Rural Ontario Week was marked across the province for the first time Sept. 20 to 26, following unanimous support in the Ontario Legislature for an annual designation recognizing the economic, social and cultural contributions of rural communities.

The Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) is marking the inaugural week under the theme “Celebrating Community, Economy and Opportunity,” to highlight the opportunities shaping the future of rural areas.

“Rural Ontario is a critical part of Ontario’s story—and its future,” said Christa Lowry, chair of ROMA, in a press release. “Our communities are home to people who are growing businesses, creating jobs, producing food, building things, caring for their neighbours and finding new ways to strengthen their communities. Rural Ontario is innovative, resilient and full of opportunity.”

The designation followed a motion introduced by Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke MPP Billy Denault and debated in the Legislative Assembly on March 31, 2026.

The motion called on the provincial government to recognize “the vitality and importance of rural Ontario” by designating the third week of September as Rural Ontario Week. The motion received unanimous support from the members present.

According to the provincial government, rural Ontario contributed more than $ 116.5 billion to Ontario’s gross domestic product in 2024.

“Not many may fully recognize the substantial contributions rural Ontarian communities make towards our province’s thriving economy. These communities drive key sectors such as manufacturing, natural resources, forestry, tourism, and agriculture industries that are essential not only to our economic success but to our way of life. In 2024 alone, rural Ontario contributed over $ 116.5 billion to Ontario’s gross domestic product. That is not a small figure; it is a clear and undeniable reflection of the strength, resilience and importance of rural communities across this province,” Denault said in a press release.

Ontario is the first province to formally designate an annual period to recognize the contribution of its rural regions, according to the provincial government.

“It’s important that we in Ontario have an opportunity to recognize and celebrate rural Ontario, and that’s exactly what’s going to be accomplished during Rural Ontario Week,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs.

ROMA said rural municipalities face distinct challenges, including smaller tax bases, large service areas, higher infrastructure costs, health-care shortages and gaps in broadband and cellular connectivity.

“Rural municipal leaders understand what our communities need because we are on the ground every day,” Lowry said. “But rural communities also face unique challenges. Smaller tax bases, vast service areas, higher infrastructure costs, health care shortages and gaps in connectivity can make it harder to deliver the services and infrastructure that our residents and businesses need.”

ROMA is calling for long-term, predictable infrastructure funding, improved access to primary care, measures addressing rural housing and homelessness, better broadband and cellular connectivity, and changes to the provincial-municipal fiscal framework.

The provincial government has also pointed to recent initiatives involving rural communities. In 2024, it created the Ministry of Rural Affairs, while last year it announced its Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy. The government has also doubled funding for the Rural Ontario Development Program to $ 20 million over two years.

Other Ontario MPPs who spoke in support of the designation during the March 31 debate included John Jordan, MPP for Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston, and Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock.

Jordan said rural areas such as his riding play a role in innovation, resourcefulness and maintaining connections to the region’s natural landscape.

“I’m honoured to support the MPP for Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke’s motion to declare the third week of September Rural Ontario Week. Like so many rural ridings throughout this province, Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston’s diverse landscape is pivotal in driving innovation and resourcefulness, preserving the essence of community and cultivating a profound respect for our connection to the rivers, the lakes and the fields that define our region,” Jordan said.

Scott said the designation recognizes the role rural communities play in Ontario’s identity, culture, heritage and economy.

“I was pleased to support and speak on my colleague’s motion that will recognize the third full week of September as Rural Ontario Week. Every community in our province is important to Ontario’s identity, and rural communities deserve recognition and celebration for their special role in shaping our provincial identity, culture, heritage and economy,” Scott said.

For Denault, the designation is also an opportunity to showcase communities in his region.

“It’s a chance for us to share with the world, the people, places and innovations that occur in the Ottawa Valley. I am proud to be a product of Rural Ontario; there isn’t any other place I would rather call home,” he said.

ROMA said it will continue advocating for policies and investments that address rural communities’ needs.

“Celebrating rural Ontario means more than recognizing what makes our communities special,” Lowry said. “It means making sure rural municipalities have the tools and resources to build on our strengths and seize the opportunities ahead. ROMA will continue to work with our members and partners to ensure rural voices are heard as Ontario plans for its future.”