November 2026

Programs, resources and events brought to you by the Rural Economic Development team at the Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs.

The Ministry of Rural Affairs is heading to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair! The fair attracts approximately 300,000 visitors annually which provides an opportunity to connect urban and rural audiences through agriculture, innovation, education and community engagement. 

From November 6 to 15, 2026, stop by our booth to connect with our team, learn about what is happening across rural Ontario and discover the programs and resources available to support rural communities.

We look forward to seeing you at the Royal.

Looking to strengthen your community’s strategic planning process?

Join us for an upcoming Strategic Planning Training series and explore practical tools and resources to help support effective planning in your community.

Series dates:

• Thursday, February 18, 2027
• Thursday, February 25, 2027
• Thursday, March 4, 2027
• Thursday, March 11, 2027

Strengthening rural economies means connecting local talent with local opportunities.

Work in Quinte is helping bring employers and job seekers together across the Bay of Quinte region through its online job platform and twice-annual career fairs.

Funded in part by the Ministry of Rural Affairs through the Rural Ontario Development Program, this initiative is helping strengthen the local workforce, build connections and support economic growth across the region.

The Rural Ontario Institute is pleased to announce the 24 young leaders from rural and northern Ontario selected to take part in this year’s Rural Change Makers Program.

The program equips young leaders with practical skills to lead meaningful change and act on complex priorities in their lives and communities.

Get to know these incredible young leaders and the change they are creating in their communities.

Western Ontario Fall Funders Forum Series

The Ministry of Rural Affairs is joining the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) for the Western Ontario Fall Funders Forum Series this November and December. Connect with funding representatives and learn more about programs and funding opportunities available to support local projects and economic development.

Upcoming sessions:

Essex: November 24 at 9 a.m.

Chatham-Kent: November 25 at 1 p.m.

Elgin: November 26 at 9 a.m.

Norfolk: November 26 at 1 p.m.

Grey: December 1 at 9 a.m.

Bruce: December 1 at 1 p.m.

Perth: December 3 at 9 a.m.

Wellington: December 3 at 1 p.m.

The Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Annual Conference is coming up!

When: January 24 to 26, 2027

Where: Sheraton Centre Hotel, Toronto

ROMA brings together rural municipal leaders and partners from across Ontario to connect, share ideas and discuss the opportunities and priorities shaping rural communities.

Applications are open for the next intake of the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund

This $500 million program is helping to revitalize new and existing sport and recreation infrastructure across Ontario, bringing new and improved places to play and connect for communities.

Do you have a project that could transform your community?

Application deadline: December 22, 2026.

Regional Development Program

Applications are now open for two funding streams under the Regional Development Program:

Eastern Ontario Development Fund:

• Provides financial support to businesses, municipalities and economic development organizations to support economic development in eastern Ontario.

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund:

• Provides financial support to businesses, municipalities and economic development organizations to support economic development in southwestern Ontario.

Application deadline: January 21, 2027.

Explore Your Future in Ontario's

Agri-Food sector

Ontario’s agri-food sector offers a wide range of career opportunities, from farming and food processing to skilled trades, technology, logistics and innovation.

Pass these resources along to your network and help members of your community discover rewarding careers, build critical skills, and grow professionally.

New research from Natasha D’Souza, Ryan Gibson and Wayne Caldwell explores how attracting talent goes beyond employment.

Using Bruce County’s growing energy sector as a case study, the article looks at the role housing, health care, schools, child care and other community services play in supporting workforce growth.

Connect with one of our regional Economic and Business Advisors and let us help you with your community's economic development initiatives!