Peter Bethlenfalvy MPP, Pickering/Uxbridge
UXBRIDGE: The Ontario government is committing $3.3 million in cost-share funding to 58 projects, through the updated Rural Economic Development Program (RED), to help rural and Indigenous communities diversify their economies, retain skilled workers, invest in local infrastructure and create jobs. On Thursday, August 13th, Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge announced, the Uxbridge Downtown Revitalization will receive up to $100,000 in funding through the RED program. The funding will help create a downtown revitalization plan to improve the overall well-being of downtown Uxbridge to attract investment, create jobs and boost economic development. “Through today’s investment, our government is creating jobs and driving economic growth at a time when needed most in Uxbridge,” said MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy. “By investing in revitalizing Uxbridge’s downtown, we are ensuring, well-paying jobs and opportunities stay in the Township of Uxbridge, while removing barriers to investments and economic growth in our rural community.” “Supporting local jobs and removing barriers to investment and economic growth in rural communities is more important than ever,” explained Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ernie Hardeman. “As the economy reopens, our investments in the Rural Economic Development program will have a very real impact for communities across rural Ontario.” “Today we announce our Downtown Revitalization Project. Over the next year, this initiative will create a vision and plan for a vibrant downtown, where residents can work, live and play. I encourage all residents and visitors, as well as downtown business and property owners to engage with this project. Please take part in upcoming public forums and information gathering activities to helps us create a shared, dynamic vision for our future. I trust that we will look back on this moment as the start of an exciting new chapter for Uxbridge,” shared Mayor Dave Barton. This initiative is one of 58 successful projects receiving funding from the first intake of the updated RED program. Project applications to the RED program were subjected to a streamlined process, starting last year, to reduce the burden for applicants. Supporting renewal, growth and economic recovery in rural and Indigenous communities is part of the government’s plan to get every region of Ontario back on track, so they can create jobs, opportunity and prosperity for everyone.