On February 13, 2023, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), along with Francis Drouin, Member of Parliament for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell, announced funding of more than $16.5 million towards the growth of Eastern Ontario’s economy, with support for three manufacturers and 27 tourism and community projects.
These projects will help local businesses to scale up, create and rejuvenate community spaces, and enhance tourism attractions to welcome more visitors, create over 150 jobs, and build stronger, more vibrant communities.
Local manufacturer, Fieldless Farms, will receive $2.5 million from the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) to, “Support the company’s growth and diversification plans through the deployment of a world-leading produce-growing system and the development of a fully automated in-house processing and packaging line for the production of environmentally sustainable, high-quality, domestic leafy-green food products.” Fieldless Farms grows produce indoors, year-round using a method called Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA).
Other notable investments for Cornwall and SDG include $495,000 from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) to the Corporation of the City of Cornwall to upgrade and extend recreation path lighting in Lamoureux Park and expand the multi-use recreational path in Cornwall.
The Township of North Glengarry will receive $275,000 in CCRF funding to support the expansion and installation of accessible features at Alexandria Skate Park.
Glengarry Fencibles Trust will receive $25,786 in CCRF funding to revitalize the foyer and central rooms of the Bishop’s House for public use and to ensure accessibility.
The Township of South Stormont will receive over $300,000 in CCRF funding to support the design and construction of five new accessible play structures and expand the multi-use path located in Arnold Bethune Park.
North Lancaster Optimist Park in the Township of South Glengarry will be getting a facelift with $45,000 from the CCRF Fund.
The Municipality of South Dundas will receive $42,420 in CCRF funding to renovate Matilda Hall to enhance accessibility, as well as $53,077 to retrofit waterfront public washrooms to enhance accessibility.
“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. 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,” said Francis Drouin, Member of Parliament for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell.
