On Monday, April 20, the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry (SDG) Council approved additional funding for its Regional Incentives Program (RIP), alongside a slate of grant awards for local projects.
Council unanimously voted to increase the 2026 program budget by $4,139.25, bringing the total program allocation to $254,139.25. The additional funding will be drawn from the program’s reserve.
Funding for 18 projects across the region was approved following recommendations from SDG Director of Planning and Economic Development Services Peter Young and the RIP Approvals Committee. This year’s intake saw a record level of interest, with 25 applications submitted requesting a combined $520,977.15. The total value of proposed projects exceeded $2.5 million.
SDG Economic Development Officer Kathleen Rendek said, “We received 25 applications in this year’s intake, which is the largest intake since the program started in 2018. As part of the consideration process, the RIP Approvals Committee attempted to support as many businesses across the region as possible.”
Seven applications were not approved after the initial screening process based on eligibility, completeness, and prior funding history. The remaining applicants, who requested more than $409,000 in funding, exceeded the program’s available budget.
As an initial step, the committee recommended awarding full funding for smaller requests of up to $5,000, while larger projects received approximately 70 per cent of the requested amount, with a guaranteed minimum of $5,000.
The approved projects represent a total regional investment of more than $2.1 million, reflecting an estimated 8.6-to-1 return on regional investment.
Recipients include a mix of businesses and organizations across SDG, with several based in North Glengarry, such as Comhar Homes, Guy Fuels and Propane Inc., Saint-Vincent de Paul in Alexandria, Cedar Wood’s Ranch, and Wild Streak Farm. North Glengarry projects accounted for just over $96,000 in approved funding.
SDG Warden François Landry said the program continues to generate significant local investment.
“Just seeing the influx of almost $2.2 million being brought in for different projects, I think it’s a worthwhile program just to see that evolve in all our communities,” Landry said.
