Leeds Grenville
Economic Development eNews | February 14, 2017
Business Profile
Top feature photo: The Cove Country Inn's Seamus Cowan and wife Megan Bomberry are always on the lookout for new ways to wow their customers with entertainment, special event nights and award-winning accommodations. 


Photo above: Seamus, a bass player, enjoys playing with many of the visiting bands.


Wedding co-ordinator Maureen Price is all smiles while watching a ceremony.




Above: Chef Joanne Edwards in her kitchen and one of her famous trout and asparagus dishes. 
Photo at right: A wedding overlooking the water.
The Cove blends tried-and-true favourites with new trends for customer engagement 
WESTPORT - There is always something new to experience at The Cove Country Inn.

It could be a night out at the popular Blues on the Rideau, a concert series benefitting local causes, Wings 'n Tunes Wednesdays, Jazz Night or a special menu event like the March 9th Thai Food and Wine Dinner. The Cove, winner of the 2016 South Eastern Ontario Wedding Awards Best Accommodaton prize, is keeping true to being a community hub and a fun destination. 

"We're adamant about presenting the best that we can," says Seamus Cowan, who is enjoying managing the family business his parents Mary and Terry  bought nearly 30 years ago. He and his siblings, twin brother Jeff and sister Jennifer, grew up washing dishes and helping serve tables. The entire family, from near or far, is still involved in the operations. 

"We have the most success by being diversified," says Seamus of keeping customers engaged year round. He and The Cove staff, which swells to about 35 in the peak months, focus on quality service to please multiple generations of locals, tourists and new-world travellers alike. 

Creating both pub and "comfort food" menus alongside more adventurous culinary events is key. Seamus credits The Cove chef Joanne Edwards for her range of delicious creations and multi-course events with wine and beer pairings. "She's one of the best chefs we have ever had and she has put us on the culinary map." 

Blending great foods with quality entertainment in a comfortable setting keeps people coming back. "Musical events packaged with dinner are what we have found really attract people. We look at trends and keep track of our numbers so we know these events are very important to us." 

The Cove has established itself as a great place for weddings, reunions and anniversaries. Wedding co-ordinator Maureen Price works magic, says Seamus. They can seat up to 120 for dinner. 

Accommodations include 15 unique rooms and jacuzzi suites, including some overlooking the Big Rideau Lake. There is a pool and docking for guests.

"We want to continue to be a centre of the community. People tell us this feels like home to them and they're very sentimental about it," Seamus says. "All of our staff help to keep it that way." The goal is to continue to strike the right balance with old and newly-found favourites to keep this century-plus landmark a happening place in the heart of the Rideau Lakes. 

The Cove Country Inn is located at 2 Bedford Street in Westport. Learn more on their website and  Facebook  page, call 6 13 -273-3636; 1-888-COVEINN or send them an email Check out the concert series at Blues on the Rideau

Funding Opportunities
Rural Economic Development (RED) funds 
The RED Program is now open for applications with the intake period running until March 31st. The program provides cost-share funding to rural communities, indigenous communities and organizations, and not-for-profit organizations.

Your Leeds Grenville representative is Katie Nolan, Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Advisor with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. She can be reached at 613-258-8371 or email her if your have any questions. 

Learn more about the RED program's guidelines





Upcoming Events



Augusta Township Mayor's Breakfast
MAYNARD - This year's theme for the Mayor's Breakfast is Progress and Challenges: Our Rural View. It will include an Augusta Township progress report. The public is welcome.

WHEN: Friday, March 3rd: 7:30 a.m. registration; 
8 a.m. breakfast followed by presentations at 8:30 a.m.
WHERE: Grenville Snowmobile Club, 4901 Charleville Road, north of Maynard
COST: $10 at the door

Deadline to register is Monday, February 27th. To learn more or for RSVP information visit our Workshops and Seminars page.
Women's Day honours local business leader
The local International Women's Day event is featuring keynote speaker Hannah Gzik, manager and trainer with BizXcel. Her address will be followed by the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

WHEN: Thursday, March 9th, 6 p.m. social followed by dinner at 6:45 p.m. The keynote address is at 7:45 p.m. with the award presentation at 8:30 p.m.
WHERE:  Aquatarium, Brockville
COST: $70 (includes 3-course dinner)

The first 50 people registered can participate in an interactive tour of the Aquatarium from 5-6 p.m. To learn more or to register, visit our Workshops and Seminars page.


Hannah Gzik of BizXcel is the keynote speaker at the event.
Workshops and Seminars
Main & Digital Shopify with SEO PLUS

This session encompasses a wide range of e-commerce expertise and can guide someone with no prior experience in e-commerce to be able to get a store up and running in 3 hours. It will show you how to build and customize your own Shopify store.

WHEN: Thursday, March 9, 1-4 p.m.
WHERE: Small Business Advisory Centre, 
91 Cornelia Street West, Entrance B, 
Smiths Falls
COST: $15
Getting Started with Email Marketing

Featuring presenter Jim Wright, this session gives basic tips and steps to get started in email marketing for business, how to use it effectively and build your email list.

WHEN: Monday, March 20, 1-4 p.m.
WHERE: Small Business Advisory Centre, 
91 Cornelia Street West, Entrance B, 
Smiths Falls
COST: $15
Learn more about these sessions by visiting our Workshops and Seminars page.
Workshops and Seminars