Feds invest $1.9 million to renew regional economic development program

The federal government has opted to renew the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) over the next three years, at a cost of $30 million.

Glengarry-Prescott-Russell MP Pierre Lemieux made the announcement at Hawkesbury town hall on Friday, October 21, noting Prescott-Russell would be eligible for $1.93 million of that funding.

The EODP is managed by FedDev Ontario and local funding will be delivered by the Prescott-Russell Community Development Corporation (PRCDC), which is based in Hawkesbury and recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

"It is imperative to offer continuous assistance to our small businesses and not for profit organizations in the Prescott-Russell region," said PRCDC chairperson Estelle Patenaude. "Without this opportunity, the development of local businesses would have been compromised and this would jeopardize the strengthening of our communities."

The organization is tasked with promoting economic development and creating partnerships in the region, often through small funding grants for small or medium-sized businesses. Since its inception in 2004, the EODP has delivered about $3.7 million in grants to such businesses in Prescott-Russell.

The result, noted PRCDC executive director John Candie, was the creation of 320 new projects, 550 new jobs and $7 million in leveraged funds.

"It's quite an accomplishment for a small organization like ours," he said during an anniversary celebration in Chute-à-Blondeau.

It was also announced the PRCDC will receive $61,600 to promote the growth and development of the community in Prescott-Russell. This funding is part of a federal program aimed at stimulating growth in francophone communities, through tourism, culture, knowledge and manufacturing.

The PRCDC will use the funding to hire a resource person for 25 months, responsible for gathering together partners as per the United Counties of Prescott-Russell's strategic plan and overseeing the implementation of key actions.

Candie said the counties' economic development plan provides 56 recommendations that will help create over 700 new employment opportunities.

"The timing couldn't be better, for both the economy and because of our new strategic plan," said UCPR Warden Jean-Yves Lalonde. "The priorities have been identified."

To learn more about the EODP, visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca.