Great Lakes Farms Approved for Elgincentives Grant

CENTRAL ELGIN, ON – Elgin County Economic Development is pleased to announce that Great Lakes Farms in Southwold has been approved for an Elgincentives Community Improvement Plan (CIP) grant.

Great Lakes Farms was approved for building conversion and Savour Elgin/Elgin Arts Trail supplemental grants in the amount of $11,500. These funds will be used for the conversion of the Great Lakes Farms barn into a cold storage facility.  This conversion will help to extend the retail and tourism seasons for the business.

“The Elgincentives funding will help Great Lakes Farms provide local food to Southwold and Elgin County residents for a longer period of time throughout the year, as well as provide healthy produce to the school nutrition program. “Great Lakes will be able to provide greater local employment and attract more visitors to the County as a result of this investment.”
                - Owner, MaryAnne Van De Gevel

The Elgincentives CIP offers financial incentives that cover up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $15,000 per project. Businesses will qualify for Elgincentives provided that they meet certain criteria and are located in one of the following areas: Downtowns; agricultural areas; and, ports and lakeshore areas.
 
Grants are available for façade, signage, and property improvements; building improvements/restorations; building conversions/expansions; energy efficiency retrofits; feasibility and design studies; and outdoor art projects. Supplemental grants are available for multiple property owners or tenants looking to implement a coordinated approach to improvement projects and to members of the Savour Elgin and Elgin Arts Trail programs.
 
For more information about the Elgincentives Community Improvement Plan or to download an application visit www.elgincentives.ca, e-mail jdias@elgin.ca or call 519-631-1460 ext. 168.

Source: Katherine Thompson, County of Elgin; photo Relish Elgin