AYLMER, ONTARIO  – The Government of Canada is helping expand a local tree farm, creating jobs in Elgin County. The investment of up to $30,000 was announced today by Member of Parliament Joe Preston (Elgin-Middlesex-London) on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

“Small businesses, like Seven Sister’s Tree Farm, keep our rural communities strong and prosperous,” said MP Preston. “I’m pleased to be part of a Government that recognizes the importance of rural communities and invests in our businesses, helping to attract new customers and create more local jobs.”

This investment will help Seven Sister’s Tree Farm set up greenhouses, enlarge an irrigation pond and create three full-time seasonal jobs. The company grows Christmas trees, shrubs, perennials, fruit and herbs in their garden centre and also offers landscaping services. This business also supports the local economy by purchasing or harvesting tree stock locally.

This capital is being provided through the Sand Plains Community Development Fund administered by the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations. The fund targets community-based initiatives that support regional development, attract and retain people and investment, and stimulate business development and job creation. 

As of August 20th, the Sand Plains Community Development Fund has made loans valued at over $4.5 million and provided funding for community development support projects valued at over $1.7 million.

For more information on the Sand Plains Community Development Fund, please visit www.ontcfdc.com or www.sandplains.ca.