SPENCERVILLE–Tucked into the countryside just outside Spencerville, Little Foot Alpacas is making a strong impression with visitors seeking a memorable rural getaway.

Known for its friendly alpaca herd and welcoming farm experience, Little Foot Alpacas has expanded into agri-tourism with the addition of a spacious Air B&B designed to host groups of up to 10 guests in comfort and style. The Air B&B offers guests the opportunity to experience farm life in whatever way suits them, whether relaxing and taking in the scenery or filling the day with activities.

Visitors have travelled from across North America and as far away as European countries to enjoy the peaceful setting, meet the animals, and take part in exploring the region. Day trippers can visit the farm, meet the animals, and browse the Alpaca Store, which features everything from soft keychains to handcrafted sweaters, mitts, hats, and lux pashminas. Ice cream and beverages are also available during warm weather visits.

Situated on the second level of the three-year-old building above the Alpaca Store, the B&B offers sweeping wrap-around views of the farmland. On the west side, green pastures and grazing beef cattle stretch across the landscape, while on the east, guests overlook alpaca pastures. Inside, the scent of cedar welcomes visitors into a bright, open and modern space with exposed beams, a fully equipped kitchen, bedrooms, and flexible sleeping arrangements. The layout is well-suited for family gatherings, girl's weekends, wedding parties and corporate retreats.

Partners Caroline Bingley and Spencerville farmer Shawn Carmichael have guided the property through significant transformation. Caroline, who has a horticultural background, came to Leeds Grenville from the Campbellford area to pursue a long-held dream. “I came here looking to fulfill a vision. What started on a trip to Peru with a baby alpaca in my arms has grown into a genuine dream come true at this fifth-generation farm,” she said. Surrounded by the alpacas, she added, "They each have their own personality, from sweet Charlie to excitable Onyx. Seeing visitors meet them is incredible. It's all about the experience!”

Seasonal routines continue to shape life on the farm. From the current 34 alpacas, they are expecting 5 new alpaca babies this year. During spring, each alpaca is carefully shorn before being reintroduced to the herd, curiously greeting one another upon return. The fibre is sent to be washed, carded, and hand dyed before becoming finished goods sold in the farm store or crafted into apparel.

Caroline emphasizes balance and collaboration in business growth. “Once you are established, delegate the tasks you no longer enjoy. That allows you to thrive in what you are meant to do,” she said. By hiring out cleaning services for the B&B her business supports fellow local businesses and strengthens community ties.

Little Foot Alpacas is part of the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways Adventures, Animal Adventures initiative. Caroline is eager to connect guests with more regional experiences by further exploring partnerships and initiatives. With plans for workshops, excursions, and alpaca showcases, Little Foot Alpacas continues to grow as both a working farm and a destination; where visitors arrive curious and leave with a deeper appreciation of rural life and the animals that help define it.

The 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways is thrilled to introduce Animal Adventures, the newest way to experience the region. This exciting addition to the established self-guided tours invites visitors to explore 10 local farms, sanctuaries, and nature-based destinations, with the chance to meet alpacas, goats, chickens, donkeys, and more. Learn about agriculture, conservation, and animal care.

Tourism businesses and stakeholders gathered to unveil the 2026 Adventures Brochure Guide & Map and marketing campaign at Bottle & Barrel Adventures' King’s Lock Craft Distillery / Windmill Brewery in the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal. The brochure, available in both digital and paper copy, highlights over 70 participating locations. It includes a map to easily assist visitors in planning customized journeys, blending stops at bakeries, gardens, cafés, beverage destinations, and now, fun animal encounters.

Leeds Grenville Small Business services have expanded to support entrepreneurs and businesses across all thirteen municipalities. Businesses located in Kitley, Merrickville-Wolford, Rideau Lakes and Westport will now be part of the programs, resources and one-on-one support for consistency throughout the region as the Counties. The Small Business staff are part of the Counties Economic Development team that supports all businesses of various sizes from ideation to start-up and growth through to succession planning.

Please welcome Meagan Metcalfe as the new Small Business Assistant. In this role, Meagan will provide day-to-day administrative support for the Counties’ Small Business programs, helping to ensure smooth delivery of services and resources to local entrepreneurs.



Meagan will coordinate events and workshops, manage website content and social media channels, support program reporting, and assist with client communications. She will also help support Ministry-funded initiatives such as Starter Company Plus and Summer Company, training sessions, mentorship opportunities, and micro-grants.

With strong organizational skills and experience in project coordination and office administration, Meagan brings valuable knowledge of small business operations along with expertise in Microsoft Office, website management, social media, and CRM systems. Her attention to detail and proactive approach will support the continued success of the Counties’ Small Business programs. This permanent full-time position strengthens the Counties’ commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and fostering growth.

