Leeds Grenville Economic Development

Ontario Expanding Choices for Prospective Nursing Students

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 13:15:00 GMT

St. Lawrence College Launches Independent Degree

The Ontario government is providing a new pathway for nursing education with the recent launch of St. Lawrence College’s new stand-alone four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Details were shared today by Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities who was joined by Glenn Vollebregt, President and CEO of St. Lawrence College and Dr. Barb Le Blanc, St. Lawrence College’s Dean of Health and Wellness.

Read the full news release.

Something new, something old

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 14:30:00 GMT

It’s not always easy talking to Isabel Bottigoni when she’s working.

As co-owner of the new 1000 Islands Miniature Golf and Driving Range, along with her husband Mike and her sons Mark and Charles, Isabel also pulls double-duty working the front desk – which is a renovated grain bin – handing out balls and putters. In the mornings she typically works all on her own before her grandchildren come to take over the position.

Isabel sat down for an interview in the mini-putt’s renovated deck space to talk about the new business with the Recorder and Times on Wednesday…well, she sat down as much as she could. Read the full story.

Strong Business, Strong Community

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 16:30:00 GMT

Augusta, Merrickville-Wolford, and Rideau Lakes are busy contributing to the largest BR+E program the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville has ever seen. The communities of Augusta, Merrickville-Wolford, and Rideau Lakes have officially launched their Business Retention + Expansion (BR+E) programs, part of the largest undertaken in Leeds Grenville. Read the full story.

Bioindustry network coming to Brockville

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 18:45:00 GMT

New federal funding will grow the reach of a national Sarnia-based not-for-profit aimed at helping companies develop new bio-based technologies, allowing it to open a new facility in the Brockville area.

Economic Development Minister Mélanie Joly was to announce Thursday in Sarnia that Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC) will receive $15 million to expand into the Brockville area, helping foster the still-fledgling bio sector in Canada. Read the full story.

Biscuits Leclerc to take over Brockville's Proctor & Gamble facility

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 15:15:00 GMT

Biscuits Leclerc Ltée will be coming to Brockville, as the leading Canadian food manufacturer has announced it has purchased the former Proctor & Gamble factory.

The move is part of the expansion of its North American operations where $100 million will be invested by the company, and 200 new jobs will be created within the community. View the full story.

Eastern Ontario residents to benefit from improved cellular broadband and connectivity

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 17:00:00 GMT

Canadians understand the importance of creating successful, sustainable communities and investing in ways to connect with each other in our increasingly digital world. Connectivity is key to supporting economic growth in rural communities and improving opportunities for all Canadian families.

Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development announced joint funding for the Eastern Ontario Regional Network's (EORN) mobile broadband project.

Phase 1 of the project involves building 317 new telecommunications towers and an additional 32 local Internet access points to improve overall mobile coverage for residents of Eastern Ontario. Phase 2 will identify the capacity gaps that result from heavy user-traffic, upgrade equipment to reduce network overloads, and improve service quality in rural communities.

Read the full story.

College gets $774,000 for skills training

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 17:15:00 GMT

The Ontario government is giving St. Lawrence College $774,000 to run two programs aimed at training people for jobs in the skilled trades.

“It’s going to help us put people in the right jobs and help employers,” Glenn Vollebregt, the college’s president and chief executive officer, told the small crowd gathered at Brockville’s Northern Cables Friday afternoon. Read the full story.

New fertilizer plant to open near Brockville in fall 2024

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 17:45:00 GMT

MAITLAND — A $25-million fertilizer plant has broken ground at Maitland as Eastern Ontario-based V6 Ag moves production of its multi-compound granular fertilizers out of Europe.

For the last seven years, the small company headquartered in North Augusta, northeast of Brockville, has been importing its custom granular fertilizers made by a contracted European manufacturer.

“After completing a lengthy feasibility study, it was a logical, natural progression for us to grow our business and bring production home,” company founder and president Ryan Brophy told Farmers Forum.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting sanctions against Belarus — an important fertilizer supplier to Brophy’s European contractor — also played a role in the decision to on-shore production in Canada, he said.

Set to go online in the fall of 2024, the 58-acre plant site is located east of the Invista (formerly Dupont) chemical factory and west of the historic blue church on Highway 2, between Brockville and Prescott.

Read the full story.

HFI Pyrotechnics to add 15 jobs

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 13:15:00 GMT

An agreement with the federal government has made HFI Pyrotechnics a trusted part of Canada’s military supply chain, allowing the local firm to add to its workforce.

Local officials on Friday celebrated the inclusion of the firm, located north of Prescott, in Canada’s Munitions Supply Program (MSP).

The deal means the company, which employs 65 people full-time, can go ahead and hire 15 more people in the coming year, said HFI’s president and chief executive officer, John Witherspoon. Read the full story.

New jail, women's mental facility for Brockville

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 17:15:00 GMT

Brockville will get a new jail and an expansion of the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre as part of $500 million in Eastern Ontario Corrections spending announced by the provincial government on Thursday.

In announcements that were hailed as great news by MPP Steve Clark and regional mayors, the government also promised to build a new jail in Kemptville, a new building for the Quinte Detention Centre in Napanee and renovations at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre once the Kemptville lockup is built. Read the full story.

Local 3M site saluted

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 18:30:00 GMT

As hopes grow that COVID-19 is receding for good, leaders are looking to a sustained future for a Brockville plant initially built to address the pandemic.

Read the full story.

New partnership brings a dependable supply of enhanced efficiency and phosphate fertilizers to Canadian farmers

Fri, 09 May 2025 18:30:00 GMT

New partnership brings a dependable supply of enhanced efficiency and phosphate fertilizers to Canadian farmers while strengthening local jobs, rail logistics, EU and MENA-bound exports (European Union and Middle East North Africa) of high value prairie grains.

In a landmark move to strengthen Canada's agricultural infrastructure, V6 Agronomy and the Port of Johnstown have entered a long-term partnership to accelerate the flow of next-generation crop nutrition products across Canada and beyond. Read the full article.

Agriculture Review for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:00:00 GMT

When the Counties Official Plan was approved, it identified that a comprehensive Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) or equivalent study to assist in identifying and designating prime agricultural areas in the Counties needed to be completed prior to the next OP review (in 2026). All of the lands in the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville are included in this project.

An upcoming Open House is to inform and educate residents and interested stakeholders of the project, timelines and deliverables of the Agricultural Area Review project being undertaken by the Counties. This project will identify the candidate agricultural lands and ultimately provide a map of the agricultural system consisting of Prime Agricultural lands to be updated on the Counties Official Plan schedule.

All interested persons are invited to attend the open house to learn about the project, the scope, timelines and how you can stay involved. A dedicated webpage has been created to keep you informed of the project progress and encourage your involvement.

WHEN: Monday, December 12, 4 p.m.

WHERE: 25 Central Avenue West, Brockville.

This meeting will be in-person with a virtual participation option through Microsoft TEAMS. To register for the virtual option, please contact Elaine Mallory, Planner 1, at 613-342-3840, ext. 2422 or by email.

Fibre investment leads businesses to new heights in Rideau Lakes

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 17:45:00 GMT

Atop Rock Dunder, Leeds Grenville Small Business Centre’s 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Wendy Banks shares her secret to success. As the mastermind behind a healthier food system, born from five generations in the agricultural sector, Banks innovated Wendy’s Country Market to connect food, consumers and restaurants across South Eastern Ontario. Operating near Morton, she shares that owning a business in Rideau Lakes means not compromising on the aspects of success – while also living your dream.

“Quality of life is such a key importance for all of us,” she says. “I think that’s where you start noticing places like Rideau Lakes are getting a lot more buzz.”

Read the full article.

Which Canadian cities are people moving to right now?

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 14:00:00 GMT

A new report reveals the cities that are seeing the strongest immigration currently; and those that are seeing the most exits.

Read the full story.

Busy fall for Johnstown port

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 14:00:00 GMT

The Port of Johnstown will be abuzz with activity during the next several months as 12 ships arrive carrying turbine components for a wind energy project.

Pat Sayeau, mayor of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Township, which owns the port, called the cargo “a very big deal.”

The new business means the port’s four-year-old, multi-million-dollar investment in infrastructure is paying off, he said. In 2016, the port expanded its laydown space by several acres, allowing it to accommodate such heavy-lift cargo as used by the Nation Rise Wind Farm project.

The first vessel, the BBC Kurt Paul, arrived in mid-August with the components for the wind project and it will be followed by 11 more during the next 10 to 12 months.

Read the full story.

First phase of railyard complete

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 15:30:00 GMT

The hammer came down on a local business Friday afternoon – in a good way.

