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The Township of Rideau Lakes provides planning services for both the review of development applications and the long-term planning of the community. The Township employs two planners to facilitate the review of applications, plan for the long-term growth of the Township, and help ratepayers and the development community with general zoning and development related inquiries.
Investment Ready Properties (7)
The Township maintains a database and information sheets on private and public lands available for strategic investment. Please see some examples below. Please contact the Township’s CAO, listed below, for personal and direct service, and owner introductions.
For current commercial listings, please visit: Investment Ready Properties in Rideau Lakes
If you are a property owner in Rideau Lakes and would like to see your commercial or development lands featured here, please contact the Township’s CAO, to discuss further.
The Township prides itself on being a full-service municipality. We offer quick and efficient planning and building permit services. We will provide you with guidance and advice throughout the process. While some projects benefit from, or will ultimately require, specialized third-party consultants, they are not required. Our focus is to help you as much as possible with no-cost planning and building advice, and walk you step by step through the development process as required.
We also use a model of development review that brings all applicable regulatory parties to the table in a single ‘all hands’ meeting early in the process. This includes planning, building, fire, public works, Conservation Authority, Parks Canada and others as required for your development. We find that this reduces miscommunication, holds approval parties accountable, saves developers time, and results in the best product and outcome. Let us do the regulatory coordination for you.
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Rideau Lakes is home to one of Canada’s marque UNESCO World Heritage destinations – the Rideau Canal. It is also one of Ontario’s premiere cottage country destinations. We are working diligently to define and elevate our ‘Rideau’ brand regionally and globally.
Relative to other premiere cottage country markets, such as Muskoka, Rideau Lakes offers deep value in terms of property and market opportunity. Rideau Lakes’ diverse landscape mix, connected lake system, and unique heritage and stories drive significant tourism opportunities to high-value markets focused on authentic places, unique experiences, and ecological-based tourism.
The future of working is changing. As such, Rideau Lakes spearheaded a multi-million-dollar fibre-to-the-home investment over the last three years. Businesses that rely 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.
The Township is committed to the renewal of our villages as the commercial and social hubs of our community. Major public investments, such as over $1M in streetscape renewal in the village of Elgin, demonstrate our unparalleled commitment to our villages. Explore how your business could benefit from being strategically located in one of our villages, which each provide unique access to different local markets, amenity nodes, and travel corridors.
Farm consolidation opportunities, local elevators and agri-services, and access to seasonal resident and urban markets provide significant opportunities for major cash cropping as well as niche local foods.
Join us, and explore what a future for you and your business could look like in Rideau Lakes.
Quality of Life
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.
Maybe it’s the natural beauty, maybe it’s the friendly, hard-working people, maybe it’s inspiring landscapes and the relaxed way of life, the affordability, prime location or waterfront lifestyle – whatever the reason, businesses are dreaming big in Rideau Lakes.
“I think Rideau Lakes also offers a great balance of escapism, where it feels like we're always on vacation at a cottage, but close to all the amenities we could ever need.” – Elizabeth Wheeler, Secondhand Stories
Strategic Location
Rideau Lakes offers deep value in terms of property and market opportunity. It’s part of a wave of entrepreneurial businesses that are discovering the strategic benefits of the region’s location. Lying between Toronto and Ottawa/Montreal, while close to the international bridge to the United States and encapsulating the world-famous Rideau Canal, Rideau Lakes is in the centre of it all.
Fibre Connectivity
The future of working is changing. As such, Rideau Lakes spearheaded a multi-million-dollar fibre-to-the-home investment over the last three years. Businesses that rely 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.
Affordability
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.
Availability of Services
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.
The Village Effect
Within a supportive business community, more entrepreneurs are seeing the future in Rideau Lakes; defining and elevating their brands while living their best life and being welcomed like family.
Whether a current business owner or looking to establish a business or invest in the community, Rideau Lakes facilitates connections with local businesses and economic development agencies to help turn ideas into reality.
"The recognition given to the small businesses, from a supportive community makes a world of difference." - Phoenix Berry, Phoenix Rising Equestrian Centre
“…it's the people that make Rideau Lakes what it is. There's no doubt it's a beautiful area, but with every new meeting or introduction we've realized we're truly home and where we need to be in order to grow and flourish.” – Elizabeth Wheeler, Secondhand Stories
It all adds up to turning entrepreneurial vision into reality – and businesses are certainly dreaming big in Rideau Lakes.
