This electronic communication is a resource providing businesses and interested parties with relevant information about funding sources, events, resources, and other local municipal information.

New Business Spotlight "Airborne Petawawa"

On June 14th, 2024, the Town of Petawawa celebrated the grand opening of Airborne Petawawa. Airborne Petawawa offers an array of exhilarating experiences, including Tandem Skydiving, Solo Student Program, Military Conversions, Wingsuit Courses, and more! They are conveniently located at the Pembroke & Area Airport, 148 Len Hopkins Drive. Airborne Petawawa is committed to uplifting the community in every jump.



• Community Discount: Available for residents of Petawawa, Pembroke, Deep River, Whitewater, Laurentian Hills, & Laurentian Valley.

• Military Discount: Extend our gratitude to Military Members and Military Spouses with special discounts.

• Getting Wounded Vets Airborne: Nominate Wounded Veterans to receive a FREE Tandem Skydive every month.

Experience the thrill of the sky with Airborne Petawawa. For more information, visit airbornepetawawa.ca or follow them on Instagram & Facebook.

Lackluster March for Canada's Restaurant Industry

The combination of weak consumer confidence and high cost of living continued to restrain guest spending at restaurants in March 2024, according to Restaurants Canada. Information from Stats Canada and Restaurants Canada indicates that while nominal sales increased by 5.6% in March compared to last year, when adjusted for menu inflation of 5.1%, real sales rose by 0.4%.

Ontario led all provinces on a year-over-year basis, with real sales up 2.3% compared to March 2023. However, compared to pre-pandemic levels, real foodservice sales are essentially flat (-0.2%).

FedDev Ontario Regional Program FUND

The deadline to apply for the spring intake is June 24, 2024.

FedDev Ontario has launched the spring intake for its regional funding program streams. Incorporated businesses can apply for no-interest, repayable contributions

from $125,000 up to $10M to grow, innovate and diversify. Not-for-profit and

community development organizations can apply for non-repayable contributions

from $125,000 up to $10M to grow regional ecosystems, transform local economies,

and foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Funding for businesses in southern Ontario: What we support (canada.ca)

Newcomer Market Event - Cricket Match

Join the Local Immigration Partnership as they host and celebrate newcomer businesses alongside our regular Container market participants. Immerse yourself in a cultural experience and learn to play Cricket on Saturday, June 22nd from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

• 10 am: Container Market opens with a performance by Dharma Dharma (belly dancing) & Cricket 101 clinic in Field #1
• 11 am: The Cricket Showdown starts The first pitch will be thrown by Petawawa Mayor Gary Serviss
• 11:30 am to 1 pm: Performance by Randa Teschner
• 1:30 to 3 pm: Performance by Navid Miraftab (flamenco guitar music)

LIP market vendors include:

• Nala's Kitchen
• Henna Tattoos by Bhawna & Shreya's Jewelry
• Feo Bubble Tea
• Thai Gardens
• Karen's Empanadas
• Artisan Expressions Sweet Fiesta

Culture Connect - Schedule

New Roadside Local Food Guide

Invest Renfrew County Looking for Local Food Producers

The County of Renfrew is creating a local food guide together with Ottawa Valley Travel and Taste of the Valley.

The focus will be on farms that are open to the public (with farm gate sales), local food producers, agri-tourism operators and local food producers who can cater to events.

If you fit in one of the above categories and are interested in appearing in the online guide, please complete and submit the online survey by July 12th.

Taste of the Valley in Petawawa

Taste of the Valley Petawawa is scheduled for September 28th, 2024

This event is hosted by the County of Renfrew Economic Development Department in partnership with the participating municipalities. Petawawa will host the Taste of the Valley (TOTV) event at the Civic Centre from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, September 28th, 2024. Learn more at the TOTV website.

Construction Season Underway in Petawawa

Bob Sweet to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

The Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the annual Business Excellence Awards Gala, set to take place on September 28th at the Normandy Officers' Mess, Garrison Petawawa. This prestigious event will celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of businesses and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding performance, innovation, and leadership in our community. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to retired Petawawa Mayor Bob Sweet, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the business world. Bob Sweet has dedicated decades to fostering economic growth, and his commitment to community service has left an indelible mark on our region.