Canadian Rail Equipment Works and Services (CREWS) completed the first phase of its rail trans-loading facility adjacent to Johnstown’s industrial park on Friday, with local dignitaries helping hammer in the last spike.

CREWS president and chief executive officer Clayton Jones joined Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Pat Sayeau, Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark, MP Gord Brown and Canadian National (CN) sales and marketing official Daniel Lajoie for the ceremonial driving of the last spike on a cold afternoon at the railyard off County Road 2.

Jones said the firm plans to hire six people, then another 10 after it begins its second phase this spring. Read full story.

Westport's Wags, Whiskers and Wings opens second location in Merrickville

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 14:30:00 GMT

When a door closed behind Kate Cook, she was quick to open two new ones.

Her fledging company Wags, Whiskers and Wings Pet Supplies now has two locations in Leeds Grenville villages — her hometown of Westport, and more recently Merrickville.

"It's been a whirlwind and has felt crazy at times," Kate said. "But it's exciting as I've always wanted to open a business."

The shops offer unique doggie snack bars, a selection of dog treats you can mix and match with reusable jars, toys, clothing, collars, specialty foods and nutritional products, as well as top quality dog and cat foods and birdseed (developed by a bird nutritionist and tailored to the season). They focus on Canadian-made products first when possible. You can make special orders and they ship Canada-wide.

Read the full story.

Wellington House to expand

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 14:30:00 GMT

Steve Clark said he’ll be back for the sod-turning.

The Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP made the pledge during his visit to Wellington House in Prescott on Thursday afternoon. Clark announced that the long-term care home has been allocated 68 new beds and its existing 60 spaces will be upgraded through construction of a new building.

Read the full story.

Brockville dive park grows again

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 16:30:00 GMT

SOS Thousand Islands added six new sculptures to its already impressive Centeen sculpture park on a warm and sunny Saturday.

The six new structures bring the total to 41 in the underwater park. Read the full story.

Le Boat President addresses Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 20:30:00 GMT

“You’ve made my dream come true.”

Those words sum up the feeling from Le Boat President Cheryl Brown on their expansion into Canada with self-driving boat tours along the Rideau Canal.

The expansion of the boat rental company was three years in the making.

Speaking at the 10th annual Leeds-Grenville Economic Development Summit Friday, Brown said 16 boats in the first year along the Rideau have already translated into Canada making up two per cent of their market and two per cent of destination requests.

“On day one we were already 15 per cent sold.” Read the full story.

Neoprene, a flashlight and a near-death experience: The story of Kemptville designer Mike Adjeleian and the L'il Sucker

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 14:45:00 GMT

Mike Adjeleian was a 27-year-old student at the Rhode Island School of Design when he was electrocuted at a manufacturing plant during a school trip. Nearly 40 years later, Adjeleian is a family man, an industrial designer, and the mind behind the L’il Sucker, an innovative cup-holding technology.

The story of how it all came to be is one that still makes him emotional.

Read the full story.

Ontario Seeks Feedback to Improve Transportation in Eastern Ontario

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 18:15:00 GMT

Survey will help identify regional transportation needs and priorities

Ontario has launched an online survey to gather valuable local input on regional transportation needs and priorities in Eastern Ontario. Feedback from the survey will be used to help develop a long-term plan that will improve the transportation network in the region.

“Public input is crucial to shaping the future of transportation in Eastern Ontario; that is why I encourage everyone in the region to participate in the survey,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “As we gather feedback from the survey, we will continue to work closely with municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, transportation agencies, local businesses and the public so that we can deliver transportation that will make an impact for decades to come.”

The survey, which will remain open for six weeks until September 23, 2021, seeks input on how people and businesses move across the region, transportation concerns as Ontario reopens, and how the province can support better travel and priorities for the transportation system.

Read the full news release.

Era Cannabis plans 10,000 square foot facility in Kemptville

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 15:45:00 GMT

A second cannabis company is setting up shop in North Grenville. Era Cannabis plans on building a 10,000 square foot facility on Townline Road in Kemptville.

Read full story here.

Johnstown welcomes new industry; township seeks more land

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 20:00:00 GMT

A modular building maker is joining the Johnstown Industrial Park, essentially filling out the employment space available to Edwardsburgh Cardinal Township under a provincial certification program.

Edwardsburgh Cardinal Mayor Tory Deschamps was to join with fellow council members and local officials to meet with members of Alantra’s team in a brief welcoming ceremony on Monday evening.

Alantra Leasing offers quick-build solutions for a variety of applications, including office space, homes, hotels, and cottages. The company also provides a range of rental and custom-built lunch rooms, washrooms, offices, wellsite trailers, and other buildings, township officials noted.

Read the full story here.

Township soon ready with auto-plant application

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 15:45:00 GMT

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal is putting the final touches on its application to become the potential site of a new auto plant.

Mayor Pat Sayeau said his township will have its submission ready before the March 31 deadline of a provincial government competition that asks municipalities to nominate land suitable for a new factory.

Last spring, the provincial government announced its “Job Site Challenge,” saying it is in the hunt for 500- to 1,500-acre sites that would be suitable for the auto industry.

Automakers face a shortage of large-scale industrial sites in the built-up parts of Ontario where the industry is now concentrated so it was reaching out to municipalities in other parts of the province, the government said.

Read the full story.

LeBoat makes its first voyage to Merrickville

Thu, 24 May 2018 16:30:00 GMT

The long-awaited arrival of the first LeBoat cruisers arrived in Merrickville last Thursday afternoon, to be met by Mayor David Nash, Town Crier, Michael Whittaker, and a gathering of appreciative residents. The first two cruisers of the LeBoat fleet carried the first visitors of what is hoped to be a host of tourists coming to the area over the summer months. Read the full story.

Digital Main Street Launches Grant Program

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 15:45:00 GMT

Province of Ontario partners with OBIAA to provide grants to help Ontario’s “main street” businesses go online.

Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA) announced today the official launch of Digital Main Street’s exciting Grants Program across Ontario at Shopify’s Ottawa headquarters.

Coinciding with Canada’s Small Business Month, the event kicks off the availability of Digital Main Street Grants Program, which provides funding to qualifying small “main street” businesses and community business groups to enhance online promotion, selling and operations. See attached pdf for full details.

Johnstown railyard grows again

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 15:45:00 GMT

A new rail-to-road fuel terminal will be the latest addition to a growing rail yard near the Port of Johnstown, bringing as many as 10 new jobs.

Greenergy Fuels Canada announced Monday it will build a new rail-to-road fuel supply terminal in the Johnstown rail yard.

The new terminal will feature a new fully-automated truck loading system allowing road vehicles to load fuel products directly from rail tank cars, with 24/7 truck-loading capability, the Saint John, New Brunswick-based company announced in a media release. Read the full story.

Feds pump $4.8M into Johnstown port

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 19:30:00 GMT

A federal investment of $4.8 million will bring better grain loading spouts and a new grain bin to the Port of Johnstown, cutting by more than half the time it takes to load ships at the facility, Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced Tuesday.

It’s part of a $10.4-million project, with the balance of the funds coming from the port, which is owned by the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal. Nine aging grain loading spouts will be replaced by four newer, more efficient spouts that will allow larger vessels to be loaded more quickly, said the minister, while a new grain bin will be added to increase storage capacity.

Read the full story.

Like Stars Hollow? You'll love Merrickville, Ontario's quaintest town, only four hours from Toronto

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 16:15:00 GMT

“Have you ever heard of Merrickville?” I asked my partner as I scoured Airbnb. We were planning a trip to Mont-Tremblant, Que., and looking to break up the drive when I stumbled upon Ontario’s quaintest town, situated on the Rideau Canal and about four hours from Toronto. For any “Gilmore Girls” fans out there, it’s our own Stars Hollow — the sort of place where you’d say hi to every stranger you walk by.

Read the full story.

Living the sweet life in Seeley's Bay

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 19:30:00 GMT

SEELEY’S BAY – If you close your eyes and imagine what a village chocolatier looks like, you might come up with an image very much like Derek Ouellet.

Small, friendly, with a twinkle in his eyes and an ever-present impish grin, Ouellet loves to talk about chocolate – its texture, ingredients, how it’s made and how it tastes.

Ouellet and his wife Cindy Healy run Ridgway Confections out of their home on Main Street of this small village, producing handmade chocolates for their small retail counter and bars and barks for the wholesale market.

The village chocolate shop is a labour of love for the couple. Ouellet and Healy greet customers with an offer of a sample and they revel in shooting the breeze about their sweet product and educating visitors about art of chocolate-making. Read full story...

Brockville places highly in health care ranking

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 14:00:00 GMT

When Kendra Lorimer broke her wrist while cross-country skiing in March, she did not expect the result to become an economic development talking point.

