Atop Rock Dunder, 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 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 said. “I think that’s where you start noticing places like Rideau Lakes are getting a lot more buzz.”

With new choices on where they operate, businesses are seeking to increase productivity in a setting that inspires – and they are choosing the Rideau. Whether for accommodation, construction, food services, health services, manufacturing, tourism, transportation or agriculture, Rideau Lakes is proving it is finally possible to achieve that coveted work-life balance.

It’s a new reality that entrepreneurs are opting to start living a life where they don’t have to compromise their personal time or lifestyle goals.

Rideau Lakes is home to one of Canada’s marquee UNESCO World Heritage destinations: the Rideau Canal. It is also one of Ontario’s premiere cottage country destinations, yet still holds tight to the relaxed vibe that urbanites crave.

“Every idea that you’ve had about what Canada is or what Ontario might look like, what it might feel like to be here: this place completely encapsulates it,” said Fiona McKean, Owner and Operator of The Opinicon in Chaffeys Lock.

As the business climate continues to shift, recent trends in remote work matched with upgrades to internet connectivity in Rideau Lakes are providing a new set of location options to the advantage of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Having spearheaded a multi-million-dollar fibre-to-the-home investment over the last three years, businesses that depend on reliable high-speed service and 5G network technologies now enjoy rural living while maintaining an urban level of internet service. Rideau Lakes has been recognized as a leader in this respect, for initiating the process and working with companies to successfully see the infrastructure in place.

This opens a whole new set of doors for businesses seeking balance in their next phase of investment or expansion. In fact, Rideau Lakes has become ultra-attractive to business owners discovering the strategic benefits of the region’s location. Lying between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, while close to the international bridge to the United States and encapsulating the world-famous Rideau Canal, Rideau Lakes is well situated for access to major centres, suppliers and high-yield markets. It all translates into the area offering deep value in terms of property and market opportunity.

Stefano Ferrante of P3 Panel Company and United Edge Structural Components, advised business owners not to overlook rural areas like Rideau Lakes when considering location. The new manufacturing base of P3 Panels was built in the northern edge of the township and offers advanced framing solutions with cutting edge technology.

“If you’re thinking about setting up a business in Ottawa or another major market, you may want to rethink that and explore the rural areas. I think they have a lot to offer,” Ferrante said, noting that working with a smaller municipality can provide greater focus, expediting project approvals and having shovels in the ground. “I think that’s a big advantage of coming to a smaller market.”

What’s more, calling Rideau Lakes home for business and living is affordable. Rural living means housing prices and cost of living is less than larger urban centres. According to the Rideau-St. Lawrence Real Estate Board, the year-to-date average price of homes sold in the Rideau Lakes region is sitting at about $486,000 – significantly lower next to bigger centres like Ottawa and Kingston.

“Anyone thinking of moving to the Rideau Lakes area, should definitely follow that instinct,” said Jim Summers, owner of the Rideau Lakes Building Centre in the heart of the township. Summers added that it’s a beautiful place to work and raise a family.

Rideau Lakes is also home to highly-regarded elementary and secondary schools, which take pride in their communities, students and staff. Schools are complemented by licensed childcare, as well as outdoor spaces, children’s activities, day camps, a bustling modern library system, sports leagues, fitness classes and active community groups.

It all adds up to turning entrepreneurial vision into reality – and businesses are certainly dreaming big in Rideau Lakes.

Explore more and hear what else business owners have to say about doing business in the township at InvestRideauLakes.ca.