Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark has announced that four local municipalities will receive more than $140,000 in the latest round of funding through Ontario’s Rural Economic Development (RED) program.
Clark says Edwardsburgh Cardinal will receive $18,615 for its $99,822 plan to revitalize a waterfront trail in the Village of Cardinal. Gananoque will receive $73,440 toward the $559,849 rehabilitation of Town Park to enhance tourism and economic development opportunities. Leeds and the Thousand Islands will receive $30,886 to support a $75,022 project to hold pop-up farmers markets in the township and in Front of Yonge. Rideau Lakes will receive $17,500 toward its $35,000 marketing plan.
Clark says funding for projects like these helps diversify the economy in rural Ontario and enhance the quality of life for residents in the communities.
“These investments are vital to support our local municipalities as our economy continues to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, while helping us to attract new entrepreneurial and residential investment.”
Edwardsburgh Cardinal Mayor Pat Sayeau says the township is pleased to receive funding, which will now enable them to begin Phase 1 of their Cardinal Riverfront Park re-development project.
“The RED grant funding will be used to engage an engineering firm to turn our concept drawings into a detailed design and prepare a tender document to draw competitive pricing for construction by qualified contractors.”
Clark says the next regular intake under the RED program is scheduled to open in December.