But on Friday, the city’s economic development coordinator was recounting her experience at Brockville General Hospital to highlight the city’s strong showing in a recent nationwide health-care survey.

Brockville recently placed seventh in Maclean’s magazine’s “Best communities in Canada for great health care 2019.”

Read the full story.

She bakes, she scores! From hockey pro to cookie wiz, the Gills are still in the game

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 18:00:00 GMT

It’s still game night in the Gill household, but the star player is now Krista Gill, wife of former Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Todd Gill. And the game is now her gourmet cookies, which are scoring big points with residents of Eastern Ontario.

“I have customers that drive an hour on Thursdays to get their box of cookies,” says Janet Campbell, proprietor of Mrs. McGarrigle’s in Merrickville, which carries the treats. “They sell out every week and people are waiting to come to the store on delivery day and sometimes they’re still warm when people come to pick them up.”

Read the full story.

Worldwide Le Boat reps sing praises

Thu, 05 Jul 2018 16:30:00 GMT

A delegation from Le Boat offices around the world hopped aboard the company’s new Canadian fleet the week of June 19th and toured the Rideau Canal. Read the full story.

Keys handed over at BGH

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 13:00:00 GMT

Brockville General Hospital president and chief executive officer Nick Vlacholias on Tuesday received the keys to the hospital’s new patient tower from lead contractor EllisDon construction manager Mike Armstrong.

“This is a major milestone,” Vlacholias said in a prepared statement.

“Thanks to the hard work by EllisDon and our BGH project team, we have reached substantial completion, which means the new tower is ready for occupancy.”

Read the full story.

Rideau Lakes mapmaker wins Bill Thake award

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 20:30:00 GMT

A heritage mapmaker from Rideau Lakes has charted a distinguished course and he’s been named the winner of the Bill Thake Memorial Award for 2018.

Doug Bond was revealed as the winner of the economic development leadership award Friday during the 10th annual Leeds-Grenville Economic Development Summit in Kemptville.

The retired teacher has been a decades-long trail promoter and designer of the local Heritage Map, known simply to locals as “The Map.” Read the full story.

Port of Johnstown marks best year in decades

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 18:30:00 GMT

The Port of Johnstown finished last year with its highest revenues in the last two decades.

In its annual report, the port, which has been owned by the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal since 2001, said it made $3.5 million in 2019 because of record volumes of cargo moved through Johnstown.

Last year’s profit represents an increase of 18.2 per cent over 2018 and the fifth straight increase since 2014, the port’s managers said in the annual report.

The profits are the result of increased cargo volumes. Read the full story.

Arnold Dixon's Algonquin enterprises

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 17:30:00 GMT

Algonquin is, in fact, nestled on the crossroads of County Road 15 and Algonquin Road, north of Maitland. It may have that “if you blink, you’ll miss it,” feel but that would not tell its full story,

The village is experiencing its own quiet renaissance.

Arnold Dixon, Brockville entrepreneur, president of Dixon Automotive Group, is committed to bringing life back to his home village.

Read the full story here.

Ontario Investing in Visitor Safety at Brown's Bay Beach

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 13:00:00 GMT

The Ontario government is providing the St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) with more than $5 million in capital funding to help repair and rehabilitate its facilities. This investment will help encourage and reinvigorate tourism in eastern Ontario, including $3.1 million to support much-needed capital repairs and construction at Brown’s Bay Beach and Picnic Area.

Read the full story.

Maitland gardens a popular draw

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 19:30:00 GMT

MAITLAND – Nature lovers by the score stopped to smell the flowers at a pair of popular gardens holding open houses Saturday afternoon.

The promotion by the 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Garden Trail gave further evidence to proponents of an eco-tourism market waiting to be tapped and the high reputation of the participating gardens themselves. Read the full story.

No ordinary Joe: Spencerville entrepreneur expands wireless internet services into new markets

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Spencerville entrepreneur expanding his technology services business, providing services to thousands of clients.

Read the full story.

Prysmian to expand in Johnstown

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 18:00:00 GMT

A major manufacturer has announced a $7-million expansion to its operations in Johnstown.

Prysmian Group will add a distribution centre to its existing 42-year-old manufacturing plant to create at least 15 more jobs, according to John Edwards, director of operations for Prysmian. Read the full story.

Two area Leaders recognized for Economic Impact

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 20:30:00 GMT

Community-building champions Cathy Sheppard and Ken Watson are this year’s recipients of the Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Leadership Award.

The winners were announced today at the 13^th annual United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Summit held virtually via live webcam. Cathy is a resident of the Municipality of North Grenville and Ken is from the Township of Rideau Lakes.

“Both individuals have shown outstanding commitment to improving and developing their communities,” said Warden Roger Haley.

“We are proud to honour them, and all of our deserving nominees, for the major contributions they continue to make,” the Warden said.

Brockville's 3M mask plant expected to hire in new year

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 20:15:00 GMT

As demand for N95 respirators grows, officials at 3M Canada are expecting to hire more people at the company’s Brockville mask plant in the new year.

“I feel very confident about producing respirators in Canada and meeting the needs of Canadians,” Penny Wise, 3M Canada’s president and managing director, said in an interview earlier this week.

Melissa Jurenas, a 3M Canada spokeswoman, confirmed the California Avenue N95 plant currently has 33 employees, up from 28 at its start, “and will ramp up even more in 2022 to above 50.” Read the full story.

Kemptville schools get $9.9M for expansions

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:30:00 GMT

At a time when many schools are shuttering throughout Leeds and Grenville, one municipality has received millions of dollars in funding to expand.

Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark announced Friday that the Ontario government is investing nearly $10 million in two school expansion projects in Kemptville.

The province has given the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) the green light to tender a $7.2-million addition to North Grenville District High School and $2.7-million for day-care spaces at Kemptville Public School (KPS).

North Grenville is the fastest-growing municipality in the United Counties, with its population increasing every year as it continues to be a bedroom community for people working in Ottawa.

Read the full story.

Ontario Launches Canada's First Job Site Challenge

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 16:45:00 GMT

Ontario is launching a provincewide Job Site Challenge to identify shovel-ready mega sites where automakers or other advanced manufacturers could invest in Ontario by building a large plant, creating thousands of good-paying direct and supply-chain jobs.

Proposals will be accepted between January 1 and March 31, 2020.

Learn more.

Ground broken for BGH project

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 20:00:00 GMT

Politicians and hospital officials could barely be heard over the noise as they struggled against the wind beating on the tent and the sounds of construction behind them.

The latter, at least, they did not mind, as they held the long-awaited ground-breaking ceremony Wednesday for Brockville General Hospital’s multimillion-dollar expansion project.

“We just want to hear construction,” Mayor David Henderson told the crowd at the hospital’s Charles Street site, as the machines could be heard digging across Charles Street from the tent specially set up for the media event in inclement weather.

“When you see the ground being dug up, that means it’s happening.” Read the full story.

Fort Wellington restoration to begin in spring

Sat, 17 Mar 2018 16:30:00 GMT

The first phase of rehabilitation work of the fortifications at Fort Wellington National Historic Site will begin this spring, Parks Canada announced this week. Read the full story.

Port of Johnstown records $4M surplus in 'a year like no other'

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Multi-modal facility sees third-highest cargo volume on record.

Read the full story.

'I've got 130 years of branding here': Everything's coming up sunflowers for this Maritimer

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 18:00:00 GMT

Surrounded by dilapidated equipment and on the cusp of a global pandemic, Matthew McShane was still in the mood for a kitchen party jam when he went into the food services business three years ago.

In fact, as a self-described Maritimer through and through, McShane was determined to bring the warmth and hospitality of his Nova Scotian upbringing as the proud new owner of Forfar Dairy and the Sunflower Bake Shop. Read the full story.

Leeds Grenville Receives $145,000 for Digital Main Street Grant

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 18:00:00 GMT

Extended program will help more small businesses increase revenues.

WESTPORT, ON. – Five Leeds Grenville Digital Service Squads (DSS) have received a $145,000 grant from Digital Main Street’s Ontario Grants Program (OGP) to continue helping area businesses improve their online presence.

Commercial businesses in all 13 municipalities will have access to the services of trained specialists, including free consultations on digital / online issues, implementing digital transformation plans to increase sales and assistance in applying for the Digital Transformation Grant of $2,500.

“Ontario small businesses are the heart of our neighbourhoods and the economic foundation of our communities,” Ontario’s Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Nina Tangri said today during the program’s official launch at Westport’s Cove Country Inn.

“Our government is committed to being there for them as they reopen. This additional support will give these businesses the digital boost they need to raise their profile and rebuild better than ever,” she said. The Minister was introduced by Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark. They were joined by Leeds Grenville Warden Roger Haley and Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) Executive Director Kay Matthews, as well as area Mayors, staff and members of the business community.

