Kingston Business Journal 2025

FUTURE OF THE KINGSTON PEN LASALLE CAUSEWAY UPDATE

Federal election priorities

Rethinking the Design Process

Pairing design leadership with social infrastructure for a better city

Ottawa is a G7 capital city. We have incredible opportunities to be a city on par with London, Paris, Tokyo, or Berlin, even if we don’t have centuries of urban legacy to build on.

What is our overall vision for the City? How do things like a broad, city-wide policy to provide mobility options to safely and equitably navigate the city align with decisions to close cycling bridges or not wintermaintain active transportation networks? How does the elimination of parking minimums align with municipal decisions to cut transit services?

How is the desire to have a thriving nightlife aligned with transit that stops running at 2AM? If we want to encourage people to go to bars, restaurants and clubs, to enjoy music until the early hours, how do we expect them to get home safely?

Our Official Plan speaks to the need for high quality parks as a key component of municipal greenspace and essential to our quality of life. The Official Plan has an extensive list of attributes to make excellent parks but makes no mention of building public washrooms. In fact, the word “bathroom” is totally absent from the visionary planning we put forward. Yet access to a public bathroom is an essential part of an equitable and livable city. Paris, London and other great cities all have networks of permanent, safe, accessible washrooms. They can be works of architecture, providing important social infrastructure in communities while also achieving the goals of our Official Plan. They can even be part of our tourism guides. While its nice that Ottawa is committed to building one in Centretown, its not enough: its not enough to do one in an area serving thousands of people; its not enough to take timid steps and hold pilot projects. If we can budget $112 million to widen 3.3km of suburban road, we can find the money for social infrastructure that helps people live healthier, better, lives.

We need to see a bigger vision for core public services. The City of Toronto recently launched a design competition to reimaging the future of public washrooms to seek “bold ideas that integrate spatial justice, accessibility, sustainability and cultural inclusion.”

Ottawa could do the same. We need a vision for the city we aspire to be that aligns with the vision of our Official Plan, integrating ideas for a better future with policy objectives from across the spectrum of how we create our city. That has implications for tourism, transit, sustainability and lifecycle value.

Ottawa could create a partnership with federal counterparts to provide housing on surplus federal lands or to reuse federal buildings, putting forward a visionary approach to address core issues and promote “made in Canada” solutions, boosting local pride in local talent.

For example, when the City purchased 1245 Kilborn Place in December 2023, we could have immediately started planning a design competition to create homes and put this land to better use. Instead, public consultations are not slated to start until the fall of 2025. At best, consultants will be engaged to do design work in 2026 or 2027, and construction might start in 2028 with residents moving in by 2030 or later, assuming budget approvals don’t stall the process even more.

A design competition, launched in January 2024, could have seen shovels in the ground this fall. Nimble design and construction planning can create better outcomes. It is an investment in construction dollars that spurs the local economy and saves money.

The performative process of consultations, risk avoidance and bureaucracy of procurement isn’t getting us the city we aspire to be. It’s wearing us down, shutting the doors to creativity and ideas and ostracizing the very people our local government is meant to serve.

A municipal design policy and toolkit, supported by design leadership, is key to achieving cohesive results and putting action to words.

a series of parks and public squares; creating welcoming, beautiful spaces has generational benefits.

public washroom focused on safety, privacy and urgency, inspired by an approach to welcoming the LGBTQ+ community, inspired by Japanese decorative wrapping to create an “urban gift”. CREDIT: SHELDON DEFILIPPI

If our goal is to make #OurBestOttawa, to support local businesses, to invest wisely in sustainable places that enhance our quality of life and celebrate who we are as a city, we need to rethink our processes to better serve the public. We want to be a thriving, vibrant place that we can be proud of; we want to be a great capital city, seen on world stages. We need to create better, socially transformative, outcomes and take bold actions.

Place Dauphine, Ile de la Cite, Paris. A courtyard on Ile de la Cite initiated by Henry IV in 1607, as part of

CREDIT: TOON DREESSEN

Higashi Sanchrome, part of The Tokyo Toilet Project by Nao Tamura. An accessible

KINGSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL

TELEPHONE

Phone: 613-696-9494

News Fax: No faxes, email editor@obj.ca

PUBLISHER

Michael Curran, 613-696-9491 publisher@obj.ca

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Anne Howland, 613-696-9480 anne@obj.ca

WRITERS

Phil Gaudreau editor@obj.ca

Joseph Coppolino editor@obj.ca

VICE-PRESIDENT SALES AND MARKETING

Victoria Stewart, 613-696-9484 victoria@obj.ca

ADVERTISING SALES

General inquiries, 613-696-9494 sales@obj.ca

Wendy Baily, 613-696-9483 wbaily@obj.ca

Cindy Cutts, 613-696-9580 cindy@obj.ca

Eric Dupuis, 613-696-9485 eric@obj.ca

DESIGN DEPTARTMENT

Tanya Connolly-Holmes, 613-696-9487 creative@greatriver.ca

Celine Paquette, 613-696-9486 celine@greatriver.ca

FINANCE

Cheryl Schunk, 613-696-9490 cheryl@greatriver.ca

PRINTED BY Transcontinental Transmag 10807 Rue Mirabeau, Anjou, QC H1J 1T7 DISTRIBUTED BY Comet 2000

businesspeople. Only letters with the writer’s full name, address and telephone number will be considered for publication. Addresses and phone numbers will not be published, but they might be used to verify authenticity. Letters can be e-mailed to editor@obj.ca.

PRESIDENT Michael Curran

not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with any advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of monies paid for the advertisement. A guaranteed

“Fortunately, businesses are surviving so far.”

— CHRISTINE RAY-BRATT, OWNER, CHRIS JAMES KINGSTON

PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

It’s a critical time for businesses in Eastern Ontario to make their federal priorities clear

It’s an important juncture for businesses in Eastern Ontario. With a trade war heating up and a federal election in a few short weeks, it’s key that businesses in the region be clear on what their priorities are and what support they might need from a new federal government.

This was the goal of this issue of the Kingston Business Journal. Reporters Joseph Coppolino and Phil Gaudreau checked in with various industry associations and businesspeople in the region to understand what’s on their minds in the lead-up to the election.

And we heard about a host of important issues. For example, the need for strong policies in rural economic

development, the importance of reducing barriers to interprovincial trade, as well as support for innovation, commercialization and scaling. There was also a call for investment in infrastructure and tourism as critical drivers of the economy. Finally, small businesses and women entrepreneurs continue to call for federal support. What will happen? At this point, it’s anyone’s guess. However, if there is any upside to the current turmoil, it might be that it’s causing us to look inward and ensure longstanding issues such as interprovincial trade are brought back under scrutiny. It’s also prompting us to support each other, as Canadians and

STUFF Made and Built

as community members who can buy local and patronize our small and large businesses alike. Not to mention the surge of creativity and competitive spirit that has been heartening to see.

This comment from Patrick Egbunonu, president and chief AI officer with Informanos Analytics and AI in Kingston, caught my eye: “Eighty per cent of our exports have historically been to the U.S. It would be great to hear more about diversification from an export perspective. We need the ability to engage other partners outside of the U.S. — such as Europe, Africa and some countries in Asia — to reduce our dependency on the U.S. Eighty per cent is very risky.”

I hope our coverage of federal election issues goes some way toward shining a spotlight on the priorities of Eastern Ontario.

A note about us

In a shifting media landscape, we have decided that this will be the last print edition of the Kingston Business Journal

But rest assured, our interest in writing about the business issues of the region remains. We’re currently exploring ways to do this, primarily through digital channels. We continue to believe that the region is an important one, with great stories to tell. We expect to share more with you shortly and hope you’ll stay tuned for the latest.

Anne Howland Editor in Chief

Infrastructure, labour and trade top federal election issues for Eastern Ontario biz

BY JOSEPH COPPOLINO editor@obj.ca

With rising operational costs, labour shortages and an unpredictable trade environment, business owners across Eastern Ontario are seeking clear policy commitments as the country goes into a federal election April 28

Small businesses make up 98 per cent of all enterprises in Ontario, employing around three million people, according to the province. In Eastern Ontario, rural communities rely heavily on smaller, independent businesses.

Recent data from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce suggest that more than 60 per cent of small businesses in the province are still struggling with debt accumulated during the pandemic, while nearly half report difficulties attracting skilled workers.

“We need strong policies that help rural economic development,” said Eric Collard, executive director of the Eastern Ontario Agri-Food Network, which represents producers and food-related businesses in the region. “We don’t have the huge economic drivers that southwestern Ontario has. Manufacturing is not as prominent here. We need a government that recognizes that and provides support accordingly.”

Collard sees an opportunity for the federal government to take a more active role in fostering rural business incubators, particularly in the food and agriculture sectors.

“We represent mostly small producers. They need grants to launch new products, develop processing capacity and create new businesses. There’s a real gap when it comes to

business incubators in rural areas,” he said. “In Prescott-Russell and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, we have very little support for that kind of thing.”

SCALING UP AND EXPANDING MARKETS

Expanding operations remains a challenge, he added.

“It’s difficult to grow when you’re operating in an area that doesn’t have the same processing infrastructure as southern Ontario,” Collard explained.

“If you’re a small farmer looking to get your product into stores beyond your immediate region, you need access to food hubs, distribution networks and processing facilities. Those just don’t exist at the scale we need them to.”

Although discussions around food security and supporting local businesses have gained traction, Collard argues that, without concrete government action, momentum will be lost. With ongoing tariff threats disrupting international supply chains, he wants to see the next government take stronger action on the “buy local” movement.

“What we haven’t seen is a real shift in government support to back that up. We need funding to help producers market their products, access logistics services and connect directly with customers who want to buy local,” he said.

TRADE BARRIERS AND ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY

One of the most pressing concerns among Eastern Ontario businesses is the impact of trade barriers, both interprovincial and international. The threat of U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports has heightened tensions, with many

business owners expressing frustration over the lack of government intervention to mitigate potential fallout.

Trade within Canada remains another hurdle, particularly for businesses near the Ontario-Quebec border.

“Francophone business owners suffer three times in a trade war,” said Pascale de Montigny Gauthier, director of the Regroupement des gens d’affaires de la Capitale nationale (RGA). “First, when they order goods from the U.S., then when they try to sell to American clients and, finally, they face language barriers within Canada itself.”

Many business leaders in the region are calling on the federal government to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers, a longstanding issue that makes it difficult for local companies to expand into Quebec and beyond.

