June 2020
Your monthly news & updates
As we collectively work through this challenging period together, we would like to share resources that have been created. These resources are updated daily on our website
SWIFT Releases RFPs To Expand Broadband Access in Southwestern Ontario
Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) is moving forward with its commitment to improve internet access across Southwestern Ontario.

This month, the regional broadband project announced that it has issued Request for Proposals (RFP) to enhance broadband infrastructure in the following Counties;

  • $13.6 million in Bruce County
  • $16 million in Grey County
  • $7.2 million in Huron County
  • $5.5 million in Perth County
  • $12.8 million in Essex County
  • $4.8 million in Brant
  • $7.2 million in Dufferin

For complete project details visit https://swiftruralbroadband.ca/newsroom/
Bridging Job Seekers and Employers
We are pleased to be collaborating with Dr. Jason Gilliland at Western University, Human Environments Analysis Laboratory (HEAL), and a growing list of community partners to help bring the FRESHER Project to life.
 
The Food Retail Environment Study for Health and Economic Resiliency (FRESHER) is a pilot study of the effects of COVID-19 on restaurants, fast food outlets, grocery stores, cafes, bars, pubs, and alcohol retail stores in Ontario, across all types of communities.
 
FRESHER is conducting a survey of employees, managers, and owners to determine how the pandemic has affected individual people, and interviewing business owners to determine the impacts of the pandemic and subsequent government and other organizational support programs and policies.

Canada House Party Event Happening in Brant County
The County of Brant is hosting a massive virtual concert this year for Canada Day. 

They are the host community for the Canada Day House Party Event. The virtual concert is led by NoiseMaker Management, which is a local business in Brant County and will feature several famous Canadian musicians. The interactive, six hour festival is presented by AIR MILES and will benefit the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

The event will kick off on July 1, 2020 at 3:00 pm and will air on www.CanadaDayHouseParty.ca for everyone to enjoy. Mayor David Bailey says they are pretty excited to have this concert in Brant County. 

Middlesex County Plan for COVID-19 Economic Resiliency
Middlesex County's Economic Resiliency Task Force (MEDTF) has developed a Plan for Economic Resiliency. Lead by the Director of Economic Development, Middlesex County will be responsible for the implementation of the plan with support from, and in partnership with, Task Force members and leaders representing key sectors and business support organizations across the region.

This Economic Resiliency Plan will further serve to inform Middlesex County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, which will be updated in the fall of 2020.

For the full plan click here and visit investinmiddlesex.ca for program details.
Restart Sarnia-Lambton Toolkit & Resource Guide


Tourism Sarnia-Lambton has developed a "Restart Sarnia-Lambton Toolkit & Resource Guide" to assist Tourism Industry Partners with reopening through the stages of COVID19. 


The brochure compiles resources to support tourism business through the next phase of COVID-19.

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The Rural Rebound Initiative: Stories of Rural Renewal and Innovation
In order to accelerate a rural renaissance the Rural Ontario Institute is collecting, curating and sharing stories featuring these positive examples drawn from across rural Ontario and from other jurisdictions. The Rural Rebound section of the ROI website showcases these stories and provides links to other useful resources and tools.

Stories driven by rural citizens, local government, rural businesses or community organizations can be shared by visiting;

100+ guidelines to promote working safely in numerous sectors
Resources for working safely during the COVID-19 outbreak, aimed at employers and workers, are available online. These include guidelines for numerous jobs and sectors, as well as downloadable workplace posters and graphic tip sheets.

Sector guidelines contain recommendations and tips for employers on how to keep workers safe on the job. As new sectors of the economy begin to reopen, additional COVID-19 workplace safety resources will be added.

Youth Employment and Skills Program

The Youth Employment and Skills Program provides a wage subsidy to employers who hire youth for agricultural jobs. The program offers support for 50% of wages to a maximum of $14,000. Additionally, the program offers 100% of costs for relocation to a maximum of $5,000 if the employee must relocate for the position.

Employers can apply now for their project to be considered.
Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funds are available.

WOCFDCA Searching for a Dynamic Executive Director
Western Ontario Community Futures Development Corporation Association is searching for a dynamic Executive Director.

The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors and will lead staff to ensure the effective implementation and operation of the programs of the Corporation. The WOCFDCA is looking for a visionary with proven success leading a diverse team.