The Township of Rideau Lakes Economic Development Committee is pleased to announce this year’s winners of the Business Recognition Awards.

Thank you to all those who nominated our deserving businesses. Over 40 nominations were received in appreciation of 24 local businesses who have contributed to the community.

Congratulations to the 2021 Rideau Lakes Business Recognition Award Winners:

From Left: Mayor Arie Hoogenboom, Melanie Scott, Kevin Scott, MPP Steve Clark, Jane Malloy, Alex Davison, Warden Roger Haley and Rideau Lakes Councillor Cathy Livingston.

Sunnyside Family Retreat was awarded the Rideau Lakes Business of the Year Award. Operating for 30 years in Rideau Lakes, Sunnyside offers a seasonal waterfront experience for 157 families each year. The Scott family has provided continued and safe employment to many local residents over the years, attracted and retained multi-generational visitors by offering great programming (fishing, hiking, boating, outdoor cooking) including some international visitors, that support the local economy and some became new residents to the area. At the same time, they have supported other local businesses in difficult times by being good customers. Sunnyside Family Retreat has supported the community through volunteerism, coaching hockey, donating to charities, contributing to student bursaries, the foodbank, sports and local events and hosted fundraisers resulting in donations of $150,000 for the Children’s Aid Society.

From Left: Mayor Arie Hoogenboom, Ben Canning, MPP Steve Clark, Warden Roger Haley.

Ben Canning of Arctic Acres takes home the Young Entrepreneur Award. Arctic Acres is a 3-year-old company staffing 8 full-time employees with headquarters and manufacturing operations in Portland Ontario, providing high quality geodesic greenhouses and sustainable horticultural solutions. Born and raised in Rideau Lakes, Ben founded the company in 2019, matching his advanced knowledge of year-round growing systems from his experience in Nunavut with his business acumen. Ben received his bachelor of commerce degree in Entrepreneurship from Ryerson University and certificate of New Ventures Leadership from MIT. With demand surging, Arctic Acres continues to navigate global supply chains to ensure that raw materials are available to meet the growing need for secure food sources across Canada.

From Left: Mayor Arie Hoogenboom, Lyn Wills, Steve Gordanier, MPP Steve Clark, Warden Roger Haley.

The Business Innovation Award was awarded to Gordanier Grocery for their new grocery delivery program for the disabled and shut-ins launched during the pandemic. Out of community need, Gordanier Grocery expanded their services to offer a much-needed home delivery service, introduced payment by e-transfer, curbside pickup options and telephone orders at no additional cost. This level of exceptional customer service and the extraordinary way they handled the pandemic and its restrictions helped people in the community feel safe during difficult times, through their honest, clean, well-organized and well supervised services.

The Economic Development Committee also wishes to recognize all the deserving nominees for the awards, which include Brown’s Marina, Elgin Drugs, Franklin’s Marina, French’s Trucking, Hartin’s Wheel Alignment and Auto Repair, Hidden Garden Floral Designs, Janet Wykes Barrister and Solicitor, Kilborn’s Stirling Lodge, Michael’s Hair Styling, O’Hearn’s Garage, Raymond Marine Services, RCL Automotive, Recess Café, Rideau Lakes Castle Building Centre, Sand Lake Marine, Scotland Funeral Home, Suzette’s Hair Shop, Station Café Portland, W.C. Gasworks, Wills Transfer, and Wykes Boat Repair.

Committee Chair, Cathy Livingston remarked “Rideau Lakes is fortunate to have such a dedicated business community. We commend you for sharing your talents and expertise within our small villages and wish you continued success in the future.”

Mayor Hoogenboom further noted, “Our Council greatly appreciates the outstanding work of business owners that have made our community stronger. We are especially thankful for the help and support of our corporate sponsors this year – all from organizations that have directly contributed to the success of small business in our local communities.”

The Business Recognition Breakfast was held on April 8th at the Lombardy Agricultural Hall. MP Michael Barrett and MPP Steve Clark provided congratulatory certificates to the winners. County Warden Roger Haley and Economic Development staff representing the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville were in attendance.

The Township of Rideau Lakes would like to extend special appreciation to the sponsors of this year’s program: KPMG, The Royal Bank of Canada, and FarmDirectory-LeedsGrenville.com

The Economic Development Committee reminds all residents that Rideau Lakes is home to over 340 businesses and encourages residents and visitors to continue supporting our local establishments.

From Left: Alex Davison, Jane Malloy, Melanie Scott and Kevin Scott (Sunnyside Family Retreat),  MP Michael Barrett, Ben Canning (Arctic Acres),  Steve Gordanier and Lyn Wills (Gordanier Grocery).