The Township of Rideau Lakes has been selected to host EDCO's Eastern Conference on October 2, 2025 at The Opinicon in the historic waterfront village of Chaffeys Lock.
Register at the following link: https://edco.on.ca/professional-development/regional-events/2025-regional-events-rideaulakes/
The small rural Eastern Ontario community of Rideau Lakes has been selected to host the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Eastern Conference in 2025. The Economic Development Committee has completed a series of projects in preparation for this incredible opportunity to showcase and connect with Economic Developers across Ontario.
The partner venue located in Chaffeys Lock, The Opinicon, sits alongside the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site linking Kingston and Ottawa. This exceptional world-class waterfront venue has mastered the art of hosting events and includes dedicated staff to make the experience unforgettable. The historic and charming fishing village of Chaffeys Lock has attracted investment that brought innovation and transformed the historic fishing lodge into a culinary destination. Owner Fiona McKean has restored The Opinicon to its former glory and built on its classic attraction to draw new markets, resulting in revitalization of the village and resident attraction.
Hosting EDCO's Eastern Conference will bring awareness to the advantages of doing business in Rideau Lakes, and guests will experience the growing community first-hand, which will strengthen existing business networks.
Information for Attendees
The historic Opinicon is a world class waterfront venue that specializes in providing exceptional culinary experiences, featuring seasonally inspired, fresh local ingredients, that are thoughtfully prepared. Enjoy the stunning grounds, gourmet ice cream made on site and served in the vintage ice cream shop where memories have been made for generations.
The meeting will take place in the private event space upstairs in the Alford Room overlooking the lake. The room will provide theatre seating for 50 to 70 guests and presentation area. Additional space will be made in the gallery for coffee service and breaks.
Complementary WiFi will be made available at The Opinicon for use during the event.
Event parking is available onsite.
This stunning venue location is 45 minutes from northeast of Kingston, and 45 minutes southwest of Ottawa in the heart of Eastern Ontario, along the Rideau Canal - a UNESCO world heritage site.
The village of Chaffeys Lock is home to multiple cottage style accommodation options, a grocery, beer and LCBO outlet, tourism experience providers, Parks Canada properties and a Queen’s University campus.
The Opinicon is a frequent host to special events, and has recommended an arrival snack, refreshment break, lunch in the dining room, and an afternoon break.
The Opinicon
1697 Chaffey's Lock Rd.
Elgin, ON, K0G 1E0
https://www.opinicon.com/
Event Partners
EDCO Economic Developers Council of Ontario
The Opinicon
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Economic Development Partners
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation
Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre
Small Business Advisory Centre Leeds Grenville
RTO 9 Southeastern Ontario
St. Lawrence Rideau Immigration Partnership
Ontario – Invest in Ontario
Ontario East Economic Development Commission
Eastern Workforce Innovation Board
Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus
ONTRAC
Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur
Keys Job Centre
EDAC Economic Developpers Association of Canada
