News: July 10, 2026
PEMBROKE — As part of its plan to protect rural Ontario, the government is investing over
$114,000.00 to support economic growth and long-term prosperity in Renfrew-Nipissing-
Pembroke. 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.
“The investments through the Rural Ontario Development Program are helping unlock new
economic opportunities across Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke,” said Billy Denault, MPP for
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. “By supporting local businesses, municipalities and community
organizations, these projects will strengthen our rural economy, create opportunities for growth,
and ensure our communities remain competitive for years to come. With a total investment of
$114,000 across our riding, I want to thank the Government of Ontario and the Ministry of Rural
Affairs for their continued commitment to rural Ontario and the people who call it home.”
Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is supporting the following projects in
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke:
● $10,000.00 for Competition Composites Inc. for Global Radome Expansion Initiative
● $25,000.00 for the Township of South Algonquin for South Algonquin Boat Launch and
Trails Masterplan
● $6,220.63 for the Township of Killaloe, Hagarty, and Richards for Wayfinding and
Community Location Markers for Economic Attraction
● $50,000.00 for Ottawa Valley Tourist Association for Destination Management Plan for the
Ottawa Valley
● $23,101.96 for The City of Pembroke for City of Pembroke Investment Attraction Strategy
Implementation
“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.
Quick Facts:
● The Rural Ontario Development program supports local projects from municipalities, small
businesses, not-for-profits and Indigenous groups.
● Since 2019, Ontario has invested $34.3 million in 653 projects through the ROD program
and the former Rural Economic Development Fund.
● The third intake for the ROD program opens on August 17, 2026.
● Learn more about the government’s plan to build safe, strong and prosperous rural
communities in Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy.
Quotes:
“The Rural Ontario Development Program is an important investment in Pembroke’s future. On
behalf of City Council, I want to thank the Ministry of Rural Affairs for recognizing the value of our
Investment Attraction Strategy. This funding will strengthen our efforts to attract new businesses,
investment, and skilled talent to Pembroke, helping to grow our local economy and create new
opportunities for residents. A key component of the strategy will also focus on physician
recruitment, recognizing that access to quality healthcare is essential to attracting families,
professionals, and employers to our community. This investment is about creating a community
where businesses can thrive, talented people can succeed, and every resident can share in
Pembroke’s continued growth and prosperity.”
— Ron Gervais, Mayor of the City of Pembroke
“I am pleased that the Township of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards has received a $6,220 Rural
Ontario Development (ROD) grant. This funding will help install new signage that showcases our
Township while directing residents and visitors to important amenities such as food,
refreshments, washrooms, attractions, and other local services. Thank you to Colton
Charbonneau, our Community Development Coordinator, for preparing the application and
helping secure this funding, which will enhance the experience of those who live in and visit our
community.”
— David Mayville, Mayor of the Township of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards
The Township of South Algonquin is always pleased to receive any assistance through grants to
do projects that may or may not otherwise get completed. We look forward to working on our
Trail and Boat launch Master Plan for our residents and visitors to our township.
— Ethel LaValley, Mayor of the Township of South Algonquin
“The Rural Ontario Development Program gave us the opportunity to showcase our expertise on
the international stage and connect with new customers and strategic partners,” said Patrick
Risdon, Sales Manager at Competition Composites Inc. “As a result, we’re forecasting 45 per
cent sales growth, have expanded into new export markets, strengthened our defence portfolio,
and created five new jobs. This investment is helping rural Ontario businesses compete globally
while creating opportunities here at home.”
— Patrick Risdon, Sales Manager, Competition Composites Inc.
“The Ottawa Valley Tourist Association gratefully acknowledges funding support from the
Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Rural Affairs through the Rural Opportunities Development
program. This investment addresses the clear need for a coordinated, destination‑wide
approach to tourism development, enabling the creation of a destination management plan that
will guide sustainable growth, strengthen the visitor economy, and ensure that both visitors and
local residents benefit from enhanced amenities, experiences, and community vitality across the
Ottawa Valley.”
— Melissa Marquardt, Manager, Ottawa Valley Tourist Association
Additional Resources
● Rural Ontario Development Program | ontario.ca
● Ontario Investing in the Success of Rural Communities | Ontario Newsroom
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MEDIA CONTACT
For additional information, please contact:
Krystal Moreau, Constituency Assistant
Office of Billy Denault, MPP
613-735-6627
krystal.moreau@pc.ola.org