Ontario Driving Economic Growth in Windsor-Tecumseh

Province investing $30,000.00 in local project

Today, Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh announced that The Town of Tecumseh in partnership with the Municipality of Lakeshore and the Town of Tecumseh Business Improvement Area (BIA) will receive up to $30,000.00 in funding through the latest intake of the Rural Economic Development program (RED).                       

The RED program supports projects that diversify rural economies, retain skilled workers, and create jobs in local communities. The province is investing over $4.3 million in cost-share funding through the 2023 intake, which will support up to 80 projects across the province.

The funding will help to establish branding for three separate areas of Tecumseh--Lakeshore as shopping and dining districts.  This is being done in response to concerns regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and is intended to support three primary commercial districts: Tecumseh Main Street (the area along Tecumseh Road from the Town’s westerly limit to one block east of its intersection with Lesperance Rd.), Lesperance South (the commercial area immediately south of the intersection of Lesperance Rd. & County Road 22) and Manning Road – Amy Croft (the area south of St. Gregory’s Road to County Road 22, extending westerly along Tecumseh Rd and easterly along Amy Croft Drive).

“This funding is going to help the businesses in these areas to enhance their viability as well as expand and attract new investment and offer new goods and services,” said Windsor -- Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie.  “It will also strengthen the synergies between the communities of Tecumseh and Lakeshore and help to identify and brand these commercial areas, so the entire Windsor-Essex region is aware of what they have to offer and are encouraged to patronize them”.

“Our government values rural communities throughout the province, and this program provides municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profits with the funding they need for projects that contribute to local economic vitality,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “The Rural Economic Development program is another example of how our government is ensuring small towns and communities across Ontario continue to share in the province’s growth and economic prosperity.”

“We are excited about the growth and prosperity that the RED program funding will bring to the 3 neighbourhoods across Tecumseh and Lakeshore. When our local businesses are strong, they can invest in our community, support local causes, and contribute to a better quality of life for all residents,” said Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara. 

"Thank you to the Government of Ontario and Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for their support of this important project which serves as a great example of what's possible when municipal neighbours come to the table in the spirit of collaboration and mutual prosperity. The Manning Corridor and Amy Croft areas have seen incredible growth, both as a shopping district and residential area, and we are proud to partner with the Town of Tecumseh to develop a unique identity to highlight its past success and future potential," said Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey.

The RED program provides cost-share funding support towards activities that create strong rural communities. This includes funding assistance to build local capacity and improve job prospects. The program aligns with the government’s priorities of removing barriers to investment, opening doors to rural economic development, and creating good jobs across the province.

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