“We should be reinforcing links with Quebec’s Chamber of Commerce and the Ottawa Board of Trade,” de Montigny Gauthier said. “Right now, it feels like we’re still working in silos instead of as a unified economy.”

In Kingston, PengSang Cau, founder and

strategic adviser with Nuformex, hopes that a new federal government will help Canadian companies innovate and commercialize faster.

“I want to hear what they are doing to break down interprovincial barriers in response to tariffs and to support Canadian companies who want to export beyond the U.S. We have a misguided view that exporting to other countries beside the U.S. is difficult — I disagree. Canadian innovators with unique services must look to places like Europe, which are more innovative, strategic and exercise more long-term thinking. They are faster to adapt disruptive technologies.”

Patrick Egbunonu, president and chief AI officer with Informanos Analytics and AI in Kingston, said the country’s appetite for risk-taking is important.

“Eighty per cent of our exports have historically been to the U.S. It would be great to hear more about diversification from an export perspective. We need the ability to engage other partners outside of the U.S. — such as Europe, Africa and some countries in Asia — to reduce our dependency on the U.S. Eighty per cent is very risky.”

Continues on page 9

TOP TO BOTTOM: Eric Collard

Martha Woods

Nicole Whiting

Pascale de Montigny Gauthier

Doreen Ashton Wagner

News + Data = OBJ Insider

An OBJ Group Subscription gives your team access to powerful news and data. Keep your team informed and identify new business opportunities.

Exclusive online content

OBJ Data Centre

Printed publications mailed

Email newsletter summaries

Monthly prize draws

Easy management of group

Kingston manufacturers winning on the global stage with innovative products

Companies such as Anchor Concrete and Lodestar Structures finding international success by addressing gaps in the marketplace

Darrell Searles says Anchor Concrete wants to revolutionize the homebuilding industry—and the Kingston-based company has been doing exactly that through its innovative precast concrete building solutions.

“We want to do for homebuilding what the car did for horses 100 years ago,” says Searles, the company president. Anchor Concrete has produced its award-winning Lodestar Structures—precast concrete modular building units that cut jobsite waste and materials used, and shave weeks off an average project’s construction time—for the past six years.

“We’re trying to fix how we approach building to make more sustainable communities. Not just environmentally sustainable, but also financially,” explains Searles. “That’s so future generations aren’t left to address the debt and taxes needed to rebuild the failing infrastructure of the last 70 years.”

The strategy appears to be working: Searles’ flagship product has received interest from organizations in more than 70 countries, with several licensing deals in place. But Anchor Concrete isn’t alone. If you’re looking for manufacturers successfully competing on the global stage, look no further than Kingston, Ont.

Kingston-made products can be found across the globe

Kingston-made products can be found across Ontario and the world. Haakon Industries, for example, maintains a manufacturing facility in Kingston to create air handling units used in facilities from airports to theme parks. Elevator interior systems maker SnapCab produces

We’re trying to fix how we approach building to make more sustainable communities.

custom office privacy pods that have been featured in major U.S. media.

Meanwhile, Cancoil Thermal Corp.—which manufactures industrial and commercial heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems—recently announced a $16 million investment in new equipment at its Kingston facilities. Machining and fabrication specialists BGM Metalworks, an OBJ Fastest Growing Company in 2022, also continue to thrive, regularly selling to world-class customers such as Dupont, Goodyear, Novelis, and 3M.

In the food and beverage industry, Portuguese food preparation manufacturer Frulact selected Kingston as its Canadian home in 2015, expanding their Canadian footprint with a $22.5 million expansion just a few years later.

Natural food colourant and flavour

supplier Sensient Technologies recently made a significant automation-related investment in its Kingston facility.

Kingston’s manufacturing success isn’t just confined to dry land, either: MetalCraft Marine produces high-speed aluminum fire and patrol boats vessels that have won international awards and serve organizations as diverse as the U.S. Coast Guard and Kuwait Fire Department.

An affordable location, close to major markets and flush with talent

Kingston’s growing critical mass of successful manufacturers shouldn’t be a surprise, however. Companies looking for an affordable location close to major markets, transport systems, ample access to power and customers, and a rich supply of talent aren’t likely to find many other cities more attractive than Kingston.

“We have three major educational institutions, plus more unique sources of talent such as Canadian Armed Forces base members transitioning out into the workforce,” says Abdul Jendi, Investment Manager for Sustainable Manufacturing with Kingston Economic Development Corp.

“On the manufacturing side, we have specialized talent in chemistry and metallurgy from former employees of Alcan (now Novelis), to various Queen’s departments, to organizations like GreenCentre Canada, Kingston Process Metallurgy, INVISTA, and DuPont’s Technology Centre.”

Trade war with U.S. prompts shop local efforts

BY PHIL GAUDREAU editor@obj.ca

Given the current Canada-U.S. trade turmoil, the business community and city officials are working together to encourage consumers to shop local and visitors to travel to Kingston.

In February, city councillor Wendy Stephen brought forward a motion to “direct (city) staff to support partner agencies to develop a ‘shop local’ and ‘visit Kingston’ campaign,” similar to during the pandemic.

Her hope is that the campaign will result in increased revenues at local businesses and longer stays at local hotels.

“When the world feels like it’s stumbling out of control, you have to look at what we

can do to try and make things a little more stable,” she said. “That’s where the whole focus on our community piece kind of came into focus really — looking at ways that we can strengthen our local economy and strengthen the Canadian economy.”

One of the partner agencies included is the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, which launched a “We are Kingston! Tariff Support” webpage with resources for local business owners. The chamber also dropped the fee to attend some of its networking events.

“We’re working together with a united message as we try and support the business community and the community as a whole,” said chamber CEO Karen Cross. “We have learned from the Ontario

Chamber of Commerce survey results that business owners are looking for more opportunities to network so we’re trying to ensure that we have as many opportunities for them to do that without any barriers for them.”

In addition to the chamber and Tourism Kingston, the campaign involves the Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area, Kingston Economic Development Corporation, and Kingston Accommodation Partners.

One challenge facing the campaign is that a number of the larger local employers are headquartered in the U.S. and many local businesses stock goods created by American companies. Cross noted that, though the pretext for the campaign is

around tariff support, it is a shop local campaign and not an anti-American campaign.

“Some of our local business owners already have American products that they’ve paid for and are on their shelves and we need to support them,” Cross said. “We’re also going to continue to have visitors coming from outside of the community and we want to make sure we stay friendly and open to all visitors during a time when our American visitors will be coming up with their dollar being much stronger.”

Council followed up the February motion with a tariff response plan that included provisions to create “a new ‘Made-in-Canada’ procurement policy that will exclude American companies from bidding on city contracts,” as well as the launch of a “tariff advisory team” and meetings with the mayors of border towns.

Tourism Kingston’s research shows 75 per cent of visitors to the city are Canadian, mainly from nearby markets like Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. Approximately 10 per cent are Americans.

Tourism another key issue where federal investment is needed

Continued from page 5

INFRASTRUCTURE AND REGIONAL INVESTMENT

Infrastructure remains another key concern. The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), which represents 103 municipalities from Peterborough to Hawkesbury, has identified a $6-billion infrastructure deficit that is hindering economic growth. A lack of investment in regional transportation networks and broadband access has stifled businesses, particularly those in rural communities that depend on reliable supply chains and digital connectivity.

“Improving transportation reliability, especially rail connections to the Montreal and Vancouver ports, should be a priority,” de Montigny Gauthier added. “We’re asking the federal government to invest in infrastructure that supports trade and economic expansion.”

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has also flagged regional airports as key to economic development, citing their role in trade and business growth. Many businesses in Eastern Ontario, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, rely on efficient transportation networks to remain competitive.

TOURISM: A CRITICAL ECONOMIC DRIVER

Tourism remains a key sector for Eastern Ontario and its continued growth depends on sustained government support. Nicole Whiting, executive director of the Ontario Highlands Tourism Organization, emphasized how federal investments in tourism infrastructure have been critical for businesses in the region.

“We have had a great experience with the current government in terms of their support for the tourism sector and we’d like to see that continue,” Whiting said. “For Eastern Ontario, we’ve been able to

work with FedDev Ontario on projects that directly helped businesses survive through the pandemic. That kind of investment meant the difference between staying open and shutting down.”

Whiting points to programs like the Tourism Growth Program, which helped expand motorcycle routes and develop Canada’s largest rail trail loop to attract cycling tourists.

“These projects wouldn’t be possible without federal support,” she said.

“Tourism isn’t just about visitors — it’s tied to economic development, infrastructure and job creation. When you invest in tourism, you’re also investing in communities.”

In Kingston, Eric Ferguson, general manager of Kingston Destination Group, said tourism is still recovering. “Here in Kingston we saw strong 2024 passenger numbers but they are still not back to pre-COVID numbers. Maintaining a strong relationship with our American neighbours will be an important election issue and the outcome will affect border cities like ours.”

Also in Kingston, the federally owned LaSalle Causeway is a concern. The previous bascule bridge was damaged

and then demolished last year. The temporary lift bridge is not able to let large vessels through nearly as often.

“There’s talk of taking the bridge out every Saturday, our busiest retail day during our busiest season downtown,” said Christine Ray-Bratt, owner of Chris James Kingston. “If we lose a major artery like we did last summer, many will struggle. Tourists and east-end customers did not want to endure the added drive.

“Fortunately, businesses are surviving so far and we’re not seeing alarming vacancy rates. We continue to see business confidence and people shopping.”

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS AND SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT

For women entrepreneurs in rural areas, accessing capital remains a major challenge. Doreen Ashton Wagner, founder of Business Sisters, said financial institutions still perceive women-owned businesses as riskier investments.

“Banks still tend to see womenowned businesses as riskier, which means they’re denied loans more often or offered worse terms than their male counterparts,” she said.

Even when funding is available, bureaucratic roadblocks prevent many small business owners from taking full advantage of government programs.

“A lot of grants and loans require extensive paperwork, which is a huge burden when you’re a sole proprietor or running a small team,” she explained. “We need simplified funding processes that actually work for small businesses.”

Networking and mentorship programs, Ashton Wagner believes, could be key to levelling the playing field.

“One of the most powerful things we can do is connect women business owners with each other,” she said. “Government can support this by funding mentorship programs and local business networks that provide guidance, funding advice and growth strategies.”

