The City of Ottawa’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee approved $150,000 of spending last week for the city’s rural wards in the year ahead.
The funding is part of a new Rural Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan intended to stimulate economic growth in the four wards of West Carleton-March, Cumberland, Osgoode and Rideau-Goulbourn.
Ottawa already has the largest rural economy among Canada’s major cities. According to city hall numbers, the rural economy contributes more than $1 billion to Ottawa’s gross domestic product (GDP) of $40 billion. Agriculture alone accounts for $400 million, $136.7 million of which is farm-gate sales.
(Sponsored)

The Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow
Building one of the most technologically advanced research and teaching hospitals in Canada – right here in Ottawa A once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform healthcare, accelerate world-leading research, and build a

Local businesses face hiring obstacles due to immigration pullback, flawed screening
In his 39 years of practicing immigration law, Warren Creates (a rare Law Society Certified Specialist) has never seen an environment so challenging for employers looking to hire workers from
Rural economic activity includes agriculture, retail sales, construction, forestry and mining (aggregates), tourism, manufacturing, personal and business services, and transportation.
The city’s rural strategy has five priority areas:
- Supportive business environment
- Vibrant rural lifestyle
- Strengthened rural tourism
- Innovation in agriculture and agri-food production
- Advocating for rural priorities



