The province is providing $45,800 to the City of Stratford through the province’s Rural Economic Development (RED) program.
Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece made the announcement on Wednesday, saying the money will help support a planning and development service delivery review project. The aim is to increase the number of attainable housing units. Pettapiece said small and rural communities often face unique challenges in diversifying their economies, retaining skilled workers, and maintaining infrastructure, so the province has committed $3.3 million in cost-share funding to address these issues.
Pettapiece’s announcement follows two previous announcements for RED funding in Perth-Wellington. Those grants went to the United Way of Perth-Huron and the Town of Minto.
“The City of Stratford, investStratford, and other organizations are already doing excellent work in developing our local economy,” Pettapiece said. “I’m very pleased the province is doing its part to support them.”
“This grant will help to meet our local needs,” he added. “Finding good quality affordable housing is a major issue for many people.”
Pettapiece made the announcement outside Stratford City Hall Wednesday afternoon along with Mayor Dan Mathieson and investStratford CEO Joani Gerber.
“The city is fortunate to have a strong team, led by Dan and Joani, working to create new opportunities. I want to congratulate them on their vision and their successes.”
Fifty-eight projects funded through RED are being announced across the province.
“Supporting local jobs and removing barriers to investment and economic growth in rural communities is more important than ever,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “As the economy reopens, our investments in the Rural Economic Development program will have a very real impact for communities across rural Ontario.”