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United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office
Works with investors as well as new and existing businesses and industries to provide new opportunities for our communities.
https://invest.leedsgrenville.com/en/index.aspx
Digital Services:
Valley Heartland Innovation Centre
Valley Heartland CFDC is dedicated to stimulating job creation, economic growth through business and community development and diversification of small towns and rural communities in the area they service.
Serving Lanark County and North Leeds County Including: Beckwith, Carleton Place, Drummond/North Elmsley, Elizabethtown-Kitley, Lanark Highlands, Merrickville-Wolford, Mississippi Mills, Montague, Perth, Rideau Lakes, Smiths Falls, Tay Valley, Westport.
The CFDCs are supported by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and offer the following services:
- strategic community planning and socio-economic development;
- support for community-based projects;
- business support services; and
- access to financing.
Launch Lab Partnership
Valley Heartland and Launch Lab have developed a partnership and collaborative approach to supporting our entrepreneurs where we host 'intake days' on Thursdays when we bring in prospective clients to meet with Launch Lab for an hour, to see if both the entrepreneur and Launch Lab feel that there is a good fit and where Launch Lab can offer guidance and advice suited to fostering growth and success of the entrepreneur.
Learn more at Launch Lab The Innovation Centre
To schedule your Launch Lab session, call 613-283-7002 ext. 101.
Contact Information:
91 Cornelia Street West Entrance B Smiths Falls, ON K7A 5L3
Telephone: 613-283-7002, ext. 3 Toll Free: 1-888-784-7605 Fax: 613-283-7005
Website: www.valleycfdc.com
Tina Stevens, General Manager E-mail: Office Administrator, 613-283-7002, ext. 103
Amber Coville, Business Development + Program Officer, 613-283-7002, ext. 110
Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre
Offers entrepreneurs free, one-to-one support for business planning, market analysis and e-business. Eligible entrepreneurs can receive grants and training to start a new business.
The LGSBC is a business resource centre offering information and advice on starting or expanding a small business. It serves the Grenville and South Leeds communities.
Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls / Lanark County / northern Leeds Grenville)
Are you thinking about starting a small business, need help with questions on your existing business? Are you starting a business in the Lanark, Smiths Falls, Perth, Carleton Place, Mississippi Mills area? If so, the Small Business Advisory Centre is here to support you, the entrepreneur!
The Small Business Advisory Centre is an initiative of the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, in partnership with the Town of Smiths Falls and funding support from the County of Lanark and the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. A business advisor is available (by appointment) to meet with you whether you have questions about starting or growing a small business. The advisory services are free of charge and provide you with the information required to get your business going and keep it running smoothly and profitably. The Centre in the local service provider for programs such as Summer Company and Starter Company Plus and they offer many informative webinars and events throughout the year for businesses. The centre and personnel are very resourceful and can steer you to various other sources for more specialized information, if need.
The Small Business Advisory office provides confidential business advisory services to small business start-ups, as well as on-going support for existing small businesses. They are also a business information source designed to point entrepreneurs in the right direction whether they are just starting out or growing their business.
Cindy James Manager, Small Business Advisory Centre 77 Beckwith Street. Smiths Falls, ON 613-283-0062 (book an appointment to meet by phone, virtual or in person (by appointment only)
Free business consultations (thinking, starting, growing) (Consultations via phone, virtual or in person by prebooked appointment)
- Seminars, Webinars and Events
- Outreach to Communities for consultations
- Business Programs (youth and adults)
Contact for more information:
Small Business Advisory Centre
(Smiths Falls/Lanark County/Leeds Grenville)
77 Beckwith Street N. Smiths Falls
613-283-0062
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallbusinesscentre_sf_lc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallBizCentre/
Futurpreneur Canada
Offers financing, mentoring, marketing tips, accounting help and much more to make growing your company easier. Ideal for ages 18-39.
Invest in Ontario
Offers an array of government incentive programs and services that can lower corporate taxes and help businesses save on labour costs, Research & Development, and expansion activities.
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs, Ontario Food Exports (OMAFRA)
- One-on-one export consulting with Ontario agri-food producers
- Market & sector information, export publications
- PROFIT food export seminar
- Seminars & workshops
- Trade missions & exhibitions
- Access to international marketing staff directory
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs provides funding programs and support for business. OMAFRA's Business Development Branch can help you grow.
Learn more on OMAFRA's Funding and Support website. www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/export/index.html
Keys Job Centre
KEYS Job Centre, a not-for-profit community employment centre with offices in Kingston, Gananoque, Elgin and Westport, offers a variety of Employment Ontario programs and services for job seekers and employers.
