The Ontario government has announced the launch of the second intake of the Rural Ontario Development Program, a $20 million initiative aimed at strengthening rural economies across the province.
The announcement was made during the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference, with applications opening immediately for rural municipalities, businesses, Indigenous organizations, and not-for-profit groups.
Premier Doug Ford said the funding is part of the province’s broader plan to protect rural communities amid economic uncertainty. He noted the government is focusing on infrastructure investment, reducing red tape, and creating conditions to attract investment and create jobs.
In addition to the rural development funding, the province recently announced an additional $700 million to support water infrastructure projects in 127 municipalities and First Nations communities. That funding flows through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, which now totals $4 billion.
Officials say the investments are intended to support safe drinking water, housing development, job creation, and protection from extreme weather events. The ROMA conference continues to serve as a key opportunity for collaboration between the province and rural municipalities on shared priorities such as infrastructure, housing, transportation, and health care.
