Economic Development eNews | August 11, 2020 |
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Top feature photo: Left to Right: Connor Heward, Nicholas Gibbs and David Gibbs look at the green and blue panorama of Rock Dunder in summer overlooking the Rideau.
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Above photo: Dan MacNeil, Lynda and Greg Halladay boating on Charleston Lake.
Below photos: Rockport Boat Line tour boat leaving their dock on the St. Lawrence River; paddling on an inland lake.
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Above photo: Handmade ice cream and gelato at Downtowne Ice Cream Shoppe in Merrickville; and unique shopping in Lyndhurst. |
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Explore what the region is famous for |
Ask your family and friends what their top 10 special places and experiences are in the region to enjoy and you will be surprised at how different their list will be from yours. On social media, let's start talking about our favourite spots that make up this place we proudly call home.
Living in the 1000 Islands, St. Lawrence River and Rideau Canal Waterways with 24 inland lakes, area residents enjoy world-renowned iconic landmarks and culinary delights only found here.
University student Nicholas Gibbs is one of many. He's lived in this area for years but had never experienced the hike and stunning views of Rock Dunder.
"I've done hikes before but never Rock Dunder," says Nicholas. "It has a beautiful view of the Rideau and is an ideal spot to hike, relax and enjoy the wildlife." He went with three friends and says other locals who haven't yet experienced it should check it out.
Rock Dunder has three trails offering sneak peaks over rocky cliffs, and is part of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere network which is a designated UNESCO World-Heritage site. Find other great hiking trails or conservation areas to explore.
"There's nothing better than getting out here on the water and taking time to unwind," he says. Dan enjoys taking friends and family out while relating some of the unique history of Charleston Lake.
St. Lawrence River offers river breezes, fresh-water scuba diving, beaches and a front row view of the 1000 islands where you can go paddling or sit and watch the seaway ships go by.
1000 Islands Cruises in Brockville, Rockport and Gananoque are now open for all to enjoy with new safety protocols in place. Check individual websites for their operating times and tickets.
The Rideau Canal, recognized as Ontario's only UNESCO World Heritage Destination is the region's northern border. It offers 202 km of enjoyment to visitors in the form of 47 locks and 24 lock stations. You can enjoy a waterside picnic or rent a boat to paddle, fish, cruise or find a special place to cool off with a quick dip into the water.
" Leeds Grenville has many towns, villages and hamlets that many residents have not visited," says Ann Weir, Leeds Grenville Economic Development Manager. "I have lived in the region for over 20 years and I'm still finding new roads to travel and places to enjoy. I challenge residents to get out and explore these amazing treasures."
Some locations to check out if you haven’t already are Rockport, Westport, Merrickville, Gananoque, Newboro, Kemptville, Athens, Spencerville, Brockville, North Augusta, Mallorytown, Lyndhurst, Ivy Lea, and Bellamy Lake.
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Throughout the region there are many unique shopping experiences as well as culinary delights to enjoy local food - visit bakeries, breweries, cideries, distilleries, wineries, ice cream shops, tea rooms and coffee shops. Create your own taste trail, revisit old favourites and try ones with friends and neighbours so they can enjoy too.
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1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Garden Trail |
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Several sites are open to enjoy |
A modified 2020 Garden Trail sees one private and five public gardens open for visitors to enjoy. All sites are implementing social distancing protocols.
Rideau Woodland Ramble near Merrickville is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2020 and is having its best sales season ever. Visitors are enjoying the trails through the woodlands and are purchasing flowers, plants and trees to put in their own gardens. The Ramble has published a new book and owners are planning the installation of an anniversary sculpture in the garden.
Healing Circle Labyrinth is accepting visitors by appointment to ensure no overlap of their guests, including small groups for guided tours. The labyrinth features woodland walkways with seating areas for quiet contemplation and soothing sounds. Follow their website for upcoming events and workshops featuring the new Tree of Life and Medicine Wheel.
The Gananoque Horticultural Society is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, and is welcoming visitors to their garden which is part of the Gardens of Gananoque. They also offer a virtual guided tour of the gardens. Close by is Town of Gananoque's Confederation Park that sits on the shores of the Gananoque River. This park boasts one of Canada's largest outdoor contemporary art exhibits around its walks and beautiful fountain.
Ivy Lea Club gardens in Ivy Lea overlook the St. Lawrence River and is surrounded by large granite rocks, a huge displays of hydrangeas and lilac bushes among other perennials. Visitors can also enjoy treats found at the Skiff Café, have dinner at the Ivy Restaurant or dock at the marina.
Featuring plants, flowers, quotes and busts from famous Shakespearean plays, Shakespeare’s Gardens offers a stunning view of the St. Lawrence River and the Sandra S. Lawn Harbour and Marina in downtown Prescott as well as access to shops, pubs and restaurants.
Gardens of Brockville on Courthouse Avenue is a colourful backdrop to three spectacular churches, historic architecture, a bust of war hero Sir Isaac Brock, the Brockville War Memorial and Fulford Memorial Fountain with its ornately sculpted fish and turtles. Spectacular waterfront views and dining or shopping options are close by during your visit.
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Above photo: The Ivy Lea Club gardens overlooking the St. Lawrence River. |
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library |
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Service Canada is providing information on federal government programs and services. These webinars are a collaboration between Employment Ontario and the Canada Revenue Agency. |
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COVID-19 Support for Employers and Service Delivery Partners
This webinar provides an overview of the work-sharing agreement, special measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, financial support for your employees or clients.
WHEN: August 12 or August 20 at 10 a.m.
COST: Free
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COVID-19 Support for Workers
In this session, review types of Employment Insurance benefits, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, the actions required for maintaining benefits, earnings while on claim and other resources to support return to work endeavours.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 25, 10 a.m.
COST: Free
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Teeny Tiny Summit - Big Ideas: A Celebration and Exploration of Small-Town Possibilities
Teeny Tiny Summit is moving to a virtual format featuring a series of webinars. The virtual webinars will shine a light on creative ideas and people in small communities that have made the most of the past few months. The series will be sharing ideas and actions from community leaders in small communities of all kinds for informative and inspiring sessions. The webinars will be 1.5 hours long and will include community development stories from small places throughout the province, and opportunities to connect virtually and learn from other participants.
Webinar 1: Moving Quickly to Action
WHEN: Wednesday, August 12, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Webinar 2: Creatively Bringing Community Together
WHEN: Wednesday, September 23, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Social Media Webinar: Creating Facebook & Instagram Audiences & Ads
This workshop is for individuals who want to develop a deep understanding of developing Facebook and Instagram Advertising, as well as those who want to further their knowledge to create improved advertisements that really work for their business or organization.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 25, 12:30 - 2 pm (includes 15 min. Q & A)
COST: Free
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Leeds Grenville eNews Deadlines for submitting information:
If you have an upcoming workshop, seminar, or business-related event, please email it to us in advance.
- Submissions for the August 25th edition should be received by Monday, August 17th
- Submissions for the September 8th edition should be received by Monday, August 31st.
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COVID-19 Business Updates
Continue to follow www.investleedsgrenville.com/covid19 for the latest information on financial support, health and safety, surveys along with the business news on COVID-19. For business assistance call 613-342-3840 ext. 5365 or email. |
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Ann Weir
Economic Development Manager
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Deanna Clark
Economic Development Officer
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Joanne Poll
Administration / Communications Support
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Shelbi Mcfarlane
Business Development Officer
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32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9
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