Continually evolving to meet the needs of a diverse population of job seekers, including mature workers, individuals with disabilities, youth, students and newcomers to Canada, KEYS assists over 5,000 people in finding sustainable and rewarding employment on an annual basis. Helping individuals reach their full potential through career coaching, resume assistance, workshops, job searching, matching and placements and on-the-job training, KEYS also offers access to specialized programs and support, including the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW), Second Career, the Ontario Self-Employment Benefit Program and Summer Jobs Service. KEYS' offices in Gananoque, Elgin and Kingston have a staffed resource room to assist individuals with their job search efforts.
All of KEYS' services are offered free of charge and are designed to meet a number of different needs. Assisting individuals who are unemployed, under-employed, just entering the workforce or changing fields, employment counselors are available to help put a plan together to reach employment goals quickly. In addition, KEYS also assists local employers in recruiting, training and retaining staff and supports area businesses with job fairs and information sessions.
Contact: Caroline Cumming Employment Advisor / Job Development KEYS Employment & Newcomer Services
375 William Street South Gananoque, ON K7G 1T2 C: 613.552.2759 T: 613.382.1085 www.keys.ca
South Eastern Ontario Regional Tourism Organization (RTO9)
Working together to build tourism revenue. Offering strategic partnership funding, research, and insights on travel trends, and joint opportunities in marketing. Industry webinars, workshops, regional image library resources are also available. Learn more on the Tourism Talk industry website. Visit the South Eastern Ontario travel website.
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Are you planning to start, expand or move your business?
Whether you are a current business owner or are looking to establish a business or invest in our community, we look forward to helping you.
- Book a meeting with Manager of Development Services about your property, zoning and building needs. She will help you work through the planning steps toward a successful development project.
- To discuss your plans for establishing a business or investing in our community, contact CAO Shellee Fournier. He will facilitate connections with local businesses and economic development agencies to help make your ideas a reality.
- To learn more about sucsession planning for your Farm property, consult the provincial guide, available at the following link: Publication 70: Farm Succession Planning Guide | ontario.ca
Are you purchasing real estate in Rideau Lakes?
- Have your lawyer request a Work Order History and Zoning Certificate for your property.
Are you looking for some Business Resources?
- Check out our Funding and Training Support section.
- The Eastern Workforce Innovation Board (EWIB) offers Help Desk and Job Board services in Eastern Ontario:
Local Labour Market (LMI) Help Desk
Do you have questions about the local labour market? Our LMI Help Desk can answer your questions usually within 48 hours. This is a complimentary community resource to assist you in finding local labour market information on economic trends, occupations and wages, demographics and more. The LMI Help Desk is able to provide information that may support your resource allocation decisions and assist with project applications. To learn more about the help desk and submit your questions, visit: https://www.workforcedev.ca/lmi-help-desk/ .
Job Board & Regional Job Map
You can search job listings and a regional map of local jobs. The regional map highlights the location of jobs and links transit routes, employment services, schools and more. Check out local job listings and map at https://www.workforcedev.ca/for-employees-menu/
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Quick Links
In 2018 the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville (the Counties), the Township of Rideau Lakes and the Townships of Augusta and Merrickville-Wolford partnered in a multi-level Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) project, engaging existing businesses across Leeds and Grenville to identify their needs, concerns and opportunities. BR+E is a structured approach developed by OMAFRA that uses a combination of trained staff and volunteers to conduct systematic confidential interviews with businesses. Data analysis and action planning is then undertaken to address issues and take advantage of opportunities. Using OMAFRA’s templated process means that results can be compared with other communities who have done BR+E projects across Ontario and can be combined to provide regional and provincial insights.
Rideau Lakes’ goals in partnering on this project included:
- Assess and generate better understanding of the economic development needs and opportunities
- Build and improve relations with our local businesses
- Identify actions the Township can take to support business competitiveness, growth and innovation
With the Counties taking the lead role, the four-stage project was launched in the summer of 2018 and completed in 2019.
Stage 1: Preparation
Counties’ staff worked with Rideau Lakes staff to confirm the number and types of local businesses needed to make sure we had a good representation and an adequate sample size. The Economic Development Committee identified an interest in adding in separate surveys for tourism and agricultural businesses, and requested the addition of four Rideau Lakes-specific questions about participation in local festivals, long-term vision, short-term priorities and how to support business development and growth. Staff and volunteers received training in delivering the surveys and appointments were made with participating businesses.