LABOUR SHORTAGES AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The need for skilled workers remains a significant challenge in the region. Martha Woods, executive director of the Eastern Ontario Training Board, highlighted health care and skilled trades as industries facing severe shortages.

“We’re seeing major gaps in personal support workers (PSWs), early childhood educators and across the trades,” Woods said. “Programs like the Skills Development Fund have been helpful, but we need more targeted funding to ensure young people see trades as a viable career path.”

Overall, business leaders in Eastern Ontario are calling for a government that recognizes the region’s unique needs, with targeted investments in infrastructure, workforce development and trade policy as top priorities.

“We need leadership that understands rural economies,” said Collard. “We need policies that are flexible, not one-sizefits-all.”

With files from Phil Gaudreau

Kingston Pen should remain tourist attraction, official argues

BY PHIL GAUDREAU editor@obj.ca

The head of Tourism Kingston says the Kingston Penitentiary should remain a tourism attraction and movie production site, even as the federal government seeks ideas to redevelop the property.

The nearly 190-year-old penitentiary was added to the Canada Public Land Bank in late January, meaning that Public Services and Procurement Canada is seeking proposals to redevelop it. PSPC noted that

the preference is for ideas to address housing shortages, with then-minister Yves Duclos suggesting that the penitentiary and five other Canadian properties added to the land bank on the same day could be converted into 1,770 homes.

“The Pen,” which encompasses about 25.7 acres of property just west of downtown Kingston, was closed in 2013 due to the cost of operating the facility. The maximumsecurity prison, which opened in 1835, was designated a National Historic Site in 1990, in part due to its time as the home of some

of Canada’s most notorious prisoners. It remains the property of the Correctional Service of Canada.

Following its closure, the Pen was made available for tours, first operated by the United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington, and later operated by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an Ontario crown agency. The Pen has also been used for the filming of movies and television shows such as “Mayor of Kingstown” and “Star Trek: Discovery.”

It’s for those reasons that Tourism Kingston CEO Megan Knott said the Pen should stay as it is.

“The film and TV sector employs many different people and there’s no question those workers need affordable housing,” she said. “Having said that, there should be opportunities to discuss and look at many different places for housing that are not on a historic site of this significance. The federal government has the opportunity to look at

other locations that make a lot more sense for housing.”

Knott said 2025 has already seen one production shot at the Pen and that there are two upcoming this spring. She noted the past year was slower as the industry caught up to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.

The productions not only create jobs but also bring workers to town, resulting in hotel stays, local spending on catering and materials, and other spinoffs. Those activities are expected to continue while PSPC’s public consultation process is ongoing.

Then, there’s the Pen itself as a tourist attraction. “Anchor attractions like the Pen are our ‘product’ and we need more of them, not less,” she said.

In an update to city council, Tourism Kingston said the Pen has attracted 605,000 visitors and generated $54 million since it became a tourist attraction.

PSPC has not indicated when a decision will be made on the future of the former jail.

Victory Grounds Ventures’ soccer proposal seeks alternate locations

BY PHIL GAUDREAU editor@obj.ca

The group that proposed a soccer stadium at the Memorial Centre is shifting its attention to privately owned properties across the city after a legal squabble between the city and a community group threatened to delay the original project.

Victory Grounds Ventures had worked with city staff on a proposal that would have seen a 3,500- to 5,000-seat multisport stadium built on leased land at the municipally owned Memorial Centre. The space is currently used as a dog park and by a few festivals throughout the year.

With that location out of play, Paul Barbeau, Victory Grounds Ventures’ founding partner, said, once the city releases him from an exclusivity agreement, he will resume conversations with private landowners in Kingston regarding sites that offer proximity to downtown and adequate utility and sewer servicing. Parking is another consideration but Barbeau said he plans to rely on shuttles from outlying larger parking lots, public transit and fans walking and biking to the game.

The stadium is intended to be home to a Canadian Premier League soccer team that would host 14 games a year between early April and late October. The main users of the stadium would be local amateur soccer, football, rugby, lacrosse and ultimate frisbee teams.

“The prospect of having a CPL team in Kingston and having a brand new soccer stadium are exciting opportunities,” said Tim Scott, president of Kingston United Soccer Club. “The stadium is something we will need as there has been a great deal of unmet demand for indoor turf space in the wintertime. One facility was never going to be enough.”

Kingston United has 2,500 players and is the only member of the Ontario Player Development League between Ottawa and the Greater Toronto Area.

Barbeau said the number of adults and youth registered in related sports in the surrounding region, coupled with the growth in soccer driven by changing demographics and increasing

international profile, suggest that Kingston could be a good market for professional soccer.

“If approved, this will fill a void in the community,” said Megan Knott,

“If approved, this will fill a void in the community.”

MEGAN KNOTT, CEO, TOURISM KINGSTON

DuPont’s Kingston Technology Centre: 80 years is a sign of good chemistry

Every time you pull a bag of milk from the fridge, you can thank DuPont’s Kingston Technology Centre.

“Pillow pouch milk bags” are a linear low-density polyethylene packaging, and the process of converting the polymer to packaging is one of many innovations developed by DuPont researchers in Kingston.

The Kingston Technology Centre marks 80 years in the city this June, maintaining its same location along Front Road. The centre continues to employ roughly 100 people who work alongside other DuPont departments and teams around the world.

“Our direct customers are other businesses within DuPont,” explained Jeff Downey, site director for DuPont in Kingston.

“They are technically our colleagues but we treat them as customers and try to create a great customer experience. They have a choice of who to work with and they’re choosing to work with us, so we

CEO of Tourism Kingston. “Local sports organizations don’t have indoor facilities and we’ve got athletes and their families heading to neighbouring cities for practices and tournaments.”

Knott said this type of development could help unify Kingston’s four local youth soccer organizations, creating synergies in athlete development and funding and mitigating the burden on volunteers. As more athletes develop and facilities are built, it opens up opportunities to host larger sport tourism events as Kingston did with the 2024 Canadian Little League Championships and 2020 Tim Hortons Brier.

Barbeau said he is hopeful the team could be playing in the CPL’s 2027 season.

“While the stadium is a critical foundation for securing a CPL franchise, it is only one piece of the puzzle,” he said.

The opening of the stadium is expected to result in more than 200 new jobs, with another 200 during construction.

take that seriously. We can’t guarantee success in any research and development project, but we can guarantee we’ll put the effort in.”

Downey has been working with DuPont since 2000 and at the Kingston Technology Centre since 2002. In December of last year, he became site director, the top job at the research facility.

NURTURE AND THRIVE

“Taking on this role has been fantastic and humbling as well,” he said. “There’s a long history in this community as well as a strong resume of innovations that have come right through DuPont. We’ve inherited this organization and part of our purpose is to make sure we continue to nurture and help it thrive so we can pass it on to others in the future.”

While DuPont is best known as a global chemical company with more than 24,000 employees, the company’s product innovations cover a wide range of fields.

Downey cited Corian quartz countertops, high-temperature nylon and the milk bags as a few key innovations to come out of the Kingston facility over the years, but noted more recently the company has expanded into the world of electronics.

“Raw materials are critical to the electronics industry, and we contribute by developing chemical synthesis, polymerizations or other processes required to prepare those materials at the quality and cost point required for the application,” he said.

“Semiconductor chips are being designed that have circuit spacing of as little as one or two nanometers and this is approaching atomic and molecular sizes. As a result, critical innovations are required for raw material quality in these applications and that is an example of what we are working to enable.”

Downey noted the company’s participation with organizations like the United Way and Habitat for Humanity, as well as working alongside Queen’s University and the Frontenac, Lennox and Addington science fair. By Phil Gaudreau

“We don’t want to find out we’ve got this opportunity to support economic development and then there is not enough power available.”

– David Fell, CEO of Utilities Kingston.

Kingston hydro utilities planning for increased demand from businesses and residents

BY PHIL GAUDREAU editor@obj.ca

The hydro utilities that keep Kingston running are preparing for much higher demand in the area, including servicing new businesses seeking to relocate.

Population growth, climate change and technologies like AI and electric vehicles have electrical utilities across the province expecting increased demand for both electricity generation and transmission, which has revealed gaps in many communities that aren’t ready for that growth.

“All of Ontario has been seeing challenges,” said Shelley Hirstwood with

Kingston Economic Development Corp.

“When it comes to the battery sector in particular, the energy requirements for those types of businesses are very high. As a region, we’ve worked with our partners to request an updated regional plan to respond to these opportunities and get a more up-to-date understanding of regional needs.”

The expectation that electricity demand in the region will keep increasing prompted a recent update from Utilities Kingston to city council regarding the need for an updated regional plan between the city’s municipally owned utility provider, as well as Hydro One and the Independent Electricity Systems

requirement to build more capacity.”

The council update noted the need for more transmission capacity, a challenge facing many regional utility providers across the province. Transmission substations, of which there are two in the Kingston area owned and operated by Hydro One, are responsible for lowering the voltage coming from the provincial grid and redistributing it to local customers. The two existing stations are nearing capacity.

The IESO’s regional plan must be refreshed, followed by approval processes, site selection and construction before a new station can be brought online.

Fell said his team is doing the preparatory work to ensure, once the new regional plan is in place, that new transmission capacity can be brought online as quickly as possible.

“Our existing substations might have lasted longer if we weren’t experiencing significant growth but projects to build a new station can take five to 10 years to get in service,” he said. “We don’t want to find out we’ve got this opportunity to support economic development and then there is not enough power available. Right now any community along the 401 corridor, if you have a minimum of 50 megawatts of capacity that could scale to 150 to 200 megs of spare energy you could sign a data centre tomorrow and they would start building and they would consume all of it.”

Operator (IESO), to get out ahead of a possible energy shortage expected in the region in the next seven to 10 years.

“Globally, nationally and provincially we’re in the midst of a significant energy transition, partly related to climate change and partly related to extensive growth in population, housing and employment,” said David Fell, CEO of Utilities Kingston. “The second piece is grid modernization. The electricity grid — transmission, distribution and generation — has been built over the last 100 years and since that time there are new components coming into the grid such as storage technologies. So we’ve got a shift toward increasing demand, changing technologies and a

While new technologies are creating possible capacity challenges, other technologies can also be a part of the solution. Fell pointed out that energy storage technologies are helping to reduce the need for more energy generation. His team has backed a storage project in the Napanee area and intends to submit a proposal to IESO’s request for proposals seeking additional storage projects.

