Ontario Supporting Rural Economic Development in Windsor and Tecumseh

Issued by MPP Dowie's Office on August 25, 2026

TECUMSEH — As part of its plan to protect rural Ontario, the government is investing $100,000 to support economic growth and long-term prosperity in Windsor and Tecumseh. The funding is through the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program, a $20 million investment by the province to strengthen local economies, support rural workers and assist communities in planning for long-term growth.

“This investment will help Windsor and Tecumseh strengthen our local economies and plan for long-term growth,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor–Tecumseh. “I’m proud to work alongside Windsor and Tecumseh Councils to bring provincial support home and create new opportunities for our communities.”

Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is supporting the following projects in Windsor and Tecumseh:

• $50,000 for the City of Windsor to support the Health and R&D District Master Plan, guiding coordinated land use, infrastructure, development phasing, and investment attraction around the future hospital and airport lands.
• $50,000 for the Town of Tecumseh to support the Tecumseh Economic Development Strategy, creating a comprehensive framework for long-term economic growth focused on attracting and expanding industry, strengthening the local economic development ecosystem, and advancing key economic initiatives.

“The Rural Ontario Development program demonstrates our government’s commitment to supporting small, rural and northern communities across Ontario,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “Through investments that support local priorities and economic development opportunities, we are helping rural communities build strong foundations for long-term success.”

Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is investing over $5.5 million in 116 projects across rural Ontario.

Quick Facts

• The Rural Ontario Development program supports local projects from municipalities, small businesses, not-for-profits and Indigenous groups.
• Since 2019, Ontario has invested $34.3 million in 653 projects through the ROD program and the former Rural Economic Development Fund.
• The third intake for the ROD program opens on August 17, 2026.
• Learn more about the government’s plan to build safe, strong and prosperous rural communities in Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy.

Quotes

“We’re grateful to the Province of Ontario for this investment, which will help Windsor plan strategically for the next phase of growth around our future hospital and airport lands. This work will help us create a clear, coordinated vision for the area, attract new investment and ensure development happens strategically. It also advances the vision laid out in Windsor Works, helping us leverage the future hospital and airport as economic anchors that will support jobs, investment and long-term growth for generations to come.”

Drew Dilkens, Mayor for the City of Windsor

“We’re grateful for the continued support from the province. Having a comprehensive economic plan will provide a clear roadmap about the approaches we can take today to create future opportunities that bring long-term prosperity to Tecumseh.”

Gary McNamara, Mayor for the Town of Tecumseh

Additional Resources

Rural Ontario Development Program | ontario.ca
Ontario Investing in the Success of Rural Communities | Ontario Newsroom