“Leeds Grenville is excited to receive further funding to continue assisting small businesses,” said Warden Haley, adding the new funding announced today will keep the program in place until February 2022.

“It has been extremely successful since its first launch last fall and it’s helping our small businesses recover from the pandemic and to stay competitive in today’s digital world,” Warden Haley said.

More than 700 area businesses have already been supported with some accessing $185,000 in Digital Transformation Grant funding for a total regional program value of $370,000.

Squads meet with brick-and-mortar small businesses at no cost to help them complete an online assessment and introduce them to online training modules to build their knowledge and skills. These experts can also assist businesses with developing their Digital Transformation Plan and applying for a one-time $2,500 grant to implement it.

“In the past 14 months, as small businesses across the province fought to stay open and keep customers engaged online, Digital Service Squads were there to help,” said OBIAA’s Kay Matthews. "Squads jumped online themselves during lockdowns to help virtually, and businesses have consistently told us how important the DSS were to their success through the pandemic. We are thrilled to support Leeds Grenville and help them provide assistance to even more small businesses than ever,” Ms. Matthews said.

Renewed government funding of the OGP, including investment from the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, will provide 3,000 Digital Transformation Grants to qualified brick-and-mortar small businesses as well as Digital Service Squad grants for organizations to provide hands-on assistance to local small businesses. The OGP is administrated by the OBIAA, in partnership with the Toronto Association of BIAs (TABIA).

This one-on-one DSS assistance also includes support for basic website set-up, Google My Business profiles, 360º photos, social media presence, and much more. The DSS can also provide information on the ShopHERE program, if applicable, to assist with digital storefront set-up and e-commerce. Where COVID-19 restrictions are in place, DSS experts can provide support through phone and video tools such as Zoom.

“I’m pleased our government is continuing to fund the Digital Main Street Ontario program as part of our ongoing efforts to support small businesses as the province’s economy continues to recover,” said MPP Clark. “The collaboration between all levels of government on projects like this one in Leeds Grenville is critical to helping businesses modernize and reach new markets.”

ACCESS the program

The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office is receiving $35,000 and will coordinate a squad on behalf of Athens, Elizabethtown-Kitley, Front of Yonge, Merrickville-Wolford, Rideau Lakes and Westport; in partnership with Leeds and the Thousands Islands and Gananoque (receiving $8,500); Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh Cardinal (receiving $30,000); North Grenville (receiving $35,000); and Brockville (receiving $36,000). In Brockville, there is a partnership with the City, the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Brockville BIA.

Squads will be visiting small businesses in hamlets, villages and towns across the region. For details on the Leeds Grenville program, visit www.investleedsgrenville.com/digitalmainstreet

ABOUT Leeds Grenville

Leeds Grenville is home to the 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Waterways. The region has 13 municipalities with a diverse economy that is driven by a balance and interconnectivity between entrepreneurship and strong multi-national companies. Many of the main street businesses enjoy the region’s rich heritage and structures, providing that authentic experience.

ABOUT OBIAA

OBIAA is the network that represents unique and vibrant BIAs across Ontario. The Association supports and advocates on behalf of its members through the building and nurturing of strong relationships and partnerships. OBIAA is a leader in the development and sharing of information, tools, resources and best practices, and is the ONE voice on common issues.

ABOUT Digital Main Street

Digital Main Street (DMS) is a program that helps main street businesses achieve digital transformation. The program is built around an online learning platform, structured training programs, and our Digital Service Squad, a team of street-level team members who help main street businesses grow and manage their operations through technology.

Digital Main Street was created by the Toronto Association on Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) with direct support from the City of Toronto. DMS is also supported by a group of strategic business partners, including Google, Mastercard, Shopify, Microsoft, Facebook, Intuit QuickBooks, Square, and Yellow Pages. www.digitalmainstreet.ca

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Media Inquiries:

Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON
613-342-3840, ext. 5365 or Ann.Weir@uclg.on.ca

Gan chosen for 3D housing project

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 19:15:00 GMT

Six triplex apartment buildings will be built in Gananoque next year, thanks to an international competition that uses robots and automation.

The town was selected as the site of the first and largest 3D printed neighbourhood in Canada, born out of the Marco Polo 100 Digital Build Challenge, the biggest construction technology innovation completion in North America. Read the full story.

Johnstown entrepreneur invests in historic restaurant, betting on tourism rebound

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Growing business community in nearby industrial park helping Bridgeview Dockside Restaurant and Patio weather pandemic

Location, location, location: South Grenville entrepreneur Sean Lucey has long been aware of the answer to the age-old question of the three most important factors in determining the desirability of a property.

But now the owner of Johnstown’s Bridgeview Restaurant – a business located near the shores of the St. Lawrence River that he purchased last year – is betting that its proximity to the busy waterway, international border and a growing business community will pay dividends in a post-pandemic economic rebound. Read the full story.

Regional Roadtrips: Village of Merrickville chock full of creativity and entrepreneurship

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 14:00:00 GMT

Not many Eastern Ontario villages are home to a caramel shop, glass-blowing studio, award-winning mustard maker and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, I’m pretty confident there’s only one: Merrickville, less than an hour’s drive southwest of Ottawa.

Read the full story.

Ontario Drives Innovation in the Automotive Sector

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 14:00:00 GMT

Applications open for the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program while province showcases leadership in autonomous vehicle development

Toronto — The Ontario government is launching the next round of applications for the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP). An important part of the government's Driving Prosperity auto plan, the $10-million O-AMP provides auto parts companies with funding to invest in new technologies and support innovation in Ontario's automotive supply chains.

The announcement was made today by Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, while leading an online delegation of 10 Ontario connected and autonomous vehicle (C/AV) companies to TU-Automotive Detroit, one of the world's largest events dedicated to connected vehicle technologies. The Ontario delegation is showcasing the province's leadership in areas such as artificial intelligence, sensors and imaging, cybersecurity, data analytics, the Internet of Things and smart infrastructure. Read the full story.

Ketchum Manufacturing in Brockville diversifying production, exploring new markets

Fri, 26 Jan 2018 21:15:00 GMT

The downturn in manufacturing in Ontario has been well-documented but one Brockville company is bucking the trend.

When it comes to plastic and metal tags, Ketchum Manufacturing is an international player.

The company’s general manager Perry Swank says they started in the agriculture industry but over the last 20 years, the company has explored new markets.

Story continues below

“We are now into the seafood industry, we’re now into the poultry industry, we’re now into the grocery industry, we’re now into the museum industry,” Swank said. View full story.

Maple View Lodge expansion approved

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 19:00:00 GMT

The provincial government has approved an expansion of the counties-owned Maple View Lodge that will triple the number of long-term-care beds at the home near Athens.

The addition of 132 beds to the 60-bed facility was announced by Health Minister Christine Elliott on Friday.

Leeds and Grenville Warden Pat Sayeau said the announcement is good news for the counties, which have been lobbying for an expansion of the long-term-care facility for more than four years. Read the full story.

That personalized touch makes a resurgence in the big-box world of retail

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 17:00:00 GMT

Is the era of the big box retailer coming to a close?

At least two small businesses in Kemptville think so, and there appears to be research to back them up.

In 2021, PwC Canada reported that, “Canadians are adapting to supply chain delays, seeking out socially responsible retailers and using their purchasing power to support the local economy.” In 2016, the Harvard Business Review warned that “big box retail stores are losing relevance, while e-commerce and specialty stores grow in appeal.”

What is that appeal? By all accounts, it’s old-fashioned personalized service, a phenomenon that has been stoked by the “buy local” movement and possibly by the isolation wrought during the pandemic and the resulting need for personal connection.

Read the full story.

Area hospitals share $6.9-million funding boost

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 17:00:00 GMT

Brockville General Hospital will receive $5.5 million more this year as part of a provincial government boost to funding for small and medium-sized hospitals.

Local MPP Steve Clark announced on Thursday that the three hospitals in Leeds and Grenville will share an additional $6.9 million this year. The Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital will receive $1.26 million, while the Kemptville and District Hospital will get a $158,000 boost.

Clark said the money is part of a $68-million increase in funding to Ontario’s small and medium hospitals, including a 1.5-per-cent annual bump for medium-sized hospitals and a one-per-cent hike for smaller hospitals, such as in Kemptville. Read the full story.

Bioindustrial group targets Maitland site

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 18:30:00 GMT

A government-funded business accelerator has opened a local office to woo the green biochemical industry to Eastern Ontario.

Local mayors, industrialists and the St. Lawrence corridor commission hailed Bioindustrial Innovation Canada’s announcement as a game-changer for the area, which is struggling to reverse the decades-long exodus of good-paying industrial jobs.

