Committee approves plan to help rural businesses grow and succeed

The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee today approved a new rural economic development plan to help rural businesses grow, create jobs and strengthen Ottawa’s rural economy.

The plan sets out actions to support rural businesses directly and to foster more collaboration between them. It includes a new rural business liaison who would provide dedicated, one-on-one support and help rural businesses navigate City and partner services. This role will ensure rural business perspectives are reflected in City decisions and help business owners feel heard.

The City is focusing on growing rural tourism and will launch a campaign to promote rural Ottawa as a destination for film, tourism and special events. This campaign would bring more visitors to rural communities, driving traffic to local businesses while strengthening Ottawa’s reputation as a welcoming, rural destination.

As part of the plan, staff will explore ways to make rural employment areas more attractive to employers and to support expanded on-farm diversified uses – small-scale, secondary businesses run by farmers that can help strengthen the long-term viability of rural farms.

In addition to engaging with rural residents, the City developed this plan with input from rural business owners, Councillors, business improvement areas, community organizations and City departments.

The Committee approved funding for five rural community projects through the Rural Community‑Building Grants Program. This program supports rural community improvement projects led by non-profit organizations. The projects approved today would receive a total of about $84,500.

• The Manotick Culture, Parks and Recreation Association would receive $20,000 to support the Mahogany Landing Dock, improving water access by adding a second access point.
• The Goulbourn Lawn Bowling Club would receive just over $15,700 to buy a storage container for heavier equipment to improve access and prevent vandalism.
• The Cumberland Township Agricultural Society would receive more than $16,600 to help upgrade the fairgrounds.
• Manotick Curling Centre would receive $20,000 to support renovations at the curling centre.
• Fitzroy Harbour Community Association would receive nearly $12,200 to buy new netting and improve safety for a baseball diamond at the community centre. 

With these approvals, the City has now invested all 2026 Rural Community-Building Grant funding, supporting a wide-range of community improvements across rural Ottawa. When 2027 funding becomes available, organizations will be able to find application details on the City’s grant program guidelines page.

City Council will consider the recommendations from today’s meeting on Wednesday, May 13.