ALMA – The Township of Mapleton will receive provincial funding to revitalize Alma’s downtown area.
Funding of $15,792 will come from Ontario’s Rural Economic Development (RED) program, Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece announced on Sept. 10.
The funding is intended to support the township’s beautification efforts, including new decorative light posts, banners, holiday lights, benches and waste receptacles.
“Our government is committed to the success of rural and small-town Ontario,” Pettapiece said.
“I have always supported this type of funding, which directly supports local priorities in our area.
“I want to congratulate the township on their leadership in identifying the need.”
A press release from Pettapiece’s office notes the project is one of more than 60 the Ontario government is supporting with RED funding to help diversify local economies, retain skilled workers, and create jobs in rural communities.
“Supporting local jobs and economic development in rural communities is more important than ever,” stated Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson.
“As the economy continues to reopen, our investments in the Rural Economic Development program will have a very real impact for communities across rural Ontario.”
The Ontario government is also committing $5 million in cost-share funding under the next intake of the RED program to help rural communities implement additional economic growth plans to address the economic impacts of COVID-19. The new RED intake opened on Aug. 30.