BIC, which was established in Sarnia 12 years ago to attract green and clean technology to the area once known as the Chemical Valley, is expanding to create a new “sustainable chemistry cluster” in Eastern Ontario, with the Brockville office as its headquarters. Read the full story.

Rockport Boat Line gets COVID stamp of approval

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 17:15:00 GMT

“Safe travels’” use to be a phrase used to wish a friend or acquaintance a decent journey, but Covid has changed that.

Now the Safe Travels Stamp is a global badge that identifies businesses that follow safe travel protocols in a pandemic world.

Close to home, Rockport Boat Line has just been awarded the #SafeTravels Stamp. Like all other similar operators, Rockport Cruises is running at less than half capacity but doing it safely.

Read the full story.

5 things to come in 2021: Developments to watch in North Grenville this year

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 16:45:00 GMT

Here are our top five picks of developments in North Grenville that you may have forgotten about but are still anticipated to come to fruition, or at least get rolling, this shiny new year.

Read the full story.

Provincial funding boost for Delta feed mill

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 19:00:00 GMT

The provincial government is chipping in for a new $13-million investment by Willows Agriservices to build a new feed mill.

On Wednesday, local MPP Steve Clark announced the Delta-based farm input supplier would be creating a new feed mill to provide more products for livestock and poultry.

Through the Regional Development Program, the province will be contributing $500,000 to the $13-million project that will result in a new feed mill, 12 new jobs and training to help retain 25 existing jobs.

Read the full story.

Launch of first Counties-wide Business Retention + Expansion program

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 15:45:00 GMT

“Strong Business, Strong Community”

Leeds-Grenville – The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is launching the largest multi-level Business Retention + Expansion (BR+E) program the region has seen.

The Counties and the Townships of Augusta, Merrickville-Wolford and Rideau Lakes have partnered in a project that will see staff and volunteers directly connect with over 300 businesses in the region. The goal is to build relationships and assist them in becoming more competitive. Read the full story.

Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Business Survey: COVID-19

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 20:15:00 GMT

Leaders from municipal economic development offices, Chambers of Commerce, Employment Services, Community Futures Development Corporations, Small Business Enterprise Centres, Business Improvement Areas and local business support organizations are working together to identify how the impact of COVID-19 will be felt by our business community.

We are working together with all levels of government to connect our businesses to existing programs and support, while developing additional ones that can assist our local business community during these challenging times.

Please take the time to complete this short survey. We would like to hear from you and guide you to supports that can assist your business.

Survey will be open until Friday, April 3rd at 12 p.m.

Take the survey now.

Be sure to visit and subscribe to www.investleedsgrenville.com/covid19 for information and support for businesses.

Ontario's Digital Main Street program helps local small businesses with $487,345 to build and expand online stores during COVID-19

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 18:00:00 GMT

Ontario’s Digital Main Street Program and Student Digital Service Squads, launched as a $57 million partnership between the Ontario and federal governments, are helping connect tech-savvy individuals (sometimes students), $2,500 in government grants and online training with local small businesses who need help launching and expanding their online stores – while government closures remain in place.

Over 500 area small businesses were contacted throughout 2020, with 72 receiving Digital Transformation Grants, and many others accessing help from hired local individuals to go digital and increase their e-commerce sales. A total of $487,345 in funding has been provided to small businesses in Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes by Ontario in Digital Service and Business Grants since the program was announced. Read the full story here.

Making money out of CO2 waste

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 19:15:00 GMT

One company’s emissions are another company’s opportunity.

Air Liquide Canada on Friday officially opened its carbon dioxide recovery plant here, located in the Johnstown industrial park on the grounds of Greenfield Ethanol.

The Air Liquide facility, which has been operating since late last August, captures raw CO2 from Greenfield’s waste feed and turns it into liquefied CO2 gas, for use mainly in the food, water treatment and manufacturing industries.

Local dignitaries held the official ribbon-cutting for the facility, which represents an investment of more than $30 million and has created 10 jobs. Read the full story.

Nana B's Bakery: Three generations make the bread rise

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 12:45:00 GMT

Three generations of women stand around a metal worktable –kneading, cutting and rolling dough.

Anne Barr, her daughter Leia Richards, and one of the three granddaughters Allison, Emily or Hannah Richards are up and at it by 6 a.m. getting the baguettes, breads and pastries ready for the morning rush of customers who’ll arrive at 8 a.m. The girls take turns for the morning shifts. Read the full story.

July 31 - Economic Development Cash for Gan, TLTI

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 12:45:00 GMT

The Ontario government is committed to helping local economies get back on track after the COVID-19 lockdowns, MPP Steve Clark said on Friday.

“More than ever, our local communities need assistance to attract new investment to create and retain employment as our economy reopens,” Clark, the MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, said outside Gananoque town hall.

Clark, who is also municipal affairs minister, said his government is releasing $105,000 for Gananoque and the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands (TLTI) to hire a project coordinator.

Read the full story.

Port Day celebrates local economy

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 16:15:00 GMT

It is a celebration of what the Port of Johnstown means to the community and the region.

The 2018 edition of Port Day took place on Saturday. The third annual event gave the public a chance to visit the facility, located beside the St. Lawrence River just west of the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge. Read the full story.

Prescott celebrates new firehall

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 14:15:00 GMT

Sunlight poured through the bay doors of Prescott’s new 14,000-square-foot firehall Sunday afternoon, lighting the way for a stream of visitors eager to view the facility.

The firehall officially went into service last fall, but the public viewing was delayed to complete finishing touches and to accommodate busy summer schedules, said Fire Chief Barry Moorhouse.

Read the full story.

Merrickville school deemed 'best in the world'

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 11:00:00 GMT

A private school in Merrickville now has some significant bragging rights. Earlier this month, the Merrick Preparatory School was recognized as the best in the world through the Secondary Learning and International Impact Award.

It’s like the “Academy Awards” for the education sector, said Kevin Farrell, the school’s headmaster.

The PIEoneer Awards, which awarded the best in the world title to the local school, are based in London, England, and celebrate innovation and achievements across the globe in the education sector for secondary schools teaching from Grades 9 to 12. Read the full article.

COVID-19

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 16:00:00 GMT

The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office is receiving information on the impact of COVID-19 on business and our region from various sources. Go to the COVID-19 page.

Kemptville College officially changing hands

Sat, 17 Mar 2018 12:45:00 GMT

The municipality will officially acquire a "large portion" of the former Kemptville College from the province later this month, it confirmed on Thursday.

After reaching an agreement in principle with the province in November, the sale was made official in late December and will see the Municipality of North Grenville assume ownership of most of the 633-acre campus - a site where the University of Guelph previously delivered agricultural programming - and transform it into an "education and community hub." Read full story.

Counties businesses feeling upbeat

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 14:30:00 GMT

Business owners are upbeat about the future of Leeds and Grenville with 40 per cent saying they would be expanding during the next 18 months.

Those expansion plans are forecast to create 349 new jobs and increase commercial and industrial floor space by 139,390 square feet, according to a Business Expansion and Retention study of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

The survey of counties’ businesses found that another 48 per cent of the companies plan on keeping their business at the status quo while only 13 per cent predict that they will be downsizing, relocating, selling or closing. Read the full story here.

Learn more about the BR+E Project here.

Greenergy invests in Johnstown to provide more stable fuel supply in Eastern Ontario

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 19:15:00 GMT

Read the full story.

Canopy Growth sells former Smiths Falls, Ont. chocolate factory back to Hershey Canada

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 20:15:00 GMT

Hershey Canada is returning to Smiths Falls, Ont., buying back its former chocolate factory in the eastern Ontario community

Canopy Growth Corp. announced Thursday that it has signed an agreement to sell its Hershey Drive facility to chocolate maker Hershey Canada for $53 million.

Read the full story.

Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit highlights Regional Strengths and Challenges

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 20:30:00 GMT

Housing affordability, labour challenges and local companies stepping up to help fight the pandemic were the top highlights at the 13th annual Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit.

More than 165 business leaders, municipal, provincial, and federal government officials, as well as not-for-profit and support service representatives, viewed the day-long virtual summit via live webcam.

Parks Canada Invests $12M in improvements to eastern Ontario heritage sites

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 14:30:00 GMT

Parks Canada announced Monday at the Fort Henry Discovery Centre that four heritage sites, including Fort Henry in Kingston, are to share $12.191 million in funding for infrastructure projects.

Other projects receiving funding are Fort Wellington in Prescott, Laurier House in Ottawa and Sir John Johnson House in the village of Williamstown, 25 kilometres northeast of Cornwall.

Read the full story.

Beginning of a new era at former Kemptville College facility

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 13:45:00 GMT

Kemptville College’s Parish Hall was the gathering place where farmers and agricultural enthusiasts gathered for the North Grenville Rural Summit conference April 7.

