Nominations Close October 23 for 2027 Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards

Press Release – Ministry of Rural Affairs

The Ontario government has opened nominations for the Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards, an annual program recognizing the people, businesses, organizations and communities that are helping to drive economic growth, create opportunity and strengthen rural Ontario.

“In rural communities across the province, people are making a difference every day by stepping up, creating opportunities and helping to build a stronger rural Ontario,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “The response to last year’s Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards showed us how important it is to recognize and honour those contributions, and we’re proud to continue that celebration in 2027.”

The Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards will recognize outstanding achievements across eight categories:

• Rural Inspiration
• Rural Community
• Rural Entrepreneur
• Rural Youth Leader
• Rural Economic Innovation
• Rural Partnerships
• Rural Champion
• Rural Heart

Nominations will be accepted until October 23, 2026. You can learn more about the program and submit a nomination at Ontario.ca/RuralAwards.

“Rural Ontario is a driving force behind our province’s economy, and its success is built on the hard work of local leaders, businesses and communities that create jobs, attract investment and build opportunity,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Through the Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards, our government is proud to recognize the people and organizations who work tirelessly to strengthen their communities, grow local economies and ensure rural Ontario continues to prosper for generations to come.”

The Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards support the three pillars of Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy by recognizing contributions to safe and strong rural communities, business development and attraction and a growing rural workforce, all of which help build a strong and thriving rural economy.

“Rural Ontario is home to extraordinary people whose commitment and hard work make our communities stronger every day,” said Christa Lowry, Chair, Rural Ontario Municipal Association. “Across the province, we see the difference that individuals, businesses and organizations are making in their communities. The Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards are an opportunity to celebrate these champions and share the stories that make rural Ontario such a special place to live, work and build a future. I encourage municipalities, organizations and residents to nominate someone in their community who deserves to be recognized.”

“Our family was honoured to be recognized in the Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards for our longstanding commitment to rural Ontario,” said Margaret Hudson, President and CEO, Burnbrae Farms, 2026 Rural Champion Award recipient. “For generations, rural communities have been at the heart of our family and our business. There are people across Ontario showing that same commitment every day, and I encourage everyone to nominate someone whose leadership and dedication are making their community stronger. Recognizing their contributions shows that what they do matters.”

Quick Facts

• Following a unanimous vote by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on March 31, 2026, Rural Ontario Week was established as an annual provincial observance during the third full week of September.
• Ontario is the first province in Canada to formally recognize an annual week celebrating the contributions of rural communities.
• The third application window of the Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) is open until October 1, 2026.
• Since 2019, the government has committed $38.3 million to support 757 projects through the ROD Program and its predecessor, the Rural Economic Development Fund (RED).

Additional Resources

• Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards
• Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy
• Rural Ontario Development Program