Stage 2: Collect and analyze
65 interviews were held with Rideau Lakes businesses from the fall of 2018 to early 2019. Each interview lasted over an hour and provided rich insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by business owners.
Stage 3: Develop Goals and Action Plans
In early spring, lead staff from the United Counties Economic Development Office, along with representatives from OMAFRA and Queen’s University Executive Decision Centre, led a workshop with participating business owners, members of Rideau Lakes Economic Development Committee and Council to review the data collected, identify priorities and develop a list of possible actions.
The priorities and draft action items were put into a final report, along with the survey responses and comments, and presented to the Economic Development Committee on August 12, 2019.
Stage 4: Communicate the results and confirm the priorities and actions
An Open House was held on September 18, 2019. BR&E Open House Report & Posters
Step 5: Action
Staff then developed an Economic Development Action Plan 2020-2022.
Having successfully completed many of the actions set out in the 2019-2022 plan, staff launched a strategic planning process with the Economic Development Committee in 2023, and developed a renewed Economic Development Action Plan for Council approval.
The Township has completed an Economic Development Action Plan 2023-2026 to foster an economic landscape that supports living and working in Rideau Lakes.
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The Economic Development Committee Message from the Chair is published to share information about projects and events undertaken by the Rideau Lakes Economic Development Committee. You can read it online here.
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In Ontario, lottery licensing is administered through policies established by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
What types of lotteries do municipalities licence?
Under Order-in-Council 2688-93, municipalities may issue licences to conduct the following lottery schemes:
- Bingo events with prize boards up to $5,000;
- Media bingo events;
- Raffle lotteries for total prizes up to $50,000;
- All break open ticket lotteries not licensed by the provincial office; and
- Bazaars (Bingo maximum $500; Raffle maximum $500; maximum 3 wheels of fortune).
Who can get a licence to conduct a lottery?
Canada’s Criminal Code permits ONLY CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS to conduct lottery schemes to raise funds pursuant to an issued lottery licence. Organizations must have a demonstrated charitable or religious mandate to qualify.
The courts have determined that the term “charitable” refers to organizations which provide programs for:
- the relief of poverty;
- the advancement of education;
- the advancement of religion; and
- other charitable purposes beneficial to the community.
The following are prerequisites to be considered eligible for a lottery licence:
- Organizations must have been in existence for at least one(1) year;
- Organizations must have a place of business in Ontario;
- Organizations’ primary purpose must be to provide charitable services in Ontario; and
- Organization must use the proceeds of any lottery scheme for objects or purposes which benefit Ontario residents.
The primary purposes of an organization are determined by considering:
- the mandate of the organization as set out in its incorporation documents or documents stating the organization’s objectives;
- the objectives of the organization as described in its application for licence; and
- the services which have actually been provided by the organization to the community.
Organizations which are NOT considered charitable and therefore NOT ELIGIBLE for a lottery licence include:
- social clubs
- professional associations, unions, employee groups
- elected representative groups including municipal, regional, provincial and federal governments
- government ministries, agents or bodies
- political lobby groups
- political parties
- adult hobby groups
- private sports clubs (e.g. golf/curling)
- adult sports teams
How does my organization apply for a lottery licence?
First time applicants are required to complete the Lottery Licence Questionnaire and to provide the following information or documents:
- A copy of the organization’s articles of incorporation or constitution and/or by-laws
- A copy of the organization’s financial statements for preceding years
- Any other information that will assist in determining the charitable nature of the objects and purposes. This could include an annual report, charitable number for income-tax purposes, or the fact that it meets the reporting requirements of the Charities Accounting Act.
- The proposed use of proceeds must be consistent with the primary objects and purposes of the organization which must be of a charitable nature consistent with at least one of the four classifications of charitable purposes
Your organization MUST have a separate bank account for Lottery Expenses and Proceeds. Proceeds from lotteries must be held in trust until used for the charitable purpose or dispersed to the charitable group(s) for which they were intended as per the lottery application.
Once the Clerk’s Office has determined your eligibility to hold lotteries, you may complete an Application Form for the lottery and submit it with the fee to the Clerk’s Office. Application Forms for various types of lotteries are available below.
You must follow the Terms and Conditions for Lotteries in general and for the specific type of lottery you are holding. Terms and Conditions are available below.
