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Orillia businesses can now apply for provincial economic development grants that will help businesses grow and create jobs, says Mayor Angelo Orsi.
Dr. Eric Hoskins, minister of economic development, trade and employment unveiled plans at Barrie City Hall Friday morning before many area mayors for an expansion of the boundaries of the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SODF) and the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) to include Simcoe County and Muskoka.
“It’s good news,” Orsi said.
The previously established SODF and EODF excluded Simcoe County and Muskoka.
“We didn’t have the option before. We were left out,” Orsi said.
Under the new plan, Simcoe County will be included in the SODF and Muskoka will be included in the EODF.
“We are hoping that the funding will also be expanded as there are now more players,” Orsi added.
At the announcement, Hoskins said, “Businesses, not-for-profit organizations and municipalities in the two regions can now apply to receive support for projects that will create jobs, encourage innovation and attract investment to their local communities.”
Eligible sectors include advanced manufacturing, processing, life sciences, information and technology, tourism and cultural industries.
“So far, the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund and the Eastern Ontario Development Fund have created and retained more than 27,700 jobs,” Hoskins said.
The province has committed more than $88 million in regional support to the two funds, leveraging a total investment of more than $837 million.
“Today’s announcement is good news for Barrie and all the communities that make up Simcoe County,” Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman said. “The Ontario government’s support will now be available in a new way to help our local economies innovate and grow.
Hoskins said the government originally drew up the geographical boundaries for the SODF after discussions with stakeholders.
“The government set boundaries that were as broad as possible at the time,” Hoskins said. “But since then, we have heard loud and clear from municipal leaders like Mayor Lehman, as well as from leaders like Mayor Smith in Bracebridge and across Muskoka.
“We heard that these regions face similar economic challenges as other municipalities that are already included in the northern, eastern and southwestern Ontario regional funds.”
Simcoe County Ward Cal Patterson said the SODF money will encourage innovation and attract investment.
“Not only will this help the county’s more than 16,000 businesses increase productivity; our communities will be better equipped, allowing them to be competitive and create local jobs,” he said. “From plastics to glass manufacturing and pharmaceuticals to aggregate resources, the county’s economic base is diverse and growing, and today’s announcement will go a long way to ensuring this trend continues.”
Orsi said Orillia didn’t have any immediate projects for which to apply but would find something soon now that funding is possible.
— With files from Ian McInroy, QMI Agency
Photo: Eric Hoskins, Minister of Economic, Trade and Employment, announces the inclusion of Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka into the provincial government’s development funds program during a press conference Friday morning. Representatives from the county and Muskoka were on hand for the announcement. IAN MCINROY - QMI AGENCY