A Hydro One spokesperson noted the utility is currently replacing two transformers at the Kingston Gardiners Road transmission station. Once complete in 2027, it’s expected to add 45 megawatts of additional capacity at the station. Hydro One supplies energy to the majority of homes and businesses in the Kingston area while Utilities Kingston and its subsidiary Kingston Hydro manage the electrical infrastructure for 28,000 homes and businesses in central Kingston, Canadian Forces Base Kingston, and parts of Barriefield Village.

Businesses along Rideau Canal impacted by troubles with LaSalle Causeway bridge

BY PHIL GAUDREAU editor@obj.ca

Businesses up and down the Rideau Canal from Kingston to Ottawa are bracing for what will likely be bad news in the LaSalle Causeway’s opening schedule for 2025.

The lift bridge that formed part of the causeway was damaged and demolished last year. It used to rise as often as five times a day during peak boating seasons. The temporary bridge that has been installed, managed by Public Services and Procurement Canada, must be manually lifted to allow large boats to pass through.

As a result, any lift schedule set by PSPC for the temporary bridge will likely represent a substantial decrease in the number of times the bridge is lifted, affecting businesses such as tour boat operators, marine facilities within Kingston’s inner harbour, and boaters seeking to take larger pleasure craft through the Rideau Canal system.

“There was a shocking lack of boats last year,” said Bob Clark of MetalCraft Marine, which is based in Kingston along the canal. “Lock guides told me it was down 25 per cent once the Causeway re-opened and America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association said hundreds of their members said they would not come up this year if the Rideau Canal wasn’t going to be open regularly enough.”

Fewer boats will mean less spending in communities along the canal on supplies like food and fuel. Clark said many of the sailboats docked at his marina have already left and he expects more will relocate to take advantage of the boating season.

Tour boat businesses like Orillia-based Ontario Waterway Cruises are seeing trip cancellations, schedule changes and added costs. OWC’s cruises book up to two years in advance, meaning some customers reserved

their seats well before the causeway’s April 2024 breakdown.

“The marine sector has always accommodated these bridge construction projects,” said Marc Ackert of the company’s Kawartha Voyageur. “I’ve seen 34 major bridge projects in my time in this region and none have stopped marine traffic like this one.”

Ackert is also concerned the reduced opening schedule will leave little wiggle room for windy days that can make boat travel in and around the canal’s opening unsafe.

“We need to get back to a dynamic bridge that can allow taller vessels through and can be opened and closed quickly, much like the temporary bridge which was installed during the construction of the Waaban Crossing,” said Eric Ferguson, general manager of Kingston Destination Group, which operates boat tours in the region.

Ferguson noted the current situation restricts access to Kingston inner harbour and the Davis Drydock, which he calls “a critically important piece of Canadian marine infrastructure in this region.” The drydock

“We need to get back to a dynamic bridge that can allow taller vessels through and can be opened and closed quickly ...”

Eric Ferguson, general manager of Kingston Destination Group

is needed for government-mandated boat inspections and during emergencies or incidents where a boat requires repair.

Kingston business owners affected by the causeway’s 2024 breakdown had pledged to sue the Canadian government, while several contractors who worked on the spring 2024 repair job that led to the causeway’s closure and eventual demolition have also gone to court over unpaid invoices.

At the time of publication, PSPC had not released a 2025 lift schedule or a timeline for the full replacement of the bridge.

The dream marketing team

Launch Lab’s Digital Lead Generators (DLG) program has positioned itself as an affordable service for entrepreneurs who need support with marketing.

The DLG program has emerged as a vital resource for entrepreneurs seeking cost-effective marketing solutions. The team, comprised of experts in content marketing, copywriting, digital advertising, analytics, search engine optimization, social media, and email marketing, collaborates closely with businesses to enhance their marketing capabilities. Their mission is to empower clients to independently manage their marketing efforts, ensuring sustainable growth beyond the program’s duration.

A significant portion of DLG’s clientele is referred by Launch Lab advisers, who identify companies in need of marketing support but lacking the resources for traditional agencies.

“With all the great work [the advisers] do, they often identify a need for marketing support, but many clients lack the resources to hire a traditional agency,” explains Colton Jung, DLG’s digital advertising and analytics specialist. “We’ve positioned ourselves as an affordable solution that can step in, whether it’s building a marketing strategy from the ground up or refining and improving existing efforts.”

One notable success story is Equal Eats, a company producing translation cards in over

52 languages to assist travellers with dietary restrictions. Initially inexperienced with paid advertising, Equal Eats collaborated with DLG to implement a modest advertising budget.

“With Equal Eats, the return on investment grew exponentially in a short period, making advertising a major success,” Jung recalls.

“However, our work wasn’t limited to advertising—we also saw great results through email marketing and social media.”

As Equal Eats expanded, the demand for online sales and marketing necessitated a full-time, in-house team. DLG facilitated this transition by providing comprehensive support to the new social media manager. “We supported his transition by providing a comprehensive handoff to his new social media manager, including a breakdown of digital asset templates, campaign strategies, performance metrics, and all the initiatives our team had been implementing,” says Emry Tommasini, DLG’s content marketing and copywriting expert

Kyle Dine, CEO and founder of Equal Eats, attests to the value DLG brought to his business.

“The DLG team continually impressed me with the value they added to my business,” Dine remarks. “Their marketing efforts focus on ads, content marketing, social media marketing, and more. Over the period of working together, we experienced significant growth and return on market investment.”

DLG’s collaborative approach includes biweekly meetings with clients to ensure seamless integration of marketing strategies and measurable results. This methodology extends to clients referred through other Launch Lab programs across Ontario, such as Amplify and ElevateIP. These initiatives offer tailored support to help businesses protect, optimize, and leverage their intellectual property assets.

Neuralign, a company offering a reading program for children with dyslexia, connected with Launch Lab through the ElevateIP program. Working alongside Neuralign’s adviser, Bob Huggins, DLG aligned marketing efforts with sales strategies. “Neuralign is a software that was made for helping young students with dyslexia be able to play a game and work on their reading skills at the same time,” Tommasini explains. “For them, we were reaching out to learning centres, school boards, and special needs teachers.”

DLG’s services encompassed social media, email marketing, and blog writing to raise awareness and build community engagement.

Brooke

Similarly, ScribeWire (formerly Closed Captioned Services) sought DLG’s expertise during its rebranding phase. The company specializes in live broadcast captioning, post-production captioning, web captioning, described video, and American Sign Language services. DLG assisted with press releases, social media marketing, and email campaigns to effectively communicate the rebrand to their audience. “We worked with them for about six months to get them through that phase,” Jung notes. “We worked on everything from social media, email marketing, to advertisements.”

Brooke Woboditsch, CEO of ScribeWire, acknowledges DLG’s instrumental role in their digital transformation. “Launch Lab has been instrumental in helping us navigate the complexities of rebranding and digital transformation,” Woboditsch says. “Their support, especially through the DLG team, has been invaluable in aligning our technology and marketing efforts to scale ScribeWire’s customer base.”

Launch Lab’s DLG program is reshaping the way businesses in Eastern Ontario approach marketing, offering a unique blend of

Launch Lab has been instrumental in helping us navigate the complexities of rebranding and digital transformation. Their support, especially through the DLG team, has been invaluable in aligning our technology and marketing efforts to scale ScribeWire’s customer base.

–Brooke Woboditsch, CEO of ScribeWire

affordability, expertise, and hands-on support. Unlike traditional marketing services that can be costly and generic, DLG provides tailored solutions designed to meet the specific needs of each business, helping them navigate the complexities of digital marketing, branding, and customer engagement.

At its core, DLG is more than just a service—it’s an investment in business independence. By equipping companies with the tools, strategies, and knowledge needed to execute effective marketing campaigns, the program fosters long-term self-sufficiency. Entrepreneurs not only receive guidance on how to refine their messaging and strengthen their online presence but also gain the confidence to implement these strategies on their own.

With Eastern Ontario’s business landscape growing more competitive, DLG plays a crucial role in levelling the playing field, ensuring that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can access high-quality marketing expertise without breaking their budgets. Through programs like DLG, Launch Lab continues to drive economic resilience, helping businesses build strong foundations for sustained growth in an increasingly digital world.

Colton Jung, DLG’s digital advertising and analytics specialist.

Emry Tommasini, DLG’s content marketing and copywriting expert.

Woboditsch, CEO of ScribeWire

Unlocking entrepreneurial success with Launch Lab’s expert advisers

At Launch Lab, a regional innovation centre dedicated to fostering business growth in Eastern Ontario, a network of seasoned advisers is helping entrepreneurs overcome challenges, unlock new opportunities, and scale their operations. More than just mentors, these professionals bring decades of industry experience, offering strategic guidance, market insights, and access to vital networks that enable businesses to streamline operations, secure funding, and prepare for long-term success.

The impact of this advisory network extends well beyond consultation. Advisers work closely with leadership teams to refine business models, diagnose pain points, and implement targeted strategies. Whether a company is in its early stages or preparing for an acquisition, Launch Lab’s advisers provide insight that helps businesses navigate uncertainty and position themselves for sustainable growth.

For startups, this level of expertise can be a gamechanger. Many early-stage businesses struggle with identifying their market, refining their value proposition, or finding cost-effective ways to scale. Having access to experienced advisers gives them clarity, confidence, and a defined roadmap.

For established businesses, the network offers opportunities to expand into new markets, attract investors, and enhance operational efficiency. Advisers provide guidance on financial planning, technology integration, intellectual property management, and leadership development while connecting companies with industry leaders, investors, and government support programs that may otherwise be difficult to access.

“Launch Lab is fortunate to have a dedicated team of advisers with diverse specialties,” says general manager Garrett Elliott. Their collective expertise strengthens businesses across a variety of sectors, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the knowledge, support, and connections needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

MEET LAUNCH LAB’S ADVISERS:

Judith Pineault:

Driving business development and value creation

Judith Pineault’s career is a masterclass in business development, with experience spanning multiple industries and continents. She has mentored more than 100 companies, helping them unlock revenue streams and explore new market verticals.

“I’m always thinking, ‘What can we do to increase revenues? What are the potential new verticals? Is there an opportunity for export development?’” she explains, illustrating her proactive approach to business growth.

Her journey began at Drake International, where she gained deep insights into corporate operations before launching her own custom manufacturing business in Kingston. Successfully scaling and exiting her company gave her first-hand knowledge of the challenges entrepreneurs face during business transitions. “I’m going to tell you the stuff your lawyer and accountant don’t think to tell you,” she adds.

