Wiarton's Big Dig made use of some previous OCIF funding. Photo courtesy of the Town of South Bruce Peninsula
Wiarton will be participating in a local business accelerator program called “My Main Street.”
My Main Street was set up as a two year program, when the Federal Government, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced a $23.25 million investment to the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO).
The program was geared to support the recovery and revitalization of main streets and local businesses in southern Ontario through two program streams.
The EDCO is delivering the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program stream, that supports the revitalization of 65 main street communities, and contributions to over 650 businesses across southern Ontario.
The focus is to create and maintain vibrant and inclusive local main streets, while at the same time, giving residents, new entrepreneurs, and existing businesses economic opportunities.
Downtown Wiarton will specifically be supported by a Main Street Ambassador, customized market research, data analysis, and non-repayable funding contributions for businesses both new and old.
South Bruce Peninsula Manager of Economic Development Danielle Edwards says, council recently approved a new five-year Economic Development Strategy.
“Strategic Priority one is to support local businesses and accelerate Covid business recovery,” says Edwards.
Mayor Janice Jackson adds this program will provide the tools to assist businesses with recovery efforts.
“Council understands the combined impact Covid and Berford Street infrastructure replacement and streetscape beautification project has had on downtown Wiarton,” says Jackson.