Photo: 2023 Rideau Lakes Business Award Winners. From left: Mayor Arie Hoogenboom, Jess & Kody White of Stoodley’s Kitchen and Beverage (Young Entrepreneur Award), Scott Brown and Matt Parkinson of Rideau Carpentry and Construction (Business of the Year Award), Jen Pryal of Recess Café (Small Business Award), MPP Steve Clark and MP Michael Barrett.

The Township of Rideau Lakes Economic Development Committee is pleased to announce this year’s winners of the Business Recognition Awards. Thirty-four local businesses were nominated in recognition of their contributions to the community. Thank you to all of those who took the time to nominate these outstanding local businesses.

Congratulations to the 2023 Rideau Lakes Business Recognition Award Winners:

Rideau Carpentry & Construction (RCC) was awarded the Rideau Lakes Business of the Year Award. Owners Scott Brown and Matt Parkinson opened the business in late 2020, employing several local residents of the Delta and Elgin area. RCC has ensured that they are trained and certified to assist builds for the homeless, and repair homes for the local Aboriginal Housing Association. Scott, Matt and all their employees spend weeks away from their families to work on these construction projects in order to help rebuild communities.

The recipient of the Small Business Award was Recess Café. Owners Jen Pryal and Tim McMichael bravely opened a new business in Rideau Lakes during the pandemic. Recess Café chose a location in the former school in Portland and celebrate its roots by reinventing ‘recess’.  Having demonstrated flexibility, a commitment to quality food and superior service, this café is now a hot spot in the village of Portland.

Kody & Jessie White of Stoodley's Kitchen and Beverage take home the Young Entrepreneur Award in recognition of the creative spark this brother-sister duo has brought to the former Rideau Restaurant in the village of Elgin. Taking pride in their work, Kody uses fresh and local ingredients, while Jess is incredible at making guests her first priority. Stoodley’s has become known for the fresh pizza dough made daily, and a welcoming atmosphere.

The Economic Development Committee also wishes to recognize all the deserving nominees for the awards, which include:

2023 Business of the Year Award Nominees

• Baker & Son Tire Repair
• Bastard Coffee House
• Bayview Yacht Harbour
• Duncan's Appliance Sales & Service
• Elgin Drugs
• Hartin's Wheel Alignment & Auto Repair
• Hill View Holsteins & Dwyre Family Pumpkin Patch
• Leggett's Maple Sugarbush
• Poplars Resort
• Pharmasave Portland
• RCL Automotive & Tire Discounter Group
• Recess Café
• Rideau Carpentry & Construction
• Rideau Realty Limited
• SBSeward Roofing & Carpentry
• Scotland Funeral Home 
• Stirling Lodge
• Stoodley's Kitchen and Beverage 
• Thompson’s Plumbing
• The Horseman’s Way
• Turtle Hill Cottages
• Wendy's Country Market

2023 Small Business Award Nominees

• Amy's Country Cooking
• Bastard Coffee House
• B-YOU-tiful Essence
• Diggin it Nursery
• Graham's Mobile RV Repair
• Lanark Drywall 
• Leave the Books to Me
• Recess Café  
• Stacey's Oasis Spa
• Suzette's Hair Shop
• The Pie Bar
• The Tipped Ship

2023 Young Entrepreneur Award Nominees

• Mike Lanteigne of C & M Superior Systems Inc.
• George Graham of Graham's Mobile RV Repair
• Lily Bedore of Nature's Magic Photography
• Kody & Jessie White of Stoodley's Kitchen and Beverage

Committee Chair, Marcia Maxwell remarked “Rideau Lakes is fortunate to have such a dedicated business community, willing to share their talents and expertise within our small villages. On behalf of the Township, we wish you continued success and thank you for your contributions to the community.” 

Mayor Hoogenboom further noted, “Council greatly appreciates the outstanding work of business owners for their role in making the Rideau Lakes economy stronger. We are especially thankful for the support of the event’s corporate sponsors to help recognize the incredible people in our local business community.”

The Township of Rideau Lakes would like to extend special appreciation to the sponsors of this year’s program: G. Tackaberry & Sons Construction Ltd., KPMG MSLP, and RBC Royal Bank of Canada.

The Business Recognition Breakfast was held on April 5 at the Elgin Lions Community Hall.  MP Michael Barrett and MPP Steve Clark provided congratulatory scrolls for the winners. Economic Development staff representing the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville were in attendance.

The Economic Development Committee is proud to share that Rideau Lakes is home to over 440 businesses and encourages residents and visitors to continue supporting local establishments.