The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC), City of Thunder Bay and Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce welcome the Ontario government’s announcement opening applications for the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program, with Thunder Bay now officially eligible.
The expanded eligibility allows Thunder Bay small businesses, non-profit and Indigenous organizations, local services boards, and the municipality to access provincial funding aimed at strengthening rural and northern economies. We thank the Province for recognizing Thunder Bay’s unique role as a regional hub serving a vast and geographically dispersed area.
Eligibility followed a collaborative advocacy effort by the Thunder Bay CEDC, the City of Thunder Bay, and the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, including a joint letter to the Honourable Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs.
“We appreciate the Province’s responsiveness and commitment to ensuring northern communities have equitable access to economic development supports,” said Jamie Taylor, CEO of the Thunder Bay CEDC. “This investment will help local businesses and organizations advance projects that create jobs, build capacity, and strengthen Thunder Bay’s economy.”
Mayor Ken Boshcoff welcomed the announcement, noting that Thunder Bay shares many of the same challenges as other northern communities already eligible for the program. “Including Thunder Bay reflects an understanding of our regional realities and the importance of supporting economic growth across Northern Ontario and a commitment to building a more resilient future,” he said.
Charla Robinson, President of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, added that the change opens new opportunities for local businesses and community organizations. “Access to the ROD Program provides important tools to support investment, resilience, and long-term growth in our community.”
The Rural Ontario Development Program replaces the former Rural Economic Development Program and will provide $20 million over two years to support projects that build economic capacity, attract investment, strengthen partnerships, and address workforce challenges.
Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/rural-ontario-development-program