A Stronger Economic Future for Rural Ottawa

Rural Ottawa is one of our city’s greatest strengths. It is where we find our farms, villages, local businesses, natural landscapes, tourism destinations, trades, manufacturers, and the people who help keep our communities moving. Rural economic development affects how our villages grow, how our farms remain viable, how small businesses access support, and how we make sure rural residents are properly considered in City decision-making.

That is why I am pleased that we are moving forward with a new Economic Development Rural Plan. This plan recognizes something I have said many times at City Hall: rural Ottawa is not simply a quieter version of the urban area. Our communities have different needs, different opportunities, and different barriers. A rural business trying to expand, a farm looking to diversify, a village trying to attract visitors, or a trades business trying to navigate City processes should not have to fit into a system designed primarily around urban realities.

One of the most important parts of this plan is the creation of a dedicated Rural Business Liaison within Economic Development Services. This will be the City’s first dedicated rural economic development staff position. Rural businesses need a clearer point of contact at City Hall, especially when dealing with permitting, planning, funding opportunities, infrastructure questions, and business support programs. Having someone whose job is to understand rural economic issues and help bring those concerns into City decision-making will make a real difference.

The plan also includes a commitment to pilot in-person business support services across all rural wards. This is important because rural residents and businesses should not always have to travel into the urban core to access advice, programs, and support. Bringing services closer to where people live and work is a practical improvement that respects the realities of rural life.

There is also a strong focus on promoting rural Ottawa. Our communities have so much to offer, from farms and local food to trails, fairs, village main streets, heritage sites, recreation, film locations, and event spaces. The plan calls for better marketing of rural tourism, promotion of rural Ottawa as a filming destination, and support for corporate and entertainment events. These are exactly the kinds of opportunities that can bring more visitors into our villages, support local restaurants and shops, and help people across the city better appreciate what rural Ottawa contributes.

For agriculture, the plan recognizes the importance of protecting and strengthening the sector while also looking at ways to expand on-farm diversified uses. This matters because farms today often need more flexibility to remain financially sustainable. Whether it is farm stores, agritourism, food production, events, or other farm-based businesses, we need to make it easier for farmers to innovate while continuing to protect the agricultural land base that defines so much of rural Ottawa.

The plan also acknowledges the importance of securing provincial and federal funding for rural business growth projects. Ottawa’s rural economy cannot reach its full potential if we leave upper government funding on the table. I will continue to support efforts that bring more investment into rural infrastructure, local business development, and the long-term competitiveness of our rural communities.

We are already seeing the value of targeted rural investment through the Rural Community Building Grants Program, which is administered through the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. From 2023 to 2026, a total of $522,464 has been distributed through the program. Ward 21 has received $170,083 of that amount, representing 33 per cent, or roughly one third of the total funding pot, across five successful awards. That is a strong result for our ward, and it reflects the hard work of our local community organizations, volunteers, and rural partners who continue to bring forward worthwhile projects that strengthen community life.

This plan is not the solution to every challenge. Roads, broadband, servicing, transportation, planning timelines, and infrastructure remain major issues for rural Ottawa. I will continue to push on those files because they are essential to economic growth and quality of life. However, this plan gives us a stronger foundation. It recognizes rural Ottawa as a vital part of the city’s economy and begins putting more focused support behind the people and businesses that make it thrive.

For Ward 21, this is good news. Our communities are entrepreneurial, hardworking, and deeply connected to the land, local service, and small business. With better coordination, stronger promotion, improved access to support, and a dedicated rural voice inside Economic Development Services, we have an opportunity to build a stronger future for rural Ottawa.

I will keep working to make sure Ward 21’s priorities are heard clearly and consistently. Rural Ottawa deserves practical support, fair investment, and a City Hall that understands how our communities actually work. This plan is a positive step in that direction.