Feds announce millions in funding for job growth, public infrastructure in eastern Ontario

The federal government announced on Feb. 13 that it is investing 16.5 million in funding in support of several projects in eastern Ontario communities. 

These projects will help local businesses to scale up, create and rejuvenate community spaces and enhance tourism attractions to welcome more visitors and create jobs. 

The money will help support eastern Ontario’s economy, with support for three manufacturers and 27 tourism and community projects

“Today’s investment for 30 businesses, community organizations and tourism operators across eastern Ontario is supporting our regional economy and creating over 150 skilled jobs,” said Member of Parliament (MP) for Glengary-Prescott-Russell Francis Drouin. “By investing in these projects, our government is taking the necessary steps to help our communities and our businesses contribute to a more resilient future.”

The municipality of Casselman, a largely Francophone community located between Ottawa and Cornwall, received nearly $100,000 to enhance tourism in the region by developing a waterfront trail and bird sanctuary along the South Nation River.

Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested nearly $60 million in more than 105 projects in the Counties of Prescott-Russell, the Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry and the Counties of Leeds and Grenville, which are anticipated to create and maintain over 5,850 jobs. 

“This FedDev Ontario investment will help us in moving forward on a most important project for the municipality: creating a walking path and bird sanctuary along South Nation River,” said Genevieve Lajoie, the mayor of Casselman. “This contribution through the Tourism Relief Fund will provide the help we needed to launch a unique project for a new tourism destination in Casselman.” 

Les Ateliers Beau-Roc Inc., a woman-owned and led, Francophone manufacturer of custom-built dump truck bodies and accessories is receiving $4.1 million that will support the purchase and installation of new equipment, contribute to the expansion of a new, energy-efficient factory that will boost production and create 30 new jobs.

“We’re honoured to be supported by FedDev Ontario,” said Nathalie St-Pierre, the general manager of Beau-Roc Inc. “This funding will support our development of our new, additional manufacturing facility, designed to meet the demand of our products across Canada and the United States. This expansion project will create 30 jobs and provide economic and social benefits to the local community.”