Province funds ROI programs to strengthen rural communities
The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) has received a significant provincial investment of $1,722,639.50 over three years to support leadership, data, and economic development programs designed to strengthen rural communities across Ontario.
“As rural communities seek innovation and new opportunities to address economic development needs, this funding from the province enables us to expand support for leaders and decision makers with tools and programs that strengthen communities,” said Dan Borowec, ROI Chair
“ROI is fiercely proud of the programs and services it offers to rural Ontarians. With the generous support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agri-Business, we are growing our investments in rural communities,” said Ellen Sinclair, ROI Executive Director.
The funding will expand ROI’s leadership programs, including the Advanced Agriculture Leadership Program (AALP) and the Rural Change Makers youth program, which prepare leaders to shape industries, agriculture, and local economies. It will also strengthen data-driven community planning tools such as the Community Wellbeing Dashboard, Rural Housing Information System, and Fact Sheets.
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Trevor Jones said the investment supports future-ready leaders who can guide Ontario’s growing agri-food sector and rural economy.
Leadership Programs Director Gabe Ferguson emphasized the need for advanced training and innovation to build stability in changing economic conditions. ROI’s new Leadership Programs Manager, Peggy Brekveld, added that emerging leaders are already creating enterprises and driving sustainable growth across rural Ontario.
This provincial investment highlights Ontario’s commitment to building strong, informed, and resilient rural communities ready to embrace innovation and opportunity.
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