Welcome returning summer student Izabelle Oxford, a third year Journalism student at Toronto Metropolitan University who will fulfill the role of Office Administrative Assistant.

Reporting to the Economic Development Manager and working closely with the department's Administrator / Communications Support, Izabelle will provide general administrative support to the team, and support service delivery across a range of programs and initiatives including research, content development, and data entry. Her role will also assist with the transition to new digital platforms including websites, a CRM system, and the eNewsletter, ensuring a smooth rollout.

Luella Charlotte Expands to Merrickville

The original Luella Charlotte Baby Boutique in Brockville was created to meet the demand for high-quality, ethically sourced baby toys and clothing. With a new location in the core of Merrickville, Sarah McGuire and staff continue to welcome customers inside for a spacious curated family shopping experience. Sarah invites you to also grab lunch at one of the many eateries and shop the local artisans from fine art, sweet treats, to beautiful gifts. Located at 206 St. Lawrence Street.

Little Barcelona Receives Accolades

Little Barcelona in Prescott has received the prestigious “Restaurants from Spain” certification from the Spanish government, joining 9 other restaurants in Canada with the designation. Known for its authentic Spanish cuisine, the restaurant has grown from a takeout operation into a celebrated culinary and tourism destination. Spain’s Ambassador to Canada joined local dignitaries for the ceremony, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to quality and Spanish gastronomy. See CTV coverage.

Wills Receives Top Fleet Honours

Wills Transfer Limited has been recognized as a 2026 Top Fleet Employer by Trucking HR Canada for the fourth consecutive year. The honour reflects the company’s strong focus on people, trust, and continuous improvement across its teams. The business credits employees who shared feedback through engagement surveys. The recognition aligns with Wills’ core values of integrity, leadership, accountability, stewardship, and a commitment to doing the right thing every day.

Join us for a session focused on upcoming government funding opportunities for business and how to position your organization for success.

Representatives from Leeds Grenville Small Business, the Ministry of Rural Affairs (MRA), the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT), the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), and FedDev Ontario will provide direct insights into current and upcoming programs, including eligibility requirements, intake timelines, and key considerations for applicants.

This session is designed for for-profit businesses looking to strengthen funding readiness and better align projects with government priorities.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from funders, ask questions, and gain practical guidance to support future applications.

Date: Wednesday, June 3

Time: 1-3 p.m.

Where: Front of Yonge Community Centre

76 County Rd 5, Mallorytown

Cost: Free, registration required.

Ontario Job Grant Program Relaunch

Employers may be eligible for up to $10,000 per employee through the newly redesigned Ontario Job Grant (formerly the Canada-Ontario Job Grant). The program provides direct financial assistance to individual employers or groups of employers investing in short-term training for new or existing team members.

The Government of Ontario has relaunched the program with updated guidelines and eligibility requirements under the new Ontario Job Grant name. Businesses of all sizes looking to upskill their workforce are encouraged to explore the program.

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development is currently accepting applications directly from employers involving training for 25 or fewer participants through the online portal. The Ministry now directly administers agreements with employers applying for the program.

Federal Government Work-Sharing Program

The federal Work-Sharing Program helps employers avoid layoffs during temporary slowdowns by allowing employees to work reduced hours while receiving partial Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. This supports businesses in retaining skilled staff and stabilizing operations during challenging periods. Employers participating in Work-Sharing may also be eligible for the Worker Retention Grant to support employee training during the agreement.

Temporary Special Measures have expanded eligibility to include businesses who are seasonal in nature.

For more information on the program, visit the website:

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 

Prime commercial restaurant opportunity in the heart of historic downtown Kemptville. This fully renovated 4,000 sq. ft. building was transformed into a modern, high-performing restaurant facility with professionally designed commercial kitchen, spacious dining licensed for 104 seats, and a sought-after 36-seat patio. Upgrades included all major systems and finishes, creating a durable turnkey asset. The flexible layout currently supports two established restaurant brands from one kitchen, highlighting strong revenue potential. Located in a rapidly growing community, this property offers a rare investment in a prime downtown location. 

View map for 8 Asa Street in North Grenville.

Elevating the Experience

This practical, hands-on webinar, will introduce a simple but powerful formula to help tourism operators clearly articulate the value of their experiences. Whether you’re developing a new product, refining your marketing, or working with destination partners to host media or influencer visits, having a strong experience statement ensures your offering is communicated consistently and compellingly. The interactive session will break down what makes an experience meaningful, explore examples across different tourism sectors, and guide you through crafting your experience statement.

Learn to:

• Define your ideal visitor (“who”) with clarity
• Tap into emotional outcomes that drive travel decisions
• Identify what truly makes your experience unique
• Apply your statement across marketing, partnerships, and visitor interactions