Welcome to the Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation’s Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) Consultation Page.

On November 29, 2011, Minister Duguid introduced the Attracting Investment and Creating Jobs Act, 2011 that if passed, would establish the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund and make the Eastern Ontario Development Fund permanent.

The Funds would be designed to strengthen communities by supporting the attraction and retention of employment and investment in Southwestern and Eastern Ontario, and promoting innovation and cluster development and collaboration in the regions.

The establishment of the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, and making permanent the Eastern Ontario Development Fund, would build on Ontario’s Tax Plan for Jobs and Growth, Ontario’s Innovation Agenda and demonstrates the government’s commitment to grow the economy and create jobs.

On December 2, 2011, in London and Kitchener, Minister Duguid, accompanied by Ministers Matthews, Bentley and Milloy, kicked off the consultation process, and sought advice from key regional stakeholders on the scope and purpose of the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund. The consultations are an important mechanism through which to gain an understanding of the key challenges and opportunities in the region. This information will be central to the design, administration, eligibility and application process of the fund.

You may wish to review the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund consultation paper prior to attending these meetings.

Public Consultation Opportunities and Registration

To attend any one of the meetings below, click the community of your choice to register.

Given potential space limitations, we ask each organization or business to send one representative.

If you can not attend any of the meetings we encourage you to send your written submission/comments to swodf@ontario.ca.