The Town of Collingwood is pleased to announce that it has secured up to $42,500 in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs through the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program to support a refresh of Collingwood’s Economic Development Action Plan (EDAP) as a pathway to prosperity for our community. The funding represents 50 percent of eligible project costs and is contingent on matching funding by the Town, confirmed through the 2026 approved operating budget, resulting in a total project investment of $85,000. Municipal funding is sourced in part from the Town’s portion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT).
Through this funding, the Town will update the existing comprehensive EDAP to build on identified successes, address challenges, and guide sustainable growth, investment attraction, workforce development, and business retention and expansion in the Town, in recognition of the wider South Georgian Bay context. The project will include subject matter experts, extensive stakeholder engagement, community consultation, surveys, research, and the refresh of a strategic roadmap to support Collingwood’s economic future.
“This investment is an important step in shaping Collingwood’s economic future,” said Mayor Yvonne Hamlin. “As our community continues to grow, it is essential to have a clear and actionable strategy to support local businesses, attract investment, strengthen our workforce, and build on the many opportunities that make Collingwood a great place to live, work, and do business.”
The project aligns with the Town’s commitment to proactive planning and economic prosperity and supports “Pillar 3: Vibrant” of the Town’s Community-Based Strategic Plan. Through meaningful consultation and data-driven analysis, the updated EDAP will establish clear implementation priorities.
“Collingwood is at a pivotal moment in its growth and evolution,” said Prerna Sharma, Manager, Economic Development. “Economic development has been identified as a priority area across several of the Town’s strategic plans, including the Community-Based Strategic Plan, Downtown Collingwood Master Plan, and Tourism Master Plan. This updated Economic Development Action Plan will provide a clear, actionable and coordinated roadmap to help prioritize our efforts, align investments, and focus resources where they will have the greatest impact.”
Community and stakeholder engagement will play a key role in shaping the plan, with opportunities for participation throughout the process. Additional information and engagement opportunities will be shared by the Economic Development office as the project progresses.