MPP John Jordan Announces Rural Economic Development Grants
Lanark Frontenac Kingston MPP John Jordan has announced a number of grants for his riding, including a proportion for Frontenac County, which has about 1/3 of the population base in the vast riding. In early June, he announced the grant recipients from Seniors Active Living Centre’s in the riding.
The most recent announcement was for a total of over $400,000 to the riding, of which about $185,00 is going to projects in Frontenac County.
By far the largest Frontenac County grant went to Frontenac County for the build out of the K&P trail in North Frontenac between Snow Road and Wilbur. The grant is for $164,000, and this will result in the entire trail being completed between the foot of the county at Orser Road, south of Harrowsmith, to a location very close to the north-east border with Lanark County. It leaves only a short section of trail was claimed by private landowner and the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, who have transferred it to Frontenac County. A court case is still pending which should settle the matter, and if Frontenac County wins they will be able to complete the K&P trail rehabilitation project that has been an active project since 2009.
Other Frontenac County grants are going to Central Frontenac, $17,000 for its Railway Heritage Enhancement Project, and there is small private sector grant to Grains & Goods Bakery in Sydenham for its Product Diversification Plan and Succession Plan.
“The Rural Ontario Development Program is an important investment in the future of our rural communities,” said MPP Jordan.
The next intake for the ongoing ROD program opens on August 17.
Seniors Active Learning Centres
“These Seniors Active Living Centres play such a pivotal role in supporting physical and mental health for our older adults,” said MPP Jordan. “They offer seniors the opportunity to stay active and socially connected through various activities, while also reducing isolation, loneliness and stress. My sincere thanks to Minister Raymond Cho for his continued support of these vital programs and services for our seniors in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston.”
Jordan is familiar with the population targeted through this program, as he worked as a healthcare administrator until he “retired” and then jumped into Provincial Politics in 2022.
In fact, among the recipients of grants under this program was the Connectwell Community Health Centre, based in the Village of Lanark, which received $56,000. Jordan served as Executive Director of Connectwell.
Grants also went to McMartin House in Perth and the Lanark Highlands North Network.
In Tay Valley Township, Maberly Seniors Active Living Centre, headquartered at the Maberly Hall, received $58,000 to serve the 300 adults and seniors who use the program in the Maberly area.
In Frontenac County, a grant of $58,000 is going to the Southern Frontenac Community Services, to serve the 350 people who frequent the Grace Centre in Sydenham for programming.
“We are grateful for the continued funding support that allows us to offer social and recreational programs that help older adults stay active, connected, and engaged in our community,” said Heather Rogers, Executive Director of Southern Frontenac Community Services Corporation. “Demand for these programs continues to grow, with participation increasing by 25% over the past year, and this funding will help ensure seniors in rural South Frontenac have access to meaningful opportunities that support healthy aging, reduce isolation, and strengthen community connections. We thank MPP Jordan and the Government of Ontario for recognizing the importance of community-based programs and helping us meet the needs of our growing senior population.”
Senior’s Community Grants
This week, a new set of grants was announced, designed to reduce barriers to programming for seniors.
“These investments make a huge difference in the lives of older adults in our local communities,” said MPP Jordan. “This funding will reduce barriers to participation and will enhance the health, well-being and social connection with friends, family and the community.”
Three of these grants are going to Frontenac County organisations:
The Kennebec Area Seniors – $9,950 for its Kennebec Area Seniors Revitalization program
North Frontenac Township – $21,197 for its Improving Technology at Community Facilities to Enhance Senior Engagement
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 425 in Sharbot Lake – $16,630 for its Seniors and Veterans Activities
“The Township of North Frontenac is delighted that the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility shares our concerns about employing technology in our community facilities to enhance senior engagement and thanks them for their on-going support and generous Seniors Community Grant Program funding.” – Gerry Lichty, Mayor of North Frontenac
