This week marks the first-ever Rural Ontario Week, a chance to recognize the people, businesses, and communities that help drive Ontario’s economy and make our province strong. Representing 96 per cent of Ontario’s land area, rural Ontario is home to 2.5 million people, more than 275,000 businesses, and supports 1.2 million jobs across key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, forestry, mining, tourism, and energy.
Rural Ontario contributes $117.8 billion to the province’s GDP and plays a vital role in producing the food, resources, and products that families and businesses rely on every day. Through the $20 million Rural Ontario Development Program, Ontario is helping communities attract investment, support local businesses, strengthen infrastructure, and create new opportunities for growth.
During Rural Ontario Week, we celebrate the entrepreneurs, farmers, workers, and community leaders whose hard work helps make rural Ontario a great place to live, work, and raise a family.