Economic Development eNews | August 4, 2026 | | Building on a Foundation of Honesty and Trust