Ontario's Rural Economic Development Program Fuels Major Website Redevelopment Project in Elgin County
Central Elgin, ON – Elgin County will receive up to $50,000 in funding from the Ontario government to help support a project to re-develop the County’s website. The project aims to enhance the County’s online presence by creating a website that prioritizes accessibility, cybersecurity, and seamless program integration.
Funding for the project will be provided through the Rural Economic Development (RED) program. The RED program supports projects that diversify rural economies, retain skilled workers, and create jobs in local communities.
Elgin County Warden Ed Ketchabaw emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the County recognizes the importance of maintaining an updated online presence. This grant support from the Province of Ontario’s RED program is greatly appreciated. It will enable us to create a more user-friendly website that will effectively promote our region’s assets, attract investment, and bolster our local economy.”
The County’s Economic Development Department recently secured the grant to support the re-development of the County’s main site, as well as the Tourism and Economic Development websites.
“Increasing connectivity among our rural municipalities through an improved online presence is necessary,” said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “Ontario’s investment through the Rural Economic Development program will provide easier access to information and local businesses within a secure digital platform, allowing for greater economic growth for our region.”
The last overhaul of County websites occurred in 2017, with an initial projected lifecycle of four years. However, various challenges emerged in the subsequent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a cyber-security incident in 2022. These events have necessitated a thorough overhaul to better meet the needs of residents, staff, and County Council.
Elgin County Economic Development & Tourism is committed to supporting local businesses and promoting the region. In the face of mounting competition in attracting and retaining businesses and tourists, it has become imperative to offer a modern and user-friendly online platform that can effectively showcase the area’s assets and attract investment.
Launching a new website will not only enhance the online presence of local businesses but also simplify the process for tourists seeking information about the region and its offerings. This will lead to increased spending on travel, food, and accommodation, thereby stimulating the local economic growth and creating fresh business opportunities in the region. The revamped website will also serve as an online hub for promoting potential investment and attracting new businesses to the region.
Elgin County looks forward to leveraging this opportunity to create a digital presence that meets the needs of the community and potential investors now and into the future.
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For additional information, please contact:
Carolyn Krahn
Manager of Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives
ckrahn@elgin.ca
(519) 631-1460 x133
Warden Ed Ketchabaw
warden@elgin.ca
519-619-8432