As a certified exit planning adviser (CEPA) and tested business consultant, Pineault specializes in mergers and acquisitions, financial optimization and strategic succession planning. She works closely with business owners to strengthen financials, streamline operations and optimize their market positioning — ensuring their companies not only survive but thrive. Her approach goes beyond the numbers; she helps leaders redefine their vision, regain confidence in their business and strategically prepare for long-term success. Whether guiding owners through complex transitions, positioning businesses for acquisition or revitalizing struggling operations, her expertise ensures companies maximize their wealth and secure a strong future.

Dane Bedward: Strategic roadmapping and community investment

Dane Bedward has built a distinguished career on scaling companies, structuring high-growth ventures and driving strategic innovation. With a deep understanding of corporate leadership and market expansion, he specializes in guiding businesses through critical growth stages, helping them navigate challenges, secure funding and implement sustainable strategies.

His track record underscores his ability to deliver transformative results. As vice-president and general manager of Genzyme Americas he played a pivotal role in growing the division from $10 million to $130 million before serving as senior vice-president international, where he helped scale the company to $4.5 billion in revenue prior to its acquisition by Sanofi-Aventis. Today as CEO of NeuroBot Inc., he continues to advise biopharmaceutical and medtech companies on business model development, corporate structure and commercialization strategies. Through his involvement with Launch Lab, Invest Ottawa, L-Spark, and the National Angel Capital Organization he has advised and mentored numerous companies.

Beyond corporate leadership, Bedward has become a trusted adviser to small and medium-sized businesses, offering actionable roadmaps tailored to their unique needs. “We can help companies develop a clear roadmap, in a very short space of time, outlining their strategic priorities, the timing they might need for it, and the type of financing they would require,” he explains. His expertise in scaling operations, managing transitions and fostering innovation has helped businesses secure major investments.

By leveraging decades of experience across biotech, medtech, digital health, and high-growth

We can help companies develop a clear roadmap, in a very short space of time, outlining their strategic priorities, the timing they might need for it, and the type of financing they would require. –Dane Bedward

industries, Bedward delivers strategic, hands-on guidance that ensures companies are not just growing — but growing the right way.

Bob Huggins: Market penetration and scaling digital innovation

Bob Huggins has built a career on transforming ideas into market realities, specializing in scaling digital innovations and helping high-growth potential companies establish a strong market presence. As the founder of Cold North Wind, he pioneered advancements in web content publishing, leading the company to a successful acquisition by Google. His deep expertise spans newspaper publishing, web/content publishing and high technology sectors, making him a sought-after adviser for emerging businesses.

With more than 25 years of experience, Huggins has worked with over 200 companies, refining their strategies and go-to-market positioning during his tenure as entrepreneur in residence for the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation and Invest Ottawa (2009–2014). He was also a founding team member of Terry Matthews’ L-Spark 2015-2019.

In 2002, Ernst & Young recognized his impact by nominating him for Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year. His publication, This Country Canada, also earned silver and honourable mention awards

Together, these advisers at Launch Lab exemplify how diverse, hands-on expertise can transform entrepreneurial challenges into strategic opportunities, driving meaningful growth and lasting success for local businesses. By bridging the gap between business knowledge and execution, they foster a culture of innovation and resilience. Their guidance empowers businesses to make informed decisions, adapt to market changes,

at the National Magazine Awards for excellence in photojournalism.

Currently, Huggins is Chair of Advisory at Neuralign, a platform that claims to improve dyslexic students’ reading by an average of 50% in 10 weeks.

He has also collaborated as senior adviser for Core Innovation and with several researchbased spinoffs from the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Bob also serves on the board of the Children’s Aid Foundation, blending his entrepreneurial expertise with child-centered initiatives and philanthropy.

“Success in building and scaling companies isn’t easy, but persistence is key,” he says. “Every business is different, yet patterns emerge. With years of experience, I’ve learned that the best way to grow a company is to start organically — leveraging the internet to build a solid foundation before investing heavily in paid advertising such as Google Ads. Taking this approach ensures long-term, sustainable growth.”

Huggins continues to champion organic growth strategies, emphasizing long-term sustainability over short-term gains. His extensive experience in entrepreneurial leadership, digital innovation, and advisory roles makes him a valuable resource for businesses looking to scale effectively and build lasting success.

and create long-term economic impact in Eastern Ontario.

Beyond immediate problem-solving, they help companies anticipate future challenges, seize emerging opportunities, and build strategies that sustain success. By equipping entrepreneurs with the skills and insights needed to thrive, Launch Lab’s advisers play a vital role in shaping a stronger, more adaptable business landscape across the region.

Judith Pineault, Driving business development and value creation

Dane Bedward, Strategic roadmapping and community investment

Bob Huggins, Market penetration and scaling digital innovation

Ontario East Economic Development Commission strengthens regional economy

Focused workforce development programs help enhance competitiveness

Whether you’re a business wishing to grow your workforce or a job seeker looking for employment opportunities, the Ontario East Economic Development Commission (Ontario East) could be just the resource you need. Ontario East is delivering on its mandate to develop, implement and administer programs for a diverse group of communities stretching from Cobourg to east of Cornwall and north to the edges of Algonquin Park. With a focus on investment attraction, Ontario East also offers professional development opportunities and delivers programs to enhance the region’s competitiveness.

Decades of success promoting the region

Established more than 35 years ago as a non-profit, regional marketing agency, Ontario East’s goal is to promote the region’s business attributes to employers and investors; these include a skilled workforce, consistent strong economic performance, and competitive operating costs. The organization also spotlights the region’s many training and educational institutions and employment opportunities – particularly in the key sectors of food and beverage processing, advanced

manufacturing and technology, logistics and transportation – and helps position the fiscal strength of the region to global markets.

“As the lead regional economic development organization, Ontario East facilitates collaboration, works with other economic development organizations, supports members, provides resources and works as a collective voice for economic development in Eastern Ontario,” says Jay Amer, the Commission’s executive director.

Workforce Partners Support Project

Over the past several years, Ontario East has initiated a number of regional workforce development projects. The most recent is the Workforce Partners Support Program (WPSP), focusing on key priorities such as skilled trades, apprenticeships, employment services and attracting highly skilled newcomers. The WPSP helps create, maintain and fill jobs in key employment sectors through a variety of initiatives. These include promoting labour market programs in eastern Ontario plus connecting support services with new and innovative solutions through research. The program also involves outreach and marketing, facilitating access to available tools as well as engaging employers,

jobseekers and workforce support groups. A key component is identifying ongoing labour shortage issues, addressing new and unique workforce challenges postpandemic, and attracting and retaining new participants.

Communication is key

A significant part of the commission’s work to enhance the region’s economic viability involves gathering and sharing information which will benefit companies, investors, support agencies and job seekers. “We package and distribute knowledge of best practices, resource contacts and other relevant information via our regular newsletters, blog posts, roundup emails, and more,” explains Amer. “We are always looking for innovative new ways to extend our communication efforts. As an example, we are currently preparing a video to more broadly spread the word that there are over 46,000 people employed in manufacturing industries alone in Eastern Ontario, with an emerging workforce of 15,300. We want to be sure businesses and workers alike understand there are so many communities outside of Ottawa and Toronto that could be very welcoming and appealing.”

Creative solutions

Ontario East works with and promotes partnerships with educational institutions, public and private agencies and non-profits involved in workforce development. At the same time, Ontario East is also applying

outside-the-box thinking to the ways it can promote supports tailored to new Canadians, who represent a vital portion of the region’s future workforce potential.

The bottom line

In a nutshell, Ontario East’s WPSP is all about linking and leveraging the myriad stakeholders involved in workforce development to help address workforce issues. “As a solution-focused organization, we really are in the business of facilitating partnerships, sharing access to resources and forging meaningful connections very quickly,” says Amer. “Our region’s strategic positioning offers unparalleled access to key commercial hubs – we sit within 800 kilometres of over 50 million people – making it an ideal destination

for businesses seeking growth and connectivity. We’re proud of our continuing success in helping to strengthen the workforce needed to support that growth.”

The economic prosperity of Ontario East as a region hinges on the success of local businesses and attraction of new investment and jobs. Much like the organization’s many other successful initiatives over the years, Ontario East’s Workforce Partners Support Program is tangibly supporting local businesses plus encouraging both new investment and job creation while also contributing to the overall economic vitality of the region. By addressing skill gaps, fostering collaboration, and creating a positive business environment, the program, coupled with Ontario East’s other

collaborative efforts, are bolstering the region’s foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity.

The Ontario East Economic Development Commission is eager to extend the network of organizations and individuals with whom it collaborates. Visit ontarioeast.ca or reach out to Ontario East to learn more about how tapping into their network of productive partnerships can support your future success.

25 surprising things

made right here

BY PHIL GAUDREAU

From major multinationals to home businesses, there are many companies making surprising stuff in Eastern Ontario. You’ll find everything from giant manufacturing plants creating millions of tires per year to smaller teams turning wood into world-class doors.

Go to obj.ca to read the full STUFF Made and Built in Eastern Ontario 2025 issue.

Alain Bard, owner of Bard's Balloons, and his colleague, Dalton Melbourne, prepare for a day at the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival in September. Photo by Mark Holleron.

belleville

1

Fluid carrier

Ever wonder how fluids, pastes and similar items are transported without spilling? Could you imagine how difficult a cleanup would be if a liquid container burst while in transit?

Belleville’s Schutz manufactures and reconditions what are called intermediate bulk carriers — a sort of large plastic container placed within a metal cage that is easy to ship, protect and reuse.

2

Tons of tires

Napanee is home to a Goodyear tire manufacturing plant, which recently announced an expansion.

Once construction is complete, its more than 1.2-million-square-foot facility will produce tire solutions for electric vehicles in addition to the millions of tires the plant already produces each year.

kingston

3

Stable fruit stuff

Ever look at your cereal bowl and wonder where the different grains, dried fruits or seeds came from?

Or enjoy a fruit-flavoured ice cream and think about how the flavour was added?

