Economic Development eNews | May 27, 2025 | | A Village-Sized Slice of the Good Life | | |
ATHENS – Founded by Angie Mackie and Master Baker Gerry McLellan, Big Waters Bakery opened in May 2024 and offers an irresistible range of handcrafted baked goods, including sourdough breads made from Gerry’s starter named Lucille.
A popular stop on the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways Adventures, the Athens shop makes fresh brioche, focaccia, savoury sausage rolls, and seasonal specialties like hot cross buns that are perfect alongside a meal or with Angie's delicious soups, salads, and sandwiches. They curate all ingredients as close to home as possible. “We offer the best of what I’ve learned to create,” says Gerry.
As a baker in Toronto, Gerry spent twenty years gaining experience in British, Italian, and French-style patisserie. “Each one has different elements, but all require rigorous traditional training, and the lifestyle is demanding,” he says.
Originally from the Ottawa area, Angie and Torontonian Gerry often visited Charleston Lake from the city. They brought baked goods to share with friends and family and “became endeared to the recipients,” Angie recalls. “People knew us as the ones with the great baking,” she adds.
The couple met in Toronto, where Angie worked in customer service at the same place where Gerry baked. She later transitioned into real estate sales, an experience that sharpened her eye for promising investment properties. After considering multiple locations for the bakery, they chose Athens as the place to bring their vision to life.
“The community welcomed us with open arms,” Angie says. “We hit the ground running,” baking fresh breads and desserts before expanding into lunch offerings. Big Waters catering service prepares lunches for Meadowview School’s program, feeding around 100 people each week.
Their first step into community support began with a donation box for the local high school. They’ve continued giving back by working with the local food bank, supporting local causes, and by hiring local employees. Their new full-time Algonquin College culinary trainee is eager to learn more about the trade from Gerry, who opens the shop early each morning readying for the busy day ahead, “way before the sun comes up,” he admits.
What makes Big Waters a recipe for success? “Our customers are our success,” Gerry says. “Getting to know them, I feel humbled. If I’m going to give any advice to a business owner, put in all the effort you have and give it from your heart. Pursue your dream and work hard.” Angie also added to “carry on and don’t stagnate; reinvent things if you have to.”
Gerry looks to the future and sees growth for Big Waters and Athens in general. “It’s one of the best places to live in Ontario,” he says. “The people are incredible, the nature and Rideau landscape are beautiful. The heart of the community is kind and generous. You meet and serve some of the hardest-working, honest people you’ll ever know right here.”
| | Photos: top main, Angie Mackie and Master Baker Gerry McLellan stand amidst their products. Above from top, savoury English-style sausage rolls are a favourite; Gerry and Angie catering an event; flaky, tasty baked goods at your fingertips; the newly renovated storefront located at 12 Main Street. | |
LINKS
12 Main St E, Athens, Ontario
613-802-2249 - Gerry
613-897-2249 - Angie
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| | Special Request: Your Input is Needed | | |
The region is once again collaborating to assess the state of our local economy. Designed to easily capture feedback, the survey gives respondents the opportunity to request specific assistance.
As a business leader or owner, the feedback you supply is vital to better understand how local businesses are performing, implications of the U.S. trade war, and to identify the types of support needed for future planning.
Please take a few minutes to complete the Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Business Survey.
| | Survey closes May 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m | | Invitation to Economic Development Strategic Areas of Focus | | |
Counties Economic Development is renewing its strategic areas of focus and collaborating with Community Futures Grenville, 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation and Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation. As part of the planning process, businesses and business support agencies are invited to participate in a dialogue that will review previous activities, recent data and trends, with a strong focus on discussing future activities.
The six areas highlighted in the 2020-2025 Strategic Areas of Focus include: Leadership and Capacity Building, Investment Readiness / Invest Attraction – Business and Industry, Business Retention and Expansion, Talent Attraction and Workforce Development, Diversified Economy, and Marketing and Communications.
Advanced registration is required for participation, with limited seats available. Session locations are subject to change. Please register for one of the four sessions only.
In-Person Sessions:
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Session 1
When: Monday, June 23
Time: 9:30-11 a.m.
Where: Spencerville, TBD
in partnership with:
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Session 2
When: Monday, June 23
Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
Where: South Elmsley, TBD
in partnership with:
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Session 3
When: Wednesday, June 25
Time: 10:30-12 p.m.
Where: Athens, TBD
in partnership with:
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Virtual Zoom Session:
Wednesday, June 25, 7 p.m.
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Thinking of starting or growing a business?
If you are self-driven, determined to succeed, are coachable and have a solid business idea, connect with the professionals at Leeds Grenville Small Business.
