce capacity and build long-term growth
News June 15, 2026
PETERBOROUGH — As part of its plan to protect rural Ontario, the government is investing $260,305.50 to support economic growth and long-term prosperity in Peterborough-Kawartha. The funding is through the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program, a $20 million investment by the province to strengthen local economies, support rural workers, and assist communities in planning for long-term growth.
“Our rural communities are the backbone of Ontario’s economy, and this investment ensures that Peterborough-Kawartha has the resources to thrive for generations to come,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “By backing localized initiatives like transportation studies, business plans, and innovation hubs, we are breaking down barriers to growth and equipping our fantastic local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to compete on a wider scale.”
Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is supporting the following projects in Peterborough-Kawartha:
- $145,000 for the Innovation Cluster for their Rural Innovation Centre Project
- $50,000 to the City of Peterborough for the Future Ready Peterborough: Economic Development Strategy
- $30,000 for Community Care Peterborough for the Rural Peterborough County Transportation Feasibility Study
- $20,000 for the County of Peterborough for the Trade-Ready: Equipping Rural Entrepreneurs to compete Beyond the Region project
- $15,308.50 for Farms at Work for the Peterborough Community Farm Business Plan
“The Rural Ontario Development program demonstrates our government’s commitment to supporting small, rural and northern communities across Ontario,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “Through investments that support local priorities and economic development opportunities, we are helping rural communities build strong foundations for long-term success.”
Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is investing over $5.5 million in 116 projects across rural Ontario.
Quotes
“Peterborough County’s Trade-Ready program will help ensure our rural economy remains strong, competitive, and resilient in the face of changing global markets. By equipping local entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and hands-on experience they need to expand beyond our region, we are creating new opportunities for business growth and job creation across our communities. We are grateful to Minister Thompson, MPP Smith, and the Province of Ontario for recognizing the unique needs of rural communities and for investing in initiatives that support long-term economic success here in Peterborough County and across rural Ontario.”
- Bonnie Clark, Warden, Peterborough County
“I would like to thank the Government of Ontario for this important investment in our community, The Future Ready Peterborough Economic Development Strategy will help position our city for long-term growth by identifying new opportunities to support business development, attract investment and create good local jobs. This funding recognizes the important role communities like Peterborough play in Ontario’s economy and will help ensure we remain competitive, innovative and ready for the future.”
- Jeff Leal, Mayor, City of Peterborough
“The Innovation Cluster has supported countless technology-based entrepreneurs across Peterborough-Kawartha and rural Ontario. The measurable growth we have been part of in those businesses is a testament to the potential of rural innovation. This funding from the Rural Ontario Development Program builds on our proven track record, allowing us to expand programming specifically designed to help small and medium-sized rural enterprises in our communities scale and thrive.”
— Christine Crandell, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, Innovation Cluster
“Transportation is about much more than getting from one place to another. In rural communities, it helps people stay connected to health care, services, work, family, and community life. Community Care Peterborough has a long history of supporting transportation across Peterborough County, and we are pleased to support this collaborative study as an opportunity to better understand local needs and explore practical options for the future.”
— Danielle Belair, Chief Executive Officer, Community Care Peterborough
“Rural Ontario Development funding, along with matching funds from Peterborough County Economic Development, will provide us with resources needed to move Farms at Work’s Community Farm initiative from idea into action. We will conduct in-depth interviews with potential participants and plan for shared infrastructure such as greenhouse space and cold storage that will support new farm businesses in the Peterborough area.”
—Heather Thoma, Operations Manager, Farms at Work
Additional Resources
- Rural Ontario Development Program | ontario.ca
- Ontario Investing in the Success of Rural Communities | Ontario Newsroom
| Media Contact Ministry of Rural Affairs mra.meda@ontario.ca | news.ontario.ca/ministry name/en Disponible en français |