May 2026

Two Local Businesses Awarded 2026 Regional Incentives Program (RIP) Grants


Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s Regional Incentives Program (RIP) grants — two South Glengarry businesses with exciting growth plans ahead!

William Lecky and Tanner Spink, owners of Aurra Wood Co., have been awarded a $30,800 grant to build a new 4,000 sq. ft. fully integrated hardwood milling and custom wood design facility at their County Road 19 location. The business is consolidating its operations in South Glengarry to offer on-site milling, lumber drying, and fabrication of custom millwork, architectural features, and premium furniture for residential and commercial clients.

Angèle Lapointe and Erik Faulkner of Wild Streak Farm on Connortown Road in Apple Hill have been awarded $23,111.55 to expand their operation with a 35’ × 100’ heated greenhouse, infrastructure improvements, and permanent signage — extending their growing season, increasing production, and driving more traffic to their farm stand.

These investments are exactly the kind of growth that strengthens our local economy. Combined, these expansions total $599,000 in private investment. We look forward to seeing both businesses thrive!

Business Breakfast Roundtables – A Great Success.

Over 30 businesses joined our Roundtable Business Breakfast on Thursday, April 30, for conversations with four regional experts in financing, start-up and expansion support, and workforce development. The roundtable set-up was a hit, and we look forward to using this format again.

Missed it? Click here to learn more about the experts.

Welcome Returning Seasonal Businesses

The Dairy Queen in Lancaster has reopened for the 2026 season, and the Perch and Paddle Pub opened its doors on April 17th, with initial hours Thursday through Sunday, 11:30 am to 9:00 pm.



As of May 1st, the Cornwall Golf and Country Club and the Heritage Golf Club are open for the season. Visit the Heritage Golf Club to see the renovations and improvements the Weaving Baskets Group have made. Golfers will love the upgrades, and if you're looking for an event venue, it is worth checking out.

Ferme Butte et Bine Farm Featured in Foodism Magazine

South Glengarry’s own Ferme Butte et Bine Farm is getting well-deserved national attention. The April 2026 edition of Foodism Magazine features the farm in the “Easy Escapes” section, naming it their Ontario pick.

Access the digital edition, scroll to Page 94 to read the feature. We’re thrilled for Emeric and Sylviane!



Read the Feature in Foodism Magazine

2026 Cornwall & SDG Counties Visitor Guide — Now Available

The 2026 Cornwall SDG Counties Visitor Guide was launched at the Cornwall and SDG Counties Tourism Summit on April 22 in South Stormont.

This year’s guide features something new: podcasts spotlighting local business owners and tourism leaders — including some familiar South Glengarry voices!

View the 2026 Visitor Guide | Stream the Podcasts

EmployerOne Survey Results Now Available

The Eastern Ontario Training Board has released the results of the 2026 EmployerOne Survey, covering businesses across Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, and Prescott & Russell Counties. The survey captures labour force demand in 2025 and employer expectations for the year ahead.

Skilled trades topped the list as the most challenging positions to fill — by a margin of more than two to one.

Discover what the results mean for your business!



Read the Full Report

GIAG Integrated Employment Services Has a New Home!

Effective Monday, May 4th, GIAG Integrated Employment Services moves to 624 Main St. South in Alexandria, located at the north end of the OPP building. The same great services for job seekers and employers continue — just at a new address.

Business Sisters 5 à 7 in Cornwall

Join the Business Sisters community for a relaxed and welcoming networking evening at Craftman’s Café in downtown Cornwall, steps from the public library. Meet other women entrepreneurs, share ideas, and build new professional connections in a warm, supportive atmosphere.

Cost: $45 (includes non-alcoholic drinks and refreshments)

Register Today

2026 Annual Chamber Golf Tournament at Heritage Golf Club

Spots are filling up fast for the Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Golf Tournament! Join fellow business owners and community leaders for a great day on the links at Heritage Golf Club in South Lancaster. Early bird rates are now in effect — register soon to lock in your spot.

Time: Shotgun start at 11:00 am

Register Now (Early Bird Rates)  |  Sponsor the Tournament

South East Ontario Tourism Summit — “Envision Tourism Growth”

RTO 9’s annual SEe ON Tourism Summit returns November 17–18, 2026, bringing together tourism leaders, operators, and partners from across South Eastern Ontario for two days of insight, connection, and inspiration at the DEV Hotel & Conference Centre in Cornwall.



Keynote speakers Jennifer Robins of Environics Analytics and Jason Hunt of Merged Media will lead conversations on how data, storytelling, and strategy come together to drive real impact. Lunch is included each day.

Ticket pricing (all prices include fees):

•    Two-Day Early Bird (May 18 – June 30): $75.88

Tickets go on sale May 19th, 2026.

2026 Summer Company Program — Applications Now Open!

Do you know a high school or post-secondary student with an entrepreneurial spirit? The 2026 Summer Company Program is now accepting applications!

This provincial program provides students aged 15–29 with up to $3,000 in grant funding, along with mentorship and hands-on business training to help them launch and manage their own summer business. It’s one of the best summer jobs a student can have!

Application Deadline: Friday, May 15 at 4:30 pm

For questions, contact Erika Randolph at Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre: 613-930-2787 ext. 2276 or erandolph@cornwall.ca

Learn More | Apply

EDCO Regional Event Hosted by SDG Counties 

Join us for two days of hands-on learning, networking, and collaboration for economic development professionals, municipal Council members, community partners, and local business owners.

Experience workshops, panel discussions, business tours, and practical sessions covering: 

• Community Improvement Plans
• Regional Incentives Program
• Cross-border partnerships and joint Ventures
• Tools to strengthen and grow the local economy

Start: May 27 @ 1:00 pm to May 28 @ 4:00 pm

Location: South Stormont Community Hall, 2 Mille Roches Road, Long Sault

Fee: Includes onsite meals and refreshments

Learn More | Register Today

Cornwall Tourism Development Fund (open to SDG Counties businesses)

Funding is available for events, tournaments, conferences, and new or enhanced tourism businesses and assets that attract visitors and drive overnight stays in Cornwall.

Application Deadline: Friday, May 29 (Project scheduled July 1 to September 30)

Learn More and Apply

Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grant

EASE aims to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities and older adults by supporting safe, healthy, active and socially connected lives. Funding supports small capital projects that improve accessibility in outdoor spaces or housing across Ontario communities. Eligible applicants include Municipalities or not-for-profit organizations.

Sample Eligible Projects:

• Assistive kayak and canoe launches
• Charging stations for mobility devices
• Mobility mats at beaches
• Accessible washrooms at parks

Application Deadline: Thursday, May 7 @ 5:00 pm

Funding Amount: Up to $60,000 per successful applicant

Learn More and Apply