Issue 13, May 2026

To celebrate in your community, check out the EDCO website for ideas.

The Ministry of Rural Affairs will be hosting an upcoming Rural Summit in Timmins as an opportunity for local leaders to connect with some engaging speakers to discuss how to prepare and plan for future opportunities in rural northern Ontario.

The Summit's theme is Enabling Opportunity. Planning for the Future.

Stay tuned for updates and results from this event.

On March 31, attendees from across rural Ontario gathered online to listen to Peter Kenyon, from the Bank of I.D.E.A.S.

Peter challenged participants to rethink how towns and businesses present themselves by focusing on one simple but transformative concept - embracing the wow factor.

Upcoming Teeny Tiny Summits:

The power of community — building hope in uncertain times is the theme of the upcoming Teeny Tiny Summits taking place this spring. Registrations are now open for the following dates:

• May 26 in Clifford
• May 28 in Burleigh Falls
• June 3 in Manitouwadge

The Ministry of Transportation's OTIF provides time-limited, application-based funding for up to 5 years to eligible communities to build safe and reliable transit services in unserved and underserved communities in rural Ontario.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

The City of Pembroke used Business Retention + Expansion (BR+E) to engage local businesses, identify priorities and turn insights into action.

With support from the Rural Economic Development (RED) program. Pembroke’s experience shows how in-person interviews can lead to lasting economic impact.

The 2026 BIA Awards Gala held on April 20 recognized over 40 award recipients for excellence, innovation, and leadership in Ontario's business improvement areas.

Congratulations to these rural award winners:

• Collingwood Downtown
• Downtown Belleville
• Municipality of Huron East
• Manotick
• Downtown Orillia

Register for the EDCO SDG regional event pre-workshop: from actions to outcomes, performance measurement for economic development.

When: May 27 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where: South Stormont Community Hall, Long Sault, ON

Note: registration is required as space is limited!

Join MRA for the pre-conference session. Investing in our future. Understanding BR+E for your community: engaging local business and designing a project that fits Sault Ste. Marie.

When: June 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Holiday Inn Express in Sault Ste. Marie

Note: Registration is required and space is limited!

The University of Guelph (U of G) Rural Research Symposium showcased rural policy research across Ontario.

Highlight: Natasha D’Souza (U of G) shared her research on attracting and retaining rural talent, using Bruce County’s energy sector to show how governance, trust and regional identity turn jobs into lasting community ties.

Check out Natasha's research and the other presentations.

The Rural Change Makers Program (RCM) is a free and transformative 12-month leadership experience for emerging leaders (ages 18–35) who are ready to create positive change in their lives and rural communities.

Applications for 2026 RCM cohort are now open. 

Join an upcoming information session to learn more about the program.

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

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