RIDEAU LAKES – Wearing many hats, owner and farmer Matthew Telfser is at home at Stealing the Bloom Farm Co. in his overalls and wellington boots. With Meeka, his shepherding dog at his heel, he carries the feed bucket past the organic garden towards the excited mooing and clucking from the yards behind the red brick farmhouse.

Offering farm tours, a mobile petting zoo, livestock sales, breeding and shepherding services, the property was purchased and named in 2020 when Matthew returned to Ontario from Victoria, B.C., bringing the farming knowledge he gained online.

Hosting tours for schools and guests of all ages, Matthew believes his business offers one of the best values in the area's agritourism. “The tour here is only $10 per person, and the farm stand offers our pasture-raised beef, with honey, maple syrup and other items from area farmers,” he said.

Matthew loves giving tours, and it shows. A passionate student who acts on what he learns, he has immersed himself in farm life and shares his knowledge freely with visitors. He lights up when describing daily life on the farm and what it takes to operate it, often testing visitors’ recall with pop quizzes. “Farming is humbling and the hardest job you’ll ever have,” he said.

His first year of tours welcomed 1,000 visitors. Last year, that number climbed to 4,500, and this year is on track to exceed 7,000. Tours offer opportunities to pet a Highland cow, say hello to the hairy pig, hug a duck, hold a turkey, feed the sheep and cuddle baby goats and rabbits. It is a place to escape urban life, take selfies, and simply enjoy a rural experience.

As visitor numbers continue to grow, the farm has become one of the premier agritourism experiences within Leeds Grenville. Stealing the Bloom Farm Co. is also a participating partner in the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways Animal Adventures experience, drawing visitors from across Ontario and beyond.

One of Matthew’s goals is to operate the farm sustainably enough to offset its own costs. To achieve this, he carefully studies expenses and looks at how each aspect of the property can work together. “Everything sheep do helps support the farm,” said Matthew. “Their wool, manure, grazing habits, and breeding all contribute value.”

He explains that almost everything on the farm is consumed directly or indirectly. Shorn wool from the sheep is used to help insulate garlic beds during winter, while manure combined from multiple animals fertilizes the gardens. Livestock yards are rotated to help maintain the health and viability of the land. “It’s the regenerative nature, a miracle of life providing for itself,” he said.

Future plans for the farm include becoming more community-oriented, purchasing its first truck, creating a pond, improving drainage, and building a passageway connecting livestock yards. In the meantime, Matthew continues caring for the animals and welcoming visitors for an experience that's equally educational, memorable, and downright fun.

Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Eastern Ontario Development Fund – Business Stream

Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

Skills Advance Ontario

Ontario Job Grant

Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership Funding

• Federal

FedDev Ontario

Regional Tariff Response Initiative

For more information on funding opportunities, visit the Leeds Grenville Economic Development funding resources page, email Business Development Officer Shelbi McFarlane, or call

613-342-3840 x 5361.

If you are a brick-and-mortar business selling goods or physical services to the public, e.g. book shop, café, boutique, hairdresser, etc., then the Retail Modernization Project Grant (RPMG) may be for you. Retail businesses can receive up to $5,000 in matched funding from the Ontario Centre of Innovation to advance digital transformation.

The initiative supports retail businesses in driving sales, boosting efficiency, and improving customer experience by investing in cutting-edge technology.

Eligibility

• Ontario-based retailer that is open to the public

• Must operate from a physical commercial location, not home-based

• Employ 1–50 full-time staff

• Have been operating for at least 1 year incorporated

• Make at least $100,000+ in annual revenue

• Sells goods or services directly to the public

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CREWS Receives CN Safety Award

Canadian Rail Equipment Works and Services Inc.'s (CREWS) Clayton and Kyle Jones accepted CN’s 2025 Safe Handling Award, recognized for excellence in the safe loading and transportation of regulated products by rail. Presented in Chicago, the award acknowledges organizations that meet stringent safety standards as part of the Responsible Care Program. CREWS credited its rail crews, transloaders, leadership team, and staff for fostering a strong safety culture. The company said safety remains the foundation of its operations and growth.

Starlet Opens Shop in Westport

The newest location of Starlet is now open. This boutique carries high-quality fashion, footwear, household goods, and gift items for the entire family. Browse products from renowned brands including Birkenstock, Free People, Pink Martini, Bogs, Blundstone, and Jellycat, among others. Shoppers will also find products from Andrea Wanes, White Lotus, and St. Anne's Apothecary. A selection of Canadian-made products is available both online and in-store at the new location, 2 Church Street, in the heart of the village.

Receive assistance with:

• Developing and refining your business idea
• Preparing a professional business plan and cash flow projection
• Understanding government regulations, licensing, and registration requirements
• Conducting market research to identify your target audience and opportunities
• Exploring potential grant programs
• Accessing workshops, training, and local business resources

The Bill Thake Award for Economic Development Leadership was introduced in 2011. This annual award, also called the Warden’s Award, recognizes and celebrates a volunteer who has shown outstanding commitment and leadership resulting in the growth and vitality of the Leeds Grenville economy. Individual leaders, not groups or committees, can be nominated. Following the passing of Mr. Thake in 2013, this is now a Memorial Award in his honour. 

The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office is asking individuals, municipal councils and economic development committees to nominate candidates for the annual Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership.

The award winner will be announced prior to the Economic Development Summit and will be officially honoured at the event on November 20th.

Before heading off for summer vacation, talk to your colleagues and community members about who is deserving of this award in your municipality. If you have someone in mind who is a resident within the 10-member municipalities of Leeds Grenville, consider putting their name forward.

Connect with us at econdev@uclg.on.ca or call Shelbi McFarlane at 613-342-3840 ext. 5361. For more, visit the Summit 2026 webpage.

The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, September 18 at 4 p.m.

Located on County Road 42 in the Village of Westport Westport, this property offers exceptional exposure and mixed-use potential. Formerly a licensed car dealership, the fully paved site is well suited to automotive use or redevelopment. A separate 200 sq. ft. office with private entrance supports small business or professional services. The property also includes a two-storey 1-bed, 1-bath home, previously rented and requiring renovation. Westport is a growing community with restaurants, shops, medical services, school, arena, brewery, winery, and harbour access. Ideal for investors or entrepreneurs seeking flexibility and high-visibility location.



View map for 23 Whelan Street, Westport.

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