Identify marketplace opportunities, write an effective business plan, clarify government regulations, source licensing information and find financial support. Book a flexible and free 45 minute session today.
| | | Starter Company Plus Intake Open | |
Business owners! Have you been generating income for past 6+ months, been in business for 5 years or less, are looking to expand operations or looking to buy a business?
You may qualify for this round of the Starter Company Plus program that offers business mentoring and training and the opportunity to obtain up to $5000 in funding to expand or enhance your business.
Accepting applications until June 11 at 4 p.m.
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Help Shape Port of Johnstown Strategic Plan
The Port of Johnstown is launching a public consultation as an essential step in the process of developing a new strategic plan.
This Strategic Plan represents a commitment to advancing the Port’s role as a critical driver of economic growth, regional connectivity, and sustainable development. Through focused action, transparent leadership, and strong partnerships, this vision will turn into measurable progress. Partners, stakeholders, neighbours, and communities are invited to offer input, engage and help shape a strong, prosperous future for the Port and Eastern Ontario. Your opinion is essential for the future of the Port.
Alternate formats available, email General Manager Lesley Drynan or call 613-925-4228 x 104. Survey closes Friday, June 13th.
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Ontario Together Trade Fund
The Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) provides financial support to help businesses near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains in the face of U.S. tariffs. Projects must address the impacts of U.S. trade disruptions and align with Ontario’s key economic priorities, including:
Trade diversity:
Diversifying sales portfolios:
- Expanding market reach to new markets, with a focus on interprovincial trade.
Trade security:
Enhancing competitiveness:
- Increasing manufacturing capacity and capabilities and increasing profitability through investments in advanced technology and innovative processes.
- Contributing to regional and sectoral ecosystems: Strengthening Ontario’s supply chains through reshoring and efforts to procure more equipment and supplies from Ontario and Canada.
- Creating and or retaining jobs
The types of support available includes funding and complementary supports and services.
Funding may be available to businesses operating within Ontario that meet the following requirements:
Make an investment to:
- enhance domestic competitiveness
- build capacity and local supply chain in Ontario, or reshoring
- pivot operations to manufacture less trade exposed goods
- create and/or secure jobs in Ontario
- other activities required to diversify revenue streams
Invest at least $200,000 in eligible project costs
Locate in a community in Ontario during the project period
Complete the project within 2 years
Demonstrate all financing will be in place by the project start date
A project is a distinct undertaking, separate from ongoing operations and that will result in benefits to the organization such as access to new markets. Priority will be given to projects that aim to capitalize on domestic market opportunities and address gaps in Ontario’s supply chain caused by potential trade barriers and supply disruptions. Also if your business operates in a sector extensively targeted by U.S. tariffs or that you are pivoting operation to supply a customer looking to replace a current supplier due to tariffs.
Connect with Counties Economic Development if interested in applying via email at econdev@uclg.on.ca
Register for one of these two upcoming online Information Sessions held from 1-2 p.m.:
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The Colonial Resort property in Gananoque includes a 3 bedroom apartment/manager quarter, 54 guest rooms, is located close to Hwy 401 just 30 minutes east of Kingston. It has both indoor (heated) and outdoor swimming pools, an in-house restaurant and bar, LLBO permit, and a valid liquor license is in place. Indoor and outdoor sitting capacity for over 300 people with breakfast area, lounge, and party room. Downtown is just minutes away. The property sits on about 7 acres of land surrounded by a mature residential neighborhood.
View Map for 780 King Street West, Gananoque.
| | Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | | Profit Driven Pricing: Mastering Your Pricing and Break-even Sales | |
This practical, no-jargon webinar is designed for small business owners wanting to take control of pricing and boost profits. Learn how to price products and services based on real numbers.
Learn about:
- How to calculate break-even sales
- Set prices that make money
- Common pricing mistakes
- Real-life relative examples
- Easy tools to start using
When: June 9, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | Importance of Paid Advertising in a Digital Space | |
Learn key insights into:
- Google Ads
- Facebook Ads
- Facebook Pixel
- Instagram Ads
Learn about:
- Targeting audiences
- The right ad for your business
- Key terminology in ad platforms
When: June 10, 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | LinkedIn Strategies for Building Business Connections | |
Unlock LinkedIn’s potential to grow your business. Make the most of a LinkedIn profile for networking, lead generation, and brand growth.
Learn about:
- Profile optimization
- Networking strategies
- Content creation
- Lead generation
- Paid options overview
- Staying active
When: June 16, 9-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | United Counties of Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office | | |
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 June 10th, 2025 edition should be received by June 2nd.
- Submissions for the June 24th, 2025 edition should be received by June 16th.
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