Growing Business Opportunities In York Region - McGuinty Government Supporting Agriculture, Boosting Economic Development

NEWS	August 23, 2011

Ontario is helping two municipalities in York Region strengthen their business and agricultural sectors and grow their local economies.

With support from Ontario's Rural Economic Development Program, the Township of Whitchurch-Stouffville and the Township of King will develop a report that identifies opportunities to strengthen the relationship between their agricultural and business sectors. This will result in a more diversified business community and support farming, agri-business and agri-tourism throughout the region.

Strong local economies are part of the McGuinty government's plan to create jobs and opportunities that will boost the province's economy.

QUOTES

"Through investments like this, the McGuinty government is helping to strengthen the agricultural sector and provide new business opportunities for our families in Ontario. This project is encouraging growth and stability in the York Region and will help boost the local economy."
- Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

"This project will assist our communities in developing the tools necessary to strengthen the relationship between our farmers, food producers and businesses. Our support will help grow existing businesses as well as attract new ventures and opportunities."
- Helena Jaczek, Member of Provincial Parliament for Oak Ridges - Markham

"This is great news for our community. If you live, work or travel through Whitchurch-Stouffville you see our farms and rural businesses that provide jobs, produce commodities and grow food. They are a vital part of our local economy. The Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) project is a natural follow up to our original 2007 BR+E to focus on these important sectors. This project will give us the opportunity to better understand and strengthen our local businesses."
- Wayne Emmerson, Mayor, Whitchurch Stouffville

"The Township of King is excited to be part of this project that will strengthen our economic prosperity while preserving our natural environment. By undertaking this initiative, conversations with, and actions developed and implemented on behalf of our rural business stakeholders will contribute to a balanced, sustainable King for generations to come."
- Steve Pellegrini, Mayor, Township of King

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario has invested more than $167 million in 418 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program and generated more than $1.2 billion in new economic activity.
• The agri-food industry contributes more than $33 billion to the Ontario economy and employs about 700,000 people.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the Business Retention and Expansion initiative.