Meeting rooms in the former University of Guelph (U of G) educational facility were set up to host a trade show and several presentations on agricultural businesses including beekeeping, farmer’s markets, organic egg production, Canada Revenue Agency tips for farmers, drones, flower production, ways to link rural reaches through high-speed internet and agri-tourism. Read the full story.

Will the offline shoppers return? Two 'destination' retailers hope so

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 17:15:00 GMT

As much as the online world of retail is enticing, it can’t replace the joys of a road trip and an old-fashioned shopping experience.

This is especially true for two retailers in Eastern Ontario — Kilborn’s on the Rideau, a department store in Newboro, and Seasons of Westport, a boutique selling women’s fashion and accessories.

One is a destination store, while the other is in a destination town. Read the full story.

Brockville General Hospital celebrates opening of Donald B. Green Tower

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 18:30:00 GMT

Brockville General Hospital celebrated the opening of its new Donald B. Green Tower and the completion of its Phase II Redevelopment Project recently. The inpatient tower, which has begun accepting patients, provides care teams with the up-to-date facilities needed to deliver advanced, patient-centered medical care.

Stantec provided full architectural and interior design services, as well as mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering services.

The Phase II Redevelopment Project combines all inpatient programs and services under one roof with palliative care, inpatient rehabilitation, integrated stroke unit, complex medical management, and inpatient mental health programs relocated to the new tower. The 175,000-square-foot tower, situated at the hospital's Charles Street site, features 93 patient beds, increasing the total bed count to more than 160. Read the full story here.

Local Business Benefits from Digital Main Street

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 18:00:00 GMT

A local business is singing the praises of Ontario’s Digital Main Street program.

Digital Main Street (DMS) was first launched in 2016 by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas to support Toronto businesses in improving their online presence. In 2018, the Ontario Business Improvement Association (OBIA) and the Ontario Government partnered to expand the program to include all Ontario municipalities through a $12 million DMS program over two years. Since then, the program has received additional funding from both the Province of Ontario and the Federal Government.

DMS provides several different tools meant to help downtown small businesses expand their online capabilities. Read the full story.

Small towns, big opportunities: Why immigrants are moving away from urban centres

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 16:45:00 GMT

If there’s anything that the pandemic has proven, it is that there’s life beyond the big cities. Tens of thousands of people have left urban centres like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver in favour of small town Canada. For newcomers, the lure of cheaper housing, more space and more opportunity has them looking further afield. For rural communities, the challenge is to balance progress while preserving their unique histories. Read the full story.

North Grenville is officially Canada's Most Active Community

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 18:15:00 GMT

Over 2,000 residents, and 20 organizations, tracked over 9.9 million minutes for North Grenville in ParticipACTION’s Community Better Challenge over the month of June. On July 26, ParticipACTION officially announced that North Grenville is Canada’s Most Active Community. Read the full story.

Housing one of the issues at the Economic Development Summit

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 20:15:00 GMT

The 13th annual Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit brought 250 viewers together from business leaders, municipal, provincial and federal government officials, as well as not-for-profit and support service representatives.

The day-long live webcast included a joint presentation by 3M Canada Brockville and Greenfield Global Johnstown on their multi-million dollar local investments in the past year to increase N95 respirators and medical grade alcohol production in the continued fight against COVID-19. Read the full article.

Regional wineries, bakeries welcome rise of culinary tourism, including corporate events

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:30:00 GMT

From bakery trails to guided wine tours, culinary tourism is becoming a popular way for locals and tourists to discover some of Eastern Ontario’s “best-kept secrets,” providing a boost for regional businesses.

In the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (UCLG), the Fresh-Baked Adventures Trail is the latest – but certainly not the only – approach to culinary tourism, guiding participants to bakeries and cafes across the area.

“We did a new tourism strategy in 2022 so that we were strategic in our approach to supporting the revitalization from COVID and were making sure we support the (tourism) industry coming back,” said Ann Weir, economic development manager with UCLG. “Part of it is bringing new experiences to the region and culinary tourism is one of the top areas of growth that will be a growing area for years to come.”

Read the full article here.

Township Advances in Jobs Challenge

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 13:15:00 GMT

Edwardsburg Cardinal has moved a step closer to being selected by the provincial government as the potential site of a large-scale manufacturing plant.

Read the full story.

Funds for expansion at Kemptville high school

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 21:00:00 GMT

KEMPTVILLE – It may be brand new, but the high school here is about to get a whole lot bigger.

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) announced Thursday North Grenville District High School (NGDHS) – a 78,500-square-foot high school which just opened in Kemptville in September 2012 with a capacity of around 700 students – is getting $6.6 million from the province to increase capacity by over 200 students.

The recently-announced funding is intended to create approximately 221 additional spaces for students, for a total of approximately 912 spaces. Read full story.

New plant slated for Johnstown

Thu, 18 Oct 2018 21:30:00 GMT

An Ontario company has chosen Johnstown to become the first North American site of a recycling operation that uses a unique technology to turn plastics into light diesel oil and natural gas.

Grant Lawson, president of BBL Energy Inc., said the company will take such “dirty” plastic waste as water bottles, food containers like margarine tubs, plastic bags, hospital waste, straws and industrial drums. This plastic is now plugging up landfills because it can’t be recycled.

The company’s same machines also can transform tires and used oil into energy, he said.

Lawson said his company is closing a deal to buy the Prescott Machine and Welding property at Johnstown. It plans to renovate the building to have the new operation up and running by the end of March. Read the full story.

Shell invests $16M in Brockville plant

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 14:30:00 GMT

Shell Canada is investing $16 million to expand its Brockville plant in 2019.

Plant manager Kelly McKinnon told the Leeds and Grenville economic development department that Shell Canada Products will use the money to install the next generation, state-of-the-art equipment at the plant located at 250 Laurier Blvd.

The new equipment will allow the company to increase production and efficiency, McKinnon said. Read the full story.

Province chips in for Canarm

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 17:00:00 GMT

The provincial government is contributing more than half a million dollars to a Brockville manufacturer’s ongoing expansion.

Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark on Friday announced Canarm Ltd. is getting $562,000 through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund toward its multimillion-dollar facility expansion.

Clark, who is also the province’s municipal affairs minister, said the expansion will create 12 new jobs and support 160 existing ones at the Parkedale Avenue plant.

Read the full story.

Locals get $1.4M boost for virtual reality tech

Tue, 21 May 2019 14:00:00 GMT

“Think of it like virtual job sampling.”

That’s how Harrison Olajos, chief executive officer of tech firm UP360 Inc., described a new, locally-developed virtual-reality project that is getting a $1.4-million funding boost from the Ontario government.

Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark was at the Employment and Education Centre (EEC) office Tuesday morning to announce the government is contributing $1,424,031 to help the EEC develop virtual reality (VR) software, creating “virtual career exploration modules.” Read the full story.

Local firms make Best Managed list

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 14:30:00 GMT

As its majority owner was being honoured by the local business community Thursday, workers and management at Canarm Ltd. were still celebrating another year among Canada’s Best Managed Companies.

The Brockville-based manufacturer is one of a handful of local companies that are on the extensive list. Read the full story.

Canarm expansion celebrated

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 18:30:00 GMT

In an ever-uncertain manufacturing economy, Canarm is one company that isn’t going anywhere.

That’s the message company officials and local politicians sought to reinforce on a balmy lunch hour Friday and the ventilation manufacturer officially put shovels in the ground for the expansion of its Parkedale Avenue facility.

“Here we grow again,” said Canarm president and chief operating officer Jim Cooper as employees joined the groundbreaking ceremony.

“We stand on the ground our founders decided was home,” he added.

“We will always call this home, so building here is very special.” Read the full story.

Brockville manufacturer Northern Cables creates jobs in Eastern Ontario with latest expansion

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 19:15:00 GMT

Brockville-based power cable manufacturer Northern Cables is setting itself up for the next few years of growth with an 80,000-square-foot expansion of one of its plants.

With two manufacturing plants in Brockville and one in Prescott, Northern Cables invests in plant expansions every few years, said president Todd Stafford. The latest expansion, which aims to increase manufacturing capacity at the original Brockville plant at 50 California Ave., will accommodate future plans for two additional production lines and “incremental” growth each year.

“That plant has been expanded twice now. By adding to that building space, we can add equipment and processes every year and add two, three, even four years of growth,” explained Stafford. “It won’t be much of a production increase immediately, it might help us five or 10 per cent in industrial growth, but now we have the space for more and more equipment.

Read the full article.

