BRUCE COUNTY, Ont. — Ontario has opened nominations for the 2027 Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards, continuing a provincial recognition program designed to highlight individuals, businesses, organizations and communities contributing to economic development and community strength across rural Ontario.
The annual awards focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, partnerships and community-building initiatives. Nominations are open until October 23, 2026, giving residents, municipalities and community organizations an opportunity to put forward candidates from across the province.
“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.”
Eight Award Categories Highlight Rural Leadership and Innovation
The 2027 program will recognize achievements in eight categories: Rural Inspiration, Rural Community, Rural Entrepreneur, Rural Youth Leader, Rural Economic Innovation, Rural Partnerships, Rural Champion and Rural Heart.
The categories are intended to reflect the range of contributions supporting rural communities, from business development and economic innovation to youth leadership and local partnerships.
“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 awards also align with the province’s Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy. The strategy focuses on three areas: supporting safe and strong rural communities, encouraging business development and investment attraction, and expanding the rural workforce.
Rural Organizations Encourage Communities to Submit Nominations
Municipal and industry representatives are encouraging communities to identify local people and organizations whose work has produced meaningful results.
“Rural Ontario is home to remarkable people and organizations whose leadership, creativity and commitment strengthen our communities every day. The Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards are an opportunity to celebrate these contributions and share the stories of those creating meaningful change across the province. I encourage residents and community leaders throughout Western Ontario to nominate the inspiring individuals and organizations helping our rural communities thrive.”
– Marcus Ryan, Chair, Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus
Margaret Hudson, president and CEO of Burnbrae Farms and a 2026 Rural Champion Award recipient, said the recognition can highlight longstanding contributions to rural communities.
“Our family was honoured to be recognized in the Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards for our longstanding commitment to rural Ontario. 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.”
– Margaret Hudson, President and CEO, Burnbrae Farms, 2026 Rural Champion Award recipient
Awards Build on Broader Rural Ontario Initiatives
The nomination period follows Ontario’s establishment of Rural Ontario Week. The Legislative Assembly unanimously voted on March 31, 2026, to designate the third full week of September as an annual provincial observance recognizing rural communities. According to the province, Ontario is the first Canadian province to formally establish an annual week dedicated to celebrating rural communities.
The awards are part of a broader provincial approach to rural economic development. Ontario’s third application window for the Rural Ontario Development Program is open until October 1, 2026.
Since 2019, the provincial government has committed $38.3 million to 757 projects through the Rural Ontario Development Program and its predecessor, the Rural Economic Development Fund.
“Rural Ontario is home to extraordinary people whose commitment and hard work make our communities stronger every day. 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.”
– Christa Lowry, Chair, Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA)
Bonnie Clark, warden of Peterborough County, pointed to the recognition of a Peterborough County business owner in the 2026 awards as an example of rural entrepreneurship being highlighted through the program.
“The strength of rural Ontario lies in the innovation, leadership, and community spirit that drive positive change in communities across the province. The Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards are an important opportunity to recognize those achievements. We were proud to see a Peterborough County business owner receive the Rural Entrepreneur Award in 2026, and we encourage individuals to submit nominations and help celebrate the remarkable people shaping the future across rural Ontario.”
– Bonnie Clark, Warden, Peterborough County
With nominations running through October 23, the 2027 awards will provide another opportunity for communities across Ontario to recognize local leadership, entrepreneurship and partnerships contributing to the province’s rural economy.