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)
Invest with confidence: Hydro Ottawa funds technical studies for business retrofits
For Ottawa businesses, the opportunity to improve building performance has never been greater. Energy retrofits can cut emissions, strengthen operations, extend the life of assets, reduce operating costs, and position
Family-owned Coke Canada Bottling investing to grow in Ottawa-Gatineau
Have you ever wondered where your favourite Coca-Cola products come from? Few people in know that over 300 popular beverages products, like Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, Fuze, Fanta, Monster Energy, A&W
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