Contract Awarded to Build Skyview 2 Battery Energy Storage System in Edwardsburgh Cardinal

Wed, 15 May 2024 15:00:00 GMT

The Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal is pleased to announce that PR Development LP has been awarded a contract by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to build and operate a cutting-edge battery energy storage system named Skyview 2 right here in our community. PR Development LP is an affiliate of Potentia Renewables Inc., and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. Read the full story.

Hotel near Gan casino gets nod

Sun, 13 May 2018 16:15:00 GMT

The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands has given the green light to construction of a new hotel across from the Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands. Read the full story.

Local cannabis facility gets green light from Health Canada

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 15:45:00 GMT

Fleurish Cannabis Inc. got a licence to grow from Health Canada. The company, which set up shop just outside of Oxford Station, is moving forward with growing cannabis in its 20,000 square foot facility. The licence came through on August 3. Fleurish founder Renée Ellison established the company in 2013. Incoming Chief Marketing Officer Mary Beth Williamson says it’s been a long process getting to this point. Read the full story.

Entrepreneur's towering vision for environmental innovation gaining fans in Maitland

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 19:00:00 GMT

A rustic stone structure that’s been a towering beacon in a St. Lawrence Seaway community for nearly two centuries is set to become a symbol of cutting-edge economic development thanks to an entrepreneur’s tireless efforts. Read the full story.

High-Speed internet coming to Rideau Lakes

Sat, 25 Apr 2020 19:45:00 GMT

Some households in Rideau Lakes Township will soon get access to reliable, high-speed internet through a new private-municipal partnership. Read the full story.

Gananoque's Cardinal Health hiring 'as quickly as we can'

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 20:15:00 GMT

A world leading manufacturer of medical devices and pharmaceuticals is planning another expansion and adding more jobs in Gananoque.

David Leonard, manufacturing director of the Gananoque operations for Cardinal Health, gave an overview of the company Friday to attendees at the Leeds-Grenville Economic Development Summit.

“The impact that our products made right here in Gananoque have on people. When you enter into the medical system and the hospital system, it touches everyone, and that’s pretty special,” Leonard said. Read the full story.

Bring on the bugs: Kemptville couple start insect-based skincare line

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 17:00:00 GMT

Some might suggest that, as our population increases, we’ll have to turn to insects for sustainable products and sustenance. However, for most of us in the Western world, there’s a huge ‘ick’ factor to overcome.

Thomas Clark, a mechanical engineer living in Kemptville, believes he can change that with a line of skincare products made from insect fats and oils.

Read the full story.

Ford promises $680 million for internet

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 19:30:00 GMT

The provincial government is investing $680 million more to expand broadband across Ontario, bringing smiles to Eastern Ontario municipal officials who have been lobbying for improvements to rural internet.

In making the announcement Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford said the money, offered over six years, will top up the earlier-announced $315-million fund for broadband and internet improvements, bringing the province’s total investment to close to $1 billion. Read the full story here.

River Route Public Transit Service

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 15:45:00 GMT

Ride the River Route

Starting August 30th, 2021, the River Route will use a City of Brockville bus (thanks to their generous in-kind donation) starting in Brockville, to take commuters to popular workplaces in Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh Cardinal in a 2-hour loop, 6 times per weekday from 5:30am – 5:30pm. Stops near Invista, Giant Tiger Distribution Centre and Ingredion Canada are strategically located to serve large employment areas, although residents will also be able to take advantage of the service for shopping or errands with additional stops at Canada Post in Maitland; Prescott’s Independent Grocer and Canadian Tire; as well as the Village Square Mall in Cardinal.

Only $5 to ride.

Visit RiverRoute.ca for more details.

Paving the way for County Road 43

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 19:45:00 GMT

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville has hit the road running on its $23-million plan to widen County Road 43.

Although the ink is barely dry on the provincial government’s endorsement of the counties’ application for $5 million in federal infrastructure money, counties council quickly gave the green light this week to spending $150,000 to lay the groundwork for the widening to start in 2020. Read the full story.

Here we grow again

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Leeds and Grenville has grown by 3.5 per cent since 2016 to bring it to a population of 104,070 residents, according to the 2021 federal census.

The growth was led by North Grenville, which ballooned by 9.2 per cent to make it the fastest-growing municipality in the region, the new StatsCan figures show.

Read the full story.

Canada and Ontario Invest in New Recreational Complex for the Town of Prescott

Mon, 03 May 2021 14:45:00 GMT

Canadians everywhere are feeling the impact of COVID-19 on their families, their livelihoods, and their way of life. Together, Canada and Ontario are working to reduce the impact of the pandemic, ensure health and safety, rebuild businesses, and promote job creation, growth and investment.

Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Neil Ellis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte; the Honourable Steve Clark, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Member of Provincial Parliament for Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, on behalf of The Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; and His Worship Brett Todd, Mayor of the Town of Prescott, announced joint funding for a new multi-use recreational centre in Prescott.

The Government of Canada is investing over $5.3 million in this project through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is providing more than $4.4 million, while the Town of Prescott is contributing over $3.5 million. Read the full story.

Newest tenant at Kemptville Campus growing proteins by design

Sat, 27 Mar 2021 18:30:00 GMT

Agricultural research is making its return to the Kemptville Campus.

Proteins Easy, a biotech company with roots in Ottawa, has expanded to the campus greenhouses where they will conduct research, utilize the facilities to grow host plants for various proteins, and do commercial production. Read the full story.

North Grenville receives $36,000 for completion of Kemptville Campus master plan

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 13:15:00 GMT

More exciting news has come for the Kemptville Campus Education and Community Hub.

During his visit to town on Aug. 9, MPP Steve Clark announced on the college grounds that the provincial government is contributing $36,000 through their Rural Economic Development (RED) program to see the completion of the campus master plan.

Read the full story.

Ontario Supporting Frontline Correctional Officers in Eastern Ontario

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 21:15:00 GMT

Upgrades Will Improve Public Safety, Modernize Facilities and Support Economic Recovery

Ontario is making strategic investments in public safety and strengthening justice services by modernizing the adult correctional system across Eastern Ontario. New construction and building upgrades will update facilities, address issues of overcrowding, and create new spaces for the delivery of mental health services, inmate programming and staff training. Read the full story.

Port of Johnstown gets $2M to dry grain

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 20:15:00 GMT

The Port of Johnstown is getting a $2-million federal investment to improve its grain facilities.

Liberal MP Francis Drouin, parliamentary secretary to the minister of agriculture and agri-food, on Friday morning announced the investment, under the Agricultural Clean Technologies Program, towards the purchase and installation of a new grain dryer for the port.

Dry grain is what drives the industry and brings in the dollars.

“The new technology,” Drouin said, “will raise the bar on efficiency and sustainability in grain processing. This project will help local producers to dry grain more efficiently and deliver more grain to market sooner, preventing grain spoilage, which is a perennial problem for producers in wet seasons, like this one.”

Read the full story.

Local crafter of vintage wooden boats gets on board with newer, cleaner technologies

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 17:30:00 GMT

As aesthetically pleasing as they can be, vintage wooden boats, by their very nature, are noisy, water-polluting crafts that guzzle fossil fuels.

However, a new generation and changing attitudes are driving a shift in the wooden boat industry, says Andrew Lee, owner of Sirens Boatworks in Merrickville.

Read the full story.

More awards for railway tunnel

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 20:30:00 GMT

The Brockville Railway Tunnel Committee on Wednesday was the winner of two Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) awards: Physical Infrastructure and Redevelopment, both in the 10,000 to 50,000 population categories. Read full story.

Area producer reviving Kemptville College maple stand

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 18:00:00 GMT

Frank Heerkens is a maple syrup producer based in Chesterville. He’s also, as of this year, the president of the Ontario Maple Producers’ Association, so he knows a thing or two about maple syrup.

“My partner and I were looking for more taps. I already knew about the Kemptville College maple stand, and saw an opportunity, so I came up here and did a tour, and realized we could probably get this thing back up and running again with relatively little work,” said Heerkens. Read the full story.

Ontario cannabis company to sell Hershey facility back to Hershey for $53 million

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:30:00 GMT

Canopy Growth Corp. says it has signed a deal to sell its facility in Smiths Falls, Ont., that was once home to a Hershey chocolate factory back to the chocolate maker.

Read the full story.

'Boutique hospitality' venues feed post-pandemic hunger for corporate retreats, getaways

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 19:30:00 GMT

At least two “boutique hospitality” companies in Eastern Ontario are catering to a growing desire for corporate retreats that are a nice getaway for Zoomed-out employees looking to reconnect, but not too far from home.

“We see an opportunity to serve the business community with the perfect collaborative work retreat,” says Marilou Arends, co-owner of Maple & Rose, formerly Mill Isle Bed & Breakfast, in Merrickville.

