Thunder Bay will be eligible for rural development fund

As the province of Ontario opens a second round of funding for its Rural Ontario Development Program, a wider set of eligibility criteria means that the city of Thunder Bay, as well as groups within the city, will now be able to apply for the program.

At this week’s 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference, representatives from the City of Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC), and the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce together appealed to the Ministry of Rural Affairs to expand the criteria for funding.

The $20 million program allows municipalities, Indigenous organizations, service providers, non-profits, and small businesses to apply for funds meant to improve economic conditions in rural areas and in northern Ontario.

The development program includes funds for economic diversification, workforce development, infrastructure projects, and capacity building.

In a statement, Mayor Ken Boschcoff greeted the news positively: “including Thunder Bay reflects an understanding of our regional realities and the importance of supporting economic growth across Northern Ontario.”