From its Kingston location, Frulact makes “stabilized preparations” that are added to dairy products, baked goods, ice cream, desserts and more.

kingston

4

Canadian milk in formula

Earlier this year, Canada Royal Milk received approval to begin producing baby and infant formula from Canadian milk. Expect to see the brand name Niuriss appearing on store shelves soon. Last year, the Chinese-owned company, which has a Canadian arm in Kingston, also launched Capriss, a goat milk powder for milk lovers of all ages.

gananoque

5

Hockey smell hacks

While the sights and sounds of hockey may be entertaining, the smells usually aren’t. Hockey mom Emily Prout resolved to do something about it with a line of candles and sprays just for hockey moms. Her Bullseye Hockey company also makes some top-shelf beeswax designed to prolong the life of hockey sticks and your goalie pads. It’s all handmade in Gananoque.

7

There’s oil in these parts

Next time your car is in for an oil change, there’s a chance that oil was made in Brockville. Shell’s Brockville plant produces 130 million litres a year of products such as Pennzoil and Quaker State. The oil also ships across the country and to Canada and the U.S.

8

Soup’s on

On a colder fall or winter day, what can beat a bowl of butternut squash soup or chili? If those aren’t to your taste, try one of Perth Soup Company’s other flavours of soup, frozen entrees or dry mixes — all made in Perth using only Ontario-raised chicken, locally raised ground beef

6 Electric race cars

With electric cars becoming more common on the streets, it’s not surprising to see them joining the race track. And the pit crews making it happen are based in Belleville. Scalar Performance has been working on the SCR1, a project to convert a combustion engine car to the first all-electric touring race car, for a couple of years now. Its engineeers are also applying what they’ve learned to other vehicle types, up to and including heavy-duty mining trucks.

napanee

belleville

brockville

perth

and AAA Alberta stewing beef, with seasonal Ontario vegetables for maximum freshness. Its Simply Souperb eats are available at seven locations.

sharbot lake

9

Conboy maple syrup

For more than 45 years, the Conboy family has been making maple syrup, sugar, jelly and butter in Sharbot Lake. In fact, the farm has been in the family for more than 145 years. The syrup is sold in and around Sharbot Lake, but its reputation goes far beyond Eastern Ontario. Comedian Tom Green declared it “the freshest, best Canadian maple syrup” when he gave a jug to Joe Rogan during a recent podcast taping.

smiths falls

10

12

Giving old tires new life

When tires wear out, they’re often converted into products such as rubber mulch, rooftops or flooring. Ecolomondo is developing a better way to reuse old tires. Its Hawkesbury facility can process 14,000 tons of tire waste per year and produce 5,300 tons of recovered carbon black, 42,700 barrels of oil, 1,800 tons of steel, 1,600 tons of process gas and 850 tons of fibre.

is vegan, biodegradable, GMO-free, certified organic and made in Eastern Ontario in what it calls “the beaver dam.” The Hawkesbury company was founded by former biochemists and microbiologists to help people access a natural and healthier lifestyle. The products are not just sustainable — they’re also available in fun flavours and scents. Green Beaver toothpaste, for example, comes in mint, orange, cinnamon and star anise, while its deodorant options include citrus, lavender and wild rose.

Chocolate redux

Here's a sweet treat to look forward to in the future: Hershey is expected to resume production of its chocolate in Smiths Falls. The American confectionery giant operated a plant in Smiths Falls from 1961 until around 2009 and then Hershey re-acquired its old plant in 2023. Hopefully we'll soon see Hershey bars, Reese's and Kit Kats rolling off the production line in the town again.

hawkesbury 11

Sensible scents Green Beaver’s line of personal care products

parts, largely due to innovations they pioneered. These same plastic sheets can also be used in signage like you might see during an election or at a real estate listing.

brockville

13 Tap technology

There’s a lot of technology that goes into delivering water to your tap at home each day, not to mention keeping it clean and safe to drink. From its plant in Brockville, Newterra makes the equipment that helps treat industrial wastewater in places such as new home developments, golf courses, resorts and mines — places that can’t always connect in to municipal water treatment plants.

cornwall

14 Part protection

As cars are being assembled, the various parts and pieces need to be protected from damage. Cornwall’s Laminacorr makes corrugated plastic sheets, which today are the most commonly used protection for packaging automotive

merrickville

15

Solving a puzzle

Why was it that Canada didn’t have a puzzle manufacturer? It’s a puzzling question that Michael J. Bainbridge and Brigitte Gall didn’t answer per se, but they did address it by creating one. Using photos amassed by Bainbridge in his decade-long career as an award-winning mineral photographer, they launched TheOccurrence, a “100 per cent owned, operated and unreasonably proudly Canadian jigsaw puzzle manufacturing company” located in rural Merrickville. Self-professed science nerds and art geeks, they design, print, cut and box their puzzles at their location.

merrickville

16 Non-stinky bug spray

Whether you want to rest well or keep yourself safe on your next outdoor adventure, 1890. ca has you covered — from bath bombs and body lotions to an all-natural bug and tick spray. “Happy Glamper” is made from a unique blend of natural ingredients that the 1890 team says are proven to be effective against common insects. And as you settle into your tent, make sure to apply the “Go To Sleep Babe French Lavender and Chamomile” magnesium body lotion from the Merrickville company.

hawkesbury

“Crazy” kombucha

Canada’s only fair-trade kombucha happens to be made in Balderson, northwest of Perth. While it was originally explosive growth that led Loon Kombucha Inc. founder Gabe Johnston to move from just south of Perth up to Balderson, it turns out the high-quality, alkaline and fully mineralized well water in Balderson were the secret ingredients to set Loon apart. Loon now ships its seven flavours across Canada.

18

Fauxmagerie Zengarry

They call it “the crème de la crème of plant-based cheese” and it’s not at all cheesy to say they have a growing slice of the market. Fauxmagerie manufactures a cashew nut-based cheese that is made right in Alexandria and shipped out to nine Canadian provinces and one territory. Its creamy Swiss vegan cheese even won Best Swiss-Style Cheese in 2022 and 2023 at the Vegan Cheese Awards.

19

Coutts Coffee Roastery and Café

Coutts Coffee Roastery will soon celebrate 25 years serving — what else? — coffee! It ships in fair trade, organic beans directly from small farmers across Africa and South America. The Coutts team roasts the

21

Stroke saver

If you have a stroke, you’re at risk for a second one within a week. There are ways to prevent a second stroke, but doctors need quick information to prevent and treat blood clots that could lead to additional strokes. Genomadix’s Cube is a rapid-test device providing 99 per cent accurate results within an hour — far quicker than current methods. The Ottawa company can also test for a gene that can help predict Alzheimer’s disease and harmful bacteria such as legionella.

22

A woodworker’s dream plane

beans in-house in small batches, using a traditional method to achieve the ultimate development of each coffee’s unique characteristics. It offers 20 unique blends including Sherriff’s Brew, named for the 180-year-old building it calls home.

pembroke

20

A world of wood Forestry and logging dates back to the founding of Pembroke some 200 years ago, and companies such as Roseburg carry on that tradition today. It produces lumber, hardwood, engineered wood, plywood, wood chips and mediumdensity fibreboard (MDF) — the latter being what companies such as IKEA use for some cabinets and furniture. Roseburg’s Medex MDF is even used by companies such as Holt Hill Audio for its custom-built speakers and monitors.

ottawa

23

High-performance laptops

Eurocom was the first company to introduce upgradeable graphics processing units (GPUs) and central processing units (CPUs) into laptops more than 30 years ago. Now marking 35 years in business, it continues to offer high-performance and customizable laptops. Just last year, it introduced the Raptor X17, described as the “world’s most powerful Mobile Supercomputer.” What’s a mobile supercomputer? Essentially, Ottawa’s Eurocom makes it easier for its customers to upgrade a laptop’s performance without having to buy a whole new system.

24

Being able to precisely trim your lengths of wood is an important part of any woodworking or craft project. Veritas Tools, a division of Lee Valley, recently introduced a Shooting Plane, a tool that makes the job easy and consistent. It’s one of the many dozen tools offered by Veritas. The tools are processed from raw casting to finished product at the company’s Ottawa headquarters.

Magnificent millwork Wood-n’t you love to spend your day crafting beautiful wood pieces for someone’s home? The team at T.L. Stewart has been doing that for 30 years. It makes butcher block countertops, staircases, cabinets, furniture, wood siding and flooring, doors and custom mouldings in up to 500 styles. For the past 20 years, it has also made specialty cutting boards sold in the Arnprior area.

belleville

25

Bard Balloons

Hot air balloons have had the same basic shape since the 1950s. Bard Balloons is part of a new wave of hot air balloon-makers creating more exotic designs and shapes, such as Météo, which features a threedimensional sun, cloud and rainbow; Alien Rocket, which is shaped like a spacecraft; and My Deerling, a reindeer with ears and antlers. For more daring flyers, it has even made balloons with glass floor baskets.

lanark

arnprior

ottawa

ottawa

THE 2025 EASTERN ONTARIO

Vacation gems close to home await your discovery

BY PAULA ROY

Welcome to our vacation guide. We eagerly put this special section of the paper together for you each year, to showcase some of our region’s most appealing vacation and staycation options. This year, we’ve intentionally focused on local consumers’ increased desire for authentic, homegrown experiences that celebrate the best that Canada has to offer.

THE ALLURE OF TRAVELLING IN CANADA

There has been a lot of talk lately about maximizing one’s time and travel dollars by staying in Canada, due in part to enhanced patriotism and general economic uncertainty. It’s more than just anecdotal; according to Statistics Canada, the number of return trips among Canadians

travelling by car to the United States declined significantly in February, down 23 per cent year over year.

Similarly, Canada’s largest travel agency, the Flight Centre Travel Group, reported that pleasure travel bookings for American destinations in February were 40 per cent lower compared with the same month last year. Abacus Data found that 56 per cent of surveyed Canadians who initially planned to travel to the U.S. this year had since scaled back or cancelled those plans, with 78 per cent of those surveyed aged 60+ indicating that U.S. travel has become less appealing.

attractions means it’s not necessary to travel far to enjoy world-class experiences. In fact, it’s easier than ever to make great memories close to home, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or in a group with friends or family.

As this vacation guide demonstrates, our region is replete with charming places to visit, ranging from small communities to thriving cities. Each destination offers a range of appealing, quintessentially Canadian experiences, whether you prefer to explore waterways, visit historic sites, indulge in local food and drink or immerse yourself in a vibrant arts and culture scene.