“The trend that we’re seeing is people wanting to stay a bit closer to home; do some travelling, but stay close and staying local is definitely coming up a lot more,” says Kate Folk, who is the general manager and co-owner of Maple & Rose alongside Arends.

Read the full story.

A revitalized campus

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 13:45:00 GMT

KEMPTVILLE – It’s been a long time coming, but the old Kemptville College is officially in North Grenville’s hands – and at no cost to the local taxpayer.

A significant partnership with the local French public school board will not only help alleviate part of the $7.7 million price tag for the property, but will also see students in kindergarten to Grade 12 learning on campus starting this fall. Read the full story.

Westport's Royal Connection

Fri, 18 May 2018 14:15:00 GMT

While Joel Kimmel may not be attending the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19, the Ottawa-born illustrator’s connection to the soon-to-be royal couple will be forever etched in history.

The artist was commissioned by the Royal Canadian Mint to sketch the couple’s image for the commemorative coin that was launched Wednesday, 10 days before the much-anticipated wedding, which will be held at St. George’s Chapel inside the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Kimmel, 37, who lives in Westport, has sketched more than 25 images for the Mint. He spent the better part of the winter working on the special collector coin. As the snow fell, Kimmel began the creative process in his quintessentially Canadian backyard studio — once a canoe repair shop — and sketched the image inspired by the couple’s official engagement photo, using both pencil and paper and a digital drawing program on his tablet. Read the full story.

Beer and Cider in Ontario Grocery Stores are Helping Small Breweries Expand

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 18:15:00 GMT

More grocery stores in Ontario can now stock alcohol.

This week 87 more stores across the province started stocking beer and cider on their shelves. Sean Lucey of Windmill Brewery says this is great for smaller breweries. Read the full story.

Giant Tiger officially opens high-tech distribution centre to fuel growth

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 18:30:00 GMT

600,000 square foot Johnstown facility equipped with advanced robotics to support rapid expansion

Ottawa, Sept. 27, 2018 /CNW/ - Giant Tiger Stores Limited, the leading Canadian discount retailer, is proud to announce that its state-of-the-art distribution centre in Johnstown, Ontario is now fully operational. The centre, which has 300 full-time employees and counting, supports Giant Tiger's carefully planned growth strategy, which commits to opening 15 stores per year across Canada. Read the full story.

Brockville makes it onto list of most active cities in Canada

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 14:00:00 GMT

May it be weathering the cold temperatures, hiking on the sweltering days or diving in the rough waters, the people of Brockville proved they can still be busy and energetic.

The City of Brockville was recently named the seventh most active city in the country by Expedia.

Listed in the top third of the ranking for all the cities in Canada, Brockville was lauded for its outdoor sports and hiking options. Read the full story.

Ontario Bringing High-Speed Internet Access to More Communities Across the Province

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 18:15:00 GMT

Funding supports connectivity for over 900 homes and businesses

RIDEAU LAKES – The Ontario government is providing nearly $1.5 million to help bring high-speed internet access to more than 900 homes and businesses across the province. The funding will support connectivity in four underserved and unserved communities and help to ensure every household and business can participate in today’s economy.

Read the full story.

Ontario Partners with Federal Government and 3M Canada on New N95 Respirator Manufacturing Facility in Brockville

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 22:30:00 GMT

Expanded Manufacturing Facility Will Secure Domestic Supply Well into the Future.

The Ontario and federal governments are partnering with 3M Canada to expand its Brockville, Ontario manufacturing facility to produce made-in-Ontario N95 respirators. Both levels of government are investing $23.33 million to support 3M's capital investment of $70 million. The expanded facility will produce enough respirators to meet private sector, provincial and North American market demand throughout the pandemic and beyond.

The announcement was made today on the site of the expansion by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford, Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and Vic Fedeli, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Read the full story.

Digital Main Street boosts business

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 22:45:00 GMT

From bricks to clicks and then back to bricks.

That’s how the executive director of the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) described the Digital Main Street program.

Kay Matthews was joined by elected officials in the clock park in downtown Spencerville on Friday afternoon to acknowledge a grant of $127,345 that will be used to fund “digital service squads” in the Leeds and Grenville area.

All 13 local municipalities collaborated with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville to secure the grant. Funding is provided by FedDev Ontario. Read the full story.

Just over $6M for St. Lawrence College

Sun, 21 Mar 2021 16:00:00 GMT

BROCKVILLE – The province is providing more cash to St. Lawrence College to help it weather financial challenges due to the pandemic.

The college is getting $6.4 million, the Ontario government announced Friday.

The money is part of a nearly $107 million spend on post-secondary schools.

St. Lawrence College CEO Glenn Vollebregt says the money will have a “remarkable and immediate impact” with “increased stability” in many areas of college operations.

SLC has campuses in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall.

Read the story.

Ongoing Gate Replacements on the Rideau Canal

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 15:45:00 GMT

Gates are often used to keep people out, but Parks Canada prefers to invite you in! Gates are often the first interaction a boater has with each lock site; the eager anticipation of approaching the lock; watching for the little whirlpool on the water as the gate first begins to open, and entering the lock chamber that leads to a world of adventure only the boater can design. For these reasons, a fresh gate is part of the unique and picturesque experience visitors have come to expect. They are also one of the most essential components in lock operation. As the Rideau sees on average over 11,000 boaters a year, effective and well maintained gates are essential for the safety and positive experience of boaters and visitors on land.

Many gates are being replaced along the Rideau Canal over the next few years as part of Parks Canada’s Infrastructure Investment program. See attached pdf for the full story.

Ontario vows to keep tourism, culture afloat

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 12:45:00 GMT

The Ontario government’s aim is to keep the province’s cultural and heritage institutions afloat until the COVID-19 crisis has passed, Tourism Minister Lisa MacLeod said Friday.

“Our goal right now is to create resiliency in those sectors so that they can survive and eventually thrive again,” MacLeod said outside the Brockville Museum during a whistle-stop tour of tourist attractions in Leeds and Grenville. Read more...

Regional Roadtrips: Alpaca trekking and savoury Spanish delights await in Leeds and Grenville

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 16:45:00 GMT

Have you ever heard an alpaca orgle?

I haven’t, but at least I now know what orgling is, thanks to a recent visit to Little Foot Alpacas. At this farm just outside Spencerville, about 50 minutes south of Ottawa, co-owner Caroline Bingley dishes up fascinating facts about these lovable South American mammals.

Orgling is something that only a true alpaca fan like Bingley could call “singing.” (I googled it later and decided the noise sounded more like a sputtering car engine.) Male alpacas sing their “songs” to attract the attention of a female alpaca. She chooses her favourite orgler and they head off to make a baby alpaca.

Read the full story.

Rotary Park: Mission accomplished

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 16:30:00 GMT

After eight years and three million dollars, the Rotary Park Revitalization Committee is winding down and saying: “Mission Accomplished.”

The volunteer committee is hosting an evening of entertainment at the now-vibrant west-end park on Friday evening as a way of celebrating its success and thanking all who helped in the effort. Read the full story.

Made-in-Ontario N95 Respirators begin Rolling off the Production Line at the 3M Brockville Plant

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 19:15:00 GMT

Provincial and federal investment helps secure domestic supply chain for vital PPE

Made-in-Ontario N95 respirators have started rolling off the production line at 3M's Brockville plant. About 700,000 N95 respirators are being shipped from the plant this week, with the first wave of this vital PPE set to arrive at health care, education and other public-sector institutions. These new masks will provide frontline workers with the protection they need in the continued fight against COVID-19, and ensure Ontario and Canada has a reliable supply in the event of any future outbreaks. Read the full story.

Big plans for Maitland

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 16:30:00 GMT

A not-for-profit economic development organization, which has succeeded in attracting biochemical plants to Sarnia, Ont., is now targeting Eastern Ontario for expansion. Read the full story.

Regional Roadtrips: A tiny village with outsize attractions, Newboro is worth a visit in any season

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:30:00 GMT

The tiny Rideau Lakes village of Newboro (population: 262) punches far above its weight when it comes to amusements for road trippers. Roughly 90 minutes southwest of Ottawa, it is home to an art school, a soap maker, a fishing gear shop, and a rambling country store that seems to have swallowed up half the community.

Read the full story.

Kemptville's Bayfield Manor to double capacity with 94 new long-term care beds, expansion

Sun, 17 Mar 2019 19:00:00 GMT

Project to create 100 new local jobs

As the baby boomer population ages, communities across Canada are seeing a growing need for more retirement and long-term care facilities.

In North Grenville, there are a number of new developments in the works to meet this need. A recent announcement from the province declares that Bayfield Manor nursing home in Kemptville will receive 94 new long-term care beds, which will more than double the facility’s capacity. Read the full story.