For immediate release
November 29, 2013
Peterborough, Ontario—Today, the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced an investment of $48 million for the renewal of the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) at Trent University.
Over the next five years, starting in April 2014, EODP will promote strategic economic development in eastern Ontario that will have a long-term impact in the region.
"I am proud to announce that our Government will continue to promote business development, job creation and strengthening communities in rural eastern Ontario with the renewal of EODP," said Minister Goodyear. "Through EODP, the Agency will continue to act as a champion within this region, encouraging new partnerships and project development for the expansion of community economic assets, business growth and business infrastructure/services to help create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity."
To date, the Agency has invested over $80 million through 7,636 business and community development projects. This has led to additional support of $345.6 million from partners such as local businesses, municipalities and the Government of Ontario.
The success of EODP is based on a strong delivery model which utilizes the 15 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in eastern Ontario and the Eastern Ontario Community Futures Development Corporation Network Inc. The EODP renewal means that these organizations will continue to assess and fund projects that help make rural eastern Ontario communities better places to live and work.
"EODP has been a catalyst for business and community development across eastern Ontario for a number of years," said Christine Dukelow, Chair, Eastern Ontario Network Inc. Board of Directors. "We are pleased to continue our collaboration with the Government of Canada so that Community Futures Development Corporations can support projects that will grow and diversify the regional economy."
"As a past EODP recipient, we are happy to see the renewal of this important program," said Dr. Steven Franklin, President and Vice-Chancellor, Trent University. "With EODP support, Trent has two important projects currently underway, including an indigenous studies project and one for research using nanosilver particles, an innovative cancer treatment."
Also located at Trent University is the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster, which received EODP funding from the Greater Peterborough Community Futures Development Corporation to create the first best-practice technology business incubator for high-growth, high-potential technology start-ups, commonly know as the Cube. Following his speech, the Minister toured the Cube, which offers full residential and value-added business support services for early-stage and start-up technology companies.
"We are very pleased to have Minister Goodyear visit the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster today," said Martin Yuill, Interim, Executive Director, Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster. "Our work with FedDev Ontario has proven to be beneficial for businesses and we look forward to seeing what their vision for the next phase of programs will look like as it is sure to support economic growth in Ontario."
To find out more about the Eastern Ontario Development Program and how to access program funding, please refer to the backgrounder.
Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region's strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. In Budget 2013, the Government of Canada demonstrated its continued commitment to workers, families and communities in southern Ontario with the renewal of FedDev Ontario. Economic Action Plan 2013 provides $920 million over five years for the Agency, starting on April 1, 2014. As part of the renewal, FedDev Ontario will be allocating $200 million over five years for a new Advanced Manufacturing Fund in Ontario. To learn more, please visit www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.
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