From Strategy to Action: The Community at the Heart of Regional Development

The United Counties of Prescott and Russell (the “UCPR”) have established a partnership with the Prescott-Russell Community Development Corporation (the “PRCDC”) on a pilot basis for the implementation, over 18 months, of five priority actions from the Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2029.

This initiative marks an important turning point. The UCPR are adopting a new approach to community development, drawing on the expertise of local organizations to put in place targeted initiatives. 

“This partnership demonstrates our willingness to take concrete action in today's economic context,” said Mr. Yves Laviolette, Warden of the UCPR. “By collaborating with the PRCDC, we're banking on what really matters, being the vitality, innovative ideas, successes, and potential of our community's businesses.”

To meet the needs of our region, the PRCDC will coordinate the realization of the five priority actions listed below with both community organizations and leaders: 
  • Developing a brand and website to promote available commercial and industrial land;
  • Establishing a concierge service to centralize and coordinate support requests from businesses and investors;
  • Implementing initiatives to support tourism development and promotion;
  • Promoting work-based learning programs with employers to help them recruit skilled labour; and
  • Working with educational institutions to align post-secondary programs with the needs of local employers. 
“Community development is about collaborating to act and build together,” said Mr. Luc Filion, Chair of the PRCDC Board. “This unique partnership will enable us to achieve concrete results for the development of the region and help our entrepreneurs through close collaboration with the UCPR and all our community partners.” 

For more information about community development, visit https://en.prescott-russell.on.ca/invest/community_development. 
Posted on 05/12/2025
Photo taken from an aerial view of a local neighborhood under construction, including house and street.