CLOSE TO HOME HOLDS GREAT APPEAL

As the data suggests, travel preferences are shifting, indicating a broader trend of Canadians opting for local destinations and that’s great news for those looking at Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais. The convergence of natural beauty, convenient amenities and interesting

OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES

Boating enthusiasts are drawn to the region’s numerous lakes and rivers, many of which are easily accessed for kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding and fishing; at some, pristine beaches also beckon. If camping’s your thing, a wide range of options exist – many waterside – including provincial and national parks plus private campgrounds, but rest assured that those who prefer hotels or cozy inns will also find no shortage of possibilities. Here are two handy links to book at provincial or Parks Canada campsites.

FARM FRESH EXPERIENCES

While the concept is not a new one, it is only recently that the agritourism sector has finally garnered the limelight it deserves. Whether you choose to visit farm gate stands and u-pick operations, stroll through farmers’ markets brimming with locally produced goods or enjoy an overnight stay on a welcoming farm, it can be an ideal way to connect with people, the land and our nation’s proud agricultural history. As an added bonus, the region’s hundreds of local farms ensure the many pubs, cafés, bakeries, restaurants and breweries are supplied with the finest, freshest ingredients for you to savour. Learn more at Savour East Ontario

Cornwall’s DEV Hotel & Conference Centre a premier destination for work or play

Friendly, flexible facility offers all the ingredients for a great stay

The city of Cornwall – located less than an hour from Ottawa – is quickly becoming one of Ontario’s most appealing getaway destinations. For your next visit, the DEV Hotel & Conference Centre is the perfect home base from which to enjoy the area’s many attractions and recreational opportunities. Set on 75 scenic acres along the St. Lawrence River, the DEV Centre is an ideal spot for gatherings from small to large, such as family reunions, special events, sports team training and tournaments, exhibitions, conventions and more.

Spacious and accessible

The DEV Centre is one of the largest event venues in Eastern Ontario, boasting 70,000 square feet of flexible customizable meeting spaces, making the facility perfect for groups of all sizes. Easily accessed by car, rail, bus, plane or helicopter, the

centre includes 529 guest rooms which are in the process of being refreshed and equipped with the latest in smart room technologies.

The tranquil atmosphere inside the DEV Centre is achieved thanks to its numerous windows, an abundance of plants and a central open-air courtyard, perfect for special events and ceremonies. “Our event guests find it very reassuring that there are ample indoor spaces should planned outdoor activities need to be relocated in the event of inclement weather,” notes General Manager Ian Bentley.

Superb service and cuisine

Adding to the ambiance is the DEV Centre’s super friendly staff – many of whom have been with the facility for decades – who are excited to get back to their traditional hospitality roots stemming from

the centre’s history as a training centre. “We pride ourselves on running a very smooth and efficient operation which allows all our guests to truly relax and enjoy their time with us,” says Bentley.

Top notch food offerings play an important role as well, showcasing the freshest local ingredients including honey harvested from the DEV Centre’s soon-to-be installed rooftop hive. Indulge in sumptuous buffet-style meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the 350-seat Propeller Restaurant, or unwind with a drink and casual fare at Jet Set Pub. If you’re looking for a customized event menu or meals adapted to meet dietary restrictions or special nutritional requirements for athletic training, the DEV Centre’s Executive Chef Jeff Bradfield looks forward to working with you.

An abundance of amenities

Take advantage of a full suite of amenities, including two fully equipped fitness centres, double gymnasium, sauna, 25 metre indoor pool and spa services by appointment. Other perks include free high-speed Internet throughout the entire facility, plus ample parking for large groups, EV charging stations, an outdoor fire pit and patios as well as volleyball and tennis courts.

The DEV Centre is proud to continue the facility’s tradition of being an integral part of the community, sponsoring and hosting events. Special pricing is offered to military guests, seniors and CAA/AAA members. For more information, please contact info@devcentre.ca , visit www.devhotelandconferencecentre.com or call 613-936-5800.

Flexible spaces designed for seamless events

Newly Renovated Rooms

Scenic venue overlooking the St. Lawrence River

City of Cornwall serves up natural beauty, rich history and modern amenities

An appealing, accessible destination for all

A beautiful riverside city steeped in history, Cornwall offers visitors a chance to embrace modern experiences, connect with nature and immerse themselves in the past. Strategically located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, just an hour from Ottawa, Cornwall’s is an appealing, accessible destination.

Where the past comes to life

As one of the oldest settlements in Canada, Cornwall’s storied past includes an historic visit from Thomas Edison over 140 years ago. He came to switch on the Canada Cotton Manufacturing Company’s lights, making it Canada’s first electrified industrial facility. This celebrated event and many others can be discovered at the Cornwall Community Museum while the history of hydroelectric power can be explored at the Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre.

Land and water-based activities abound

Known for its world-class waters, boaters love Cornwall’s waterfront. Bring your own gear or

check out the kayak and paddleboard rentals available at Guindon Park. The city is also known as an angler’s haven; public boat launches are available at Guindon and Lamoureux Parks. Whether you want to cycle, stroll, inline skate or scooter along the popular Riverside Trail, you’ll find 18 kilometres of it in Cornwall, with bike rentals available at Marina 200. Those who prefer to get their steps in on a golf course will be equally satisfied at Summerheights Golf Links. For the adventuresome, mountain biking trails and one of Ontario’s top-ranked BMX tracks can be found in Guindon Park.

Cultural connections

Art galleries and studios plus several renowned theatres are key components of Cornwall’s thriving cultural scene. Explore the region’s rich indigenous history with a visit to the Native North American Travelling College (tours can be pre-booked). The festival scene in Cornwall is a particularly lively one, with events running from spring through fall, including such perennial favourites as Ribfest, Apples and Art, and Culture Fest.

Appealing accommodations

Cornwall boasts a handful of comfortable, convenient hotels as well as vacation rental properties. From solo travellers to families to large groups, Cornwall has room for everyone!

Eat, drink and be a merry shopper

Cornwall’s tantalizing culinary and beverage purveyors offer something for every taste and budget, with an emphasis on fresh and flavorful fare. Choose from dozens of options, many with patios, and be sure to check out Rurban Brewing’s tap room and retail store. Once you’re fuelled up, cruise downtown to visit Cornwall’s many one-of-a-kind shops.

Looking for help planning your next visit to Cornwall? Call or text Cornwall Tourism anytime at 613-938-4748 to request the 2025 visitor guide or visit cornwalltourism.com

HISTORY AND CULTURE AWAIT

Home to some of Canada’s earliest settlements, prior British and French influences have shaped the character of this region in many ways. Discover the area’s rich past through museums, historic buildings, live action re-enactments, longstanding fairs and more. History really does come to life here. Check out this comprehensive list of Ontario museums and heritage sites for more information. When it comes to arts and culture, the entire region offers a vibrant palette of entertainment. Art tours, galleries and studio visits will help you connect with the work of talented artists and artisans. Whether you’re a fan of live music or theatre (or both), small regional playhouses and larger venues consistently present impressive lineups, enjoyed in some of the most appealing settings. Find your muse easily thanks to this arts and culture site.

SPORTS AND RECREATION FOR ALL

Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to capture their fancy, from playing golf to zooming around BMX parks or go-kart tracks. The area is also a hiker’s paradise,

with trails appealing to all ages and levels of difficulty. Cycling routes both on and off-road present another great way to explore the region. Ontario By

Bike offers great resources.

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) recently noted that while foreign visitors are important contributors to the tourism industry in Canada, Canadians represent the biggest share of tourists at over 75 per cent. Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais are

Discover Brockville, the City of the 1000 Islands! Explore historic sites like Canada’s first railway tunnel, enjoy a 1000 Islands Cruise, or stroll downtown filled with shops and cafes. Family fun, history, and adventures await!

more than ready to show everyone just how much there is to discover in this beautiful, interesting part of our country. Local tourism organizations have all the resources you need to find an abundance of unique opportunities as you plan your next vacation in a region considered by many to be one of Canada’s finest.

SOUTHEASTERN ONTARIO

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is the company’s new Canadian jewel

Impressive facility will let guests stay, play, dine and entertain like VIPs

Hotel & Casino Ottawa as a $350-million transformation of the former Rideau Carleton Raceway nears completion. This high-energy entertainment destination will soon offer visitors an unparalleled getaway experience, while also providing Ottawa residents with an exciting new staycation option just minutes from home.

“The soundcheck is almost over,” notes Christine Crump, president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. “As we prepare to welcome guests to Canada’s only fully integrated Hard Rock location, we are confident the hotel, casino, restaurants and live entertainment options, including standardbred harness horse racing, are going to hit the correct notes.”

Founded in the United Kingdom over fifty years ago, Hard Rock has grown into one of the most recognizable global brands.

“Our new facility will attract Canadians from near and far, as well as guests from abroad. Upon arrival, all guests will find a classic Hard Rock experience – no detail has been overlooked. What we are building is unlike

The atmosphere, memorabilia, food offerings, comfortable hotel rooms, live entertainment options – it’s all being prepared for opening day,” confirms Crump.

“As the latest jewel in the renowned Hard Rock crown, this exceptional venue is set to redefine entertainment and hospitality in Canada’s capital region,” says Crump. “Whether your visit is for pleasure or business we know you will feel the vibe and will have a memorable time! The moment you step inside, you’ll be transported into a world of music, memorabilia and non-stop excitement. We cannot wait to open the doors and share what we’ve been working on. Stay tuned!”

Whether it’s a weekend escape or an exciting night out, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is the perfect spot to stay, play, dine, and experience world-class entertainment.

To learn more about the upcoming Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, visit hardrockottawa.com.

Upon project completion, Canada’s only Hard Rock Hotel and Casino will include:

• 150-room Hard Rock Hotel, including 22 suites & 19 accessible rooms

• Expanded Hard Rock Casino with 1,500 slot machines, up to 40 liveaction table games, baccarat room, high-limit gaming, and more

• VIP entrance and private gaming spaces

• 1,800-seat Hard Rock Live theatre with standing room for 2,200 guests

• 10 restaurants, bars, and lounges, including the iconic Hard Rock Cafe and Council Oak Steakhouse

• Rock Shop® and Unity store

• Unity Rewards®

• Live Standardbred Harness Horseracing (March to December)

Themomentyoustepinside,you’llbetransportedintoaworldof music,memorabiliaandnon-stopexcitement.

A taste of the countryside

YOUR GUIDE TO REGIONAL SUMMER FARM ADVENTURES

BY PAULA ROY

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to connect with the natural world? One of the best ways to do this is by enjoying an immersive experience at a working farm. Whether you’re looking to pick your own fruit or vegetables, interact with friendly animals, take some photos, or simply enjoy the peaceful countryside, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais offer a wide variety of farm experiences. Pack your rubber boots and sunscreen then get ready to explore the charm and beauty of these wonderful rural retreats, where you can feel in tune with the land, savour fresh food, and make unforgettable memories with family and friends.

