From left are Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Rural Affairs Steve Pinsonneault, SDG Counties Warden Martin Lang and SD-SG MPP Nolan Quinn.
SDG COUNTIES, Ontario - Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry has announced that the Historic SDG Jail will receive up to $53,086 in funding through the latest intake of the Rural Economic Development (RED) program.
The announcement was made Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.
The RED program supports projects that diversify and grow local economies, build community capacity and address barriers to economic development and labour force challenges.
In Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, the funding will help rehabilitate the Historic SDG Jail, enabling its use for revenue generating tourism and educational activities.
Through the most recent intake of the RED program, the Ontario government is investing more than $5.7 million in 85 projects throughout the province. These projects are helping create jobs and boost economic development in rural communities in Ontario. The intake for these approved projects closed on Feb. 21, 2024.
“The Historic SDG Jail holds incredible historical significance to our community,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. “This investment will ensure both tourists and locals have the opportunity to learn about our region’s history, driving more economic activity in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry.”
“Our government recognizes the importance of rural economic development, and this program provides municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profits with the funding they need for projects that contribute to local economic vitality,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “The Rural Economic Development program is another example of how our government is ensuring small towns and rural communities across Ontario continue to share in the province’s growth and economic prosperity.”
The RED program provides cost-share funding support towards activities that create strong rural communities. This includes funding assistance to build local capacity and improve job prospects. The Rural Economic Advisory Panel provides recommendations to the minister on applications for funding. The RED program aligns with the government’s priorities of removing barriers to investment, opening doors to rural economic development, and creating good jobs across the province.