Federal Govt Invests $15M to Boost Southern Ontario Main Streets’ Recovery and Revitalization

By Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Majid Jowhari, Member of Parliament for Richmond Hill, and Paul Chiang, Member of Parliament for Markham–Unionville, jointly announced a substantial $15-million investment for the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI). This funding aims to further the recovery and revitalization of main streets across southern Ontario through the My Main Street (MMS) initiative.

The Canadian Urban Institute, backed by this investment, will introduce two new programs under MMS. These programs will provide financial support and assistance to businesses and community organizations throughout southern Ontario. The initiatives are expected to benefit up to 325 businesses situated on main streets across 100 communities and support 75 community projects that focus on high-impact placemaking activities. These activities are designed to attract people to the main roads, fostering support for approximately 2,500 community businesses and organizations.

This $15-million investment will create and sustain up to 5,750 direct and indirect jobs across southern Ontario. Additionally, CUI has committed to allocating 25 percent of the funding to rural communities and 50 percent to program participants from traditionally underrepresented groups. The continuation of My Main Street is anticipated to elevate residents’ overall quality of life while promoting sustainable and inclusive community development.

This announcement builds on the 2021 Government of Canada investment of $23.25 million through FedDev Ontario for the My Main Street initiative, which has already proven successful. The 2021 investment has supported nearly 4,000 businesses and organizations, facilitated over 6,000 jobs, and leveraged an additional investment of over $16 million.

While in the region, Minister Tassi, MP Jowhari, and MP Chiang are engaging with local Unionville and surrounding area businesses, organizations, and community leaders in a roundtable discussion at the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. The debate focuses on acknowledging small businesses’ significant contributions to the economy and exploring ways in which the Government of Canada can support their growth and success.

Minister Filomena Tassi highlighted the importance of supporting main streets: “My Main Street will help retail and main street businesses across southern Ontario bring people back to local shops and restaurants while creating new employment opportunities and growing communities.”

Majid Jowhari, Member of Parliament for Richmond Hill, emphasized, “Supporting main street businesses is crucial for fostering vibrant local economies and building strong communities. This investment will foster vibrant local economies, build strong communities, and contribute to the unique character of each neighborhood.”