FOR ANIMAL ENTHUSIASTS

Foymount Farm in Cormac, near Eganville, is a peaceful, 50-hectare farm and forest. Two comfortable, private, kid and pet-friendly farm-stay cottages are available for rent. Also on offer are horse lessons during which you’ll learn how to forge connections and communicate with these majestic animals.

Goat Ridge Farm in Seeley’s Bay comprises 300 rolling acres of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, where the family cultivates the land plus raises llamas, Nubian goats, poultry and pigs.

Sign up for a goat walk to lead these curious, friendly creatures around then pop into the farm shop for pastured meats, vegetables and handcrafted ceramics made at the farm’s pottery studio.

Maple Hill Urban Farm in Ottawa is beloved for its animal tours; visitors can choose either an alpaca, pony or goat to handle and guide. Other barn animals to meet include cows, pigs, chickens and ducks. Eggs and seasonal fresh produce are available for purchase, and a fun corn maze is open in the fall.

FOR FRUIT FANS

Les Fruits de Poirier in St-Eugène, near Vankleek Hill, is a family-run permaculture farm offering berry picking, picnic facilities and guided tours. Select favourite seasonal fruits like blackberries,

GOAT RIDGE FARM GREEN CORNERS

apples and plums or new-to-you varieties such as haskap and Nordic kiwi. A campground for RVs is available and the farm store features a wide variety of unique local goods.

Miller’s Farm and Market, just south of Manotick, is well known for its garden centre plus a pumpkin extravaganza each fall, but they also grow a wide range of other produce and offer farm-fresh eggs too. Seasonal u-pick offerings include strawberries, raspberries and currants. Delectable baked goods, wagon rides and play structures make this a very familyfriendly spot.

FOR FLOWER LOVERS

Green Corners in Edwards is the Ottawa area’s largest u-pick flower farm offering tulips, marigolds, sunflowers, snapdragons and much more. Build your own bouquet or purchase premade ones. Alternatively, for a small fee, you can visit and take photos with the most vibrant natural backdrops imaginable; professional photographers can also book photo shoots on location.

Wynn Farms in Adolphustown serves up u-pick strawberries, apples and pumpkins plus a corn maze but what’s particularly popular are their flower offerings. These

include bouquet-making workshops, a multi-day sunflower festival and flower frenzy events. Their family-friendly teddy bear picnic is another highlight.

FOR OVERNIGHTERS

Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork in Douglas is a heritage family farm that allows you to sample farm life via peaceful farmhouse accommodations, farm-fresh food and a variety of hands-on experiences including farm tours, picnics in the pasture, cycling tours and more.

Berry Homestead Farm in Lyndhurst is an off-grid farm with kayak rentals, campsites and an accessible tiny house for overnight stays. Expect a warm welcome from the farm’s donkeys, chickens and geese. Their farm shop features a nice assortment of farm-made products incorporating donkey milk, honey and elderberries.

FOR INSPIRATION AND EDUCATION

Mādahòkì Farm in Kanata offers a full suite of Indigenous-inspired experiences and special events for all ages. Feed the small animals or watch the endangered Ojibwe Spirit Horses playing and grazing in the fields. Walk the legacy trail and leave a message of reconciliation. Be sure to visit the store, filled with arts, crafts and foods from over 40 Indigenous artists and makers.

Whichever farms you choose to check out, be sure to familiarize yourself with Agritourism Ontario’s helpful farm visit etiquette. For more fun opportunities, be sure to check out the region’s many farmers’ markets and agricultural fairs. Quebec Agrotourism and Savour East Ontario also have lots of helpful resources on their sites.

• Minutes from downtown Kingston

• Conference facilities for up to 200 people

• lslandview banquet and dining facilities

• Smuggler’s Glen championship golf course

• Area attractions - including boat tours, casino, pickleball, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and more!

MA _ DAHÒKI FARM

GREEN CORNERS

Your next memorable getaway awaits in Whitewater Region

So many possibilities in Ontario's Adventure Playground

If you’re eager to immerse yourself in some quintessentially Canadian experiences, look no further than Whitewater Region in the County of Renfrew, in the Upper Ottawa Valley. It’s a four-season playground that offers an especially extensive array of options during warm weather, making it perfect for an unforgettable weekend getaway. As Ontario’s largest county, Renfrew County has so much to offer including legendary small-town charm and hospitality.

Whitewater Region beckons

Planning the ideal escape is easy, thanks to the variety of options in Whitewater Region. As the name implies, this picturesque area along the Ottawa River is renowned for its

world-class whitewater rapids, making it a prime destination for kayaking, canoeing and rafting enthusiasts, as well as those who enjoy fishing. Encompassing quaint communities such as Cobden, Beachburg, Foresters Falls and Westmeath, this portion of the Ottawa Valley also delivers stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, cultural and culinary possibilities, plus a range of accommodations. Whether your taste in activities leans towards the adventuresome or the relaxing, you’re sure to fill your itinerary with ease. Rafting on the Ottawa River, for example, can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, ranging from lazy river tubing to gentle family floats to high adventure trips including multiday excursions.

An array of accommodations

Stay and play options abound at Wilderness Tours and OWL Rafting, both of which have camping, glamping and cabin accommodations. In addition to its waterpark, Splash Valley Waterpark and Resort also offers camping and cabin rentals. Other popular destinations include private and provincial campgrounds as well as the Whitewater Inn, an elegant bed and breakfast with an onsite thermal cycle featuring a sauna and cold plunge circuit. For more land-based activities, trail and road cycling, mountain biking and hiking are all popular pastimes in Whitewater Region, as is exploring the network of ATV trails. Attending seasonal fairs and festivals, visiting local farmers' markets, and enjoying some retail therapy in Cobden and Beachburg are a must-do for any visitor.

Refreshing options

If delicious meals and tasty beverages are on your bucket list, be sure to check out The River Barn Pub with its spacious patio or farm-to-table events at the Whitewater Inn. Cobden’s famed Sconed Bakeshop and Sour Jo’s Sourdough Bakery are must-visit spots, dishing up an ever-changing array of sweet and savoury options sure to tempt every palate. For more great local flavours, pop into the award-winning Whitewater Brewery to sample its original and seasonal brews or the WhiteWater O'Brien Winery tasting patio.

And if that isn’t a complete enough itinerary for you, Whitewater Region also offers golfing, museums, historic sites and more. Whether looking for adrenaline thrills, to slow the pace or a little in between, let your sense of adventure guide you to the Ottawa Valley.

AI notetaking for meetings? It could cost you

if you don’t do your legal due diligence

Risks include the undermining of board decisions, increased directors’ liability, and potential breaches of confidential business data

We’ve all been there: You hop on a video call and see that, along with your fellow meeting attendees, AI notetaking software is also there, recording, transcribing, and diligently listening to everything everyone says.

But just because this scenario is now commonplace during meetings of all kinds—from board meetings to internal team meetings, to discussions with outside partners—doesn’t mean it’s always safe or even advisable.

That’s why it’s important to know the legal risks for organizations who use AI notetaking, especially those who may use AI transcription for official board meetings—and why consulting your lawyer before using AI notetaking in a meeting could save you significant pain and even internal conflict down the road.

The legal considerations of using AI transcription software

While caution should be exercised whenever such software is used for taking meeting notes, PerleyRobertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l.’s Désirée Estephan-Saliba says the legal considerations of AI notetaking are highest when used during official board meetings.

Here are some of the top legal considerations to keep in mind, especially for companies required to keep meeting minutes as per the Canada Business Corporations Act and the Business Corporations Act (Ontario):

Free-flowing discussions: Automated transcription may discourage some board members, or other meeting participants, from speaking freely—which can have negative impacts for your business and employees.

Litigation and directors’ liability:

Meeting minutes typically show the outcome and decision taken by the board, along with any consideration of relevant issues prior to the decision, in a nuanced (not word-for-word) fashion.

At the same time, meeting notes and minutes aren’t privileged and can be used in litigation. They can also be used to prove or disprove whether a director has met their duty of care or fiduciary obligation.

A word-for-word transcript that doesn’t capture nuance, tone, and context can expose directors to liability and even potentially sabotage business decisions.

“That’s because if there’s conflicting information as to what the decision was, especially for corporations who are accountable to shareholders, someone can go back and question that decision,” explains Estephan-Saliba. “It can undermine the meeting minutes.”

Director’s dissent: While every director has the right to formally document their dissent of any passed resolution in the minutes, most disagreements don’t reach this level of seriousness. That’s why it’s important to consider that any disagreement captured in word-forword AI notetaking could be perceived as dissent—again undermining any decisions made—to anyone reading the transcript afterward.

“Is there animosity amongst the directors or the shareholders, where they would then look at those notes to see if there’s any dissent?” asks Estephan-Saliba. “Is that going to cause more tension among the shareholders or directors? You better believe that there’s going to be more conflict.”

Other legal concerns around the use of AI notetaking include the accidental disclosure of confidential or privileged information in an AI-generated transcript or summary.

Best practices for using AI transcription in meetings

While it’s difficult to quantify the legal risks a company faces when using AI notetaking software, Estephan-Saliba says any company using AI transcription software for meetings puts itself at risk of a data breach. And IBM’s most recent Cost of a Data Breach report estimates that the global average cost of a data breach in 2024 was nearly USD$5M. Companies also face potential liability if third parties aren’t informed if their data has been breached.

Estephan-Saliba recommends all companies review the terms and conditions of how their AI notetaking software stores, maintains, and destroys data.

“You just have to know what tool

you’re using,” she explains. “Do they keep the data forever? Who has access to the data? Because in most cases, you don’t know. You have no idea where they store the information, or how long they store it.”

Along with reviewing your provider’s terms and choosing the right tool for your organization, other best practices include always disclosing the use of (and asking for permission to use) an AI notetaker. Organizations should also establish and review AI usage policies and ensure a human oversees any AI notetaking for meetings.

And while she says these legal considerations and best practices are continuously evolving, companies should err on the side of caution—and if they have questions or concerns, they should contact their lawyer.

“It’s all very up in the air right now,” she says of emerging legal considerations around AI usage, “and it’s our job to help businesses get ahead of it.”