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.
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
Giving Guide: Ottawa Network for Education
What we do The Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) is a charitable organization that collaborates with partners from education, business, government, and the community to develop enriching programs for K-12
What we do The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a charitable association dedicated to igniting the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their
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