Once your lottery event has been held, a Report Form must be completed and submitted within 30 days to the Clerk’s Office. The Report must include receipts for expenses and lottery account statements showing income and disbursements. Report Forms for various types of lotteries are available below.
Please note that “Progressive Bingos” are licensed by the Registrar, not the Municipality. Please contact the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
How long does it take to process my application for a lottery licence?
For organizations that have previously held a municipal lottery licence, at least twenty-four (24) hours is required for license processing.
For organizations new to lottery licensing, additional time is required to establish eligibility.
Lottery licence fees are set at 3% of the total value of the prize(s) to a Maximum of:
2024 Fees
$45.00 for Raffle and single Bingo
$74.50 for Multiple Bingos and Blanket Raffles
$115 for Break Open (Nevada)
A dollar value must be determined for any merchandise prize. Fees are a lottery expense and must be paid from your lottery account.
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The following business ventures may require a licence:
| Type of Business | Application |
|---|---|
| Auctioneering | Auctioneering Licence |
| Festivals / Parades | Festival Licence |
| Kennel | Kennel Licence |
| Lottery (Raffle, Bingo, Break-Open) | Lottery Licence |
| Chip Wagons, Refreshment Vehicle | Chip Truck, Refreshment Vehicle Licence |
| Second-hand or Salvage shop | Second-Hand Store, Salvage Shop Licence |
| Licence Fees | Licence and Administration Fees |
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Quick Links
The Economic Development Committee is pleased to celebrate the success of local businesses and recognize their contributions to the community. Members of the public are invited to nominate businesses each year. The nomination period takes place from the first Friday in February until the first Friday in March each year. During the nomination period, nomination forms are available online or at the Township office.
Thank You to our Sponsors:
Business of the Year
Recognizes a business operating within the Township of Rideau Lakes that has demonstrated a commitment to the community and its residents, while displaying strong ethics within the business and society.
Winners
2024: McMullan Appliance & Mattress
2023: Rideau Carpentry and Construction
2022: Wills Transfer Limited
2021: Sunnyside Family Retreat
2020: Wendy's Country Market
2019: Gordanier Freshmart
2018: Hinton Auto Group
2017: The Opinicon
2016: Country Roads Community Health Centre
Small Business Award
This award acknowledges businesses with 5 or fewer employees including the owner(s) and home-based businesses that have demonstrated qualities such as professional integrity, excellence in customer service, success through innovation and a commitment to the community. From 2016 to 2022, this category was called the "Business Innovation Award."
Winners
2024: Stoodley's Kitchen and Beverage
2023: Recess Cafe
2022: Elgin Bowling Lanes
2021: Gordanier Freshmart
2020: No.9 Gardens
2019: Miller’s Bay Farm
2018: Elgin & District Co-operative Nursery School
2017: Smiths Falls Veterinary Services
2016: 2Low Inc
New Business Award
This award category was developed to celebrate new businesses between 1 and 3 years old, and includes entrepreneurs of all ages. From 2016 to 2023, this category was called the "Young Entrepreneur Award" in honour of the hard work demonstrated by a young entrepreneur (under 35) who either resides, operates an active business, or grew up primarily in the Township.
Winners
2024: Clearly Auto Glass (Joe Chase)
2023: Stoodley's Kitchen and Beverage (Kody and Jessie-Leigh White)
2022: Bastard Coffee House (Tao Hipwell)
2021: Arctic Acres (Ben Canning)
2019: Rideau Roots (Corey Evans)
2018: Hales Excavation and Trucking (Mark Hales)
2017: Bastard Baking Company (Stefanie Dobson)
2016: Scott Blair Construction (Scott Blair)
The Rideau Lakes Business Recognition Awards Breakfast
Held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at the Elgin Lions Community Hall from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
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More...
Are you planning to start, expand or move your business?
Whether you are a current business owner or are looking to establish a business or invest in our community, we look forward to helping you.
- Book a meeting with the Manager of Development Services about your property, zoning and building needs. We will help you work through the planning steps toward a successful project.
- To discuss your plans for establishing a business or investing in our community, contact the CAO, Shellee Fournier. We will help connect you with local businesses and economic development agencies to help make your ideas a reality.
Are you purchasing real estate in Rideau Lakes?
- Have your lawyer request a Work Order History and Zoning Certificate Request for your property.
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Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
After-Hours Road Emergency
1-877-798-5725
Portland Transfer Station
4427H Old Kingston Road, Portland
1-800-928-2250 ext. 230
Open: Wednesdays & Saturdays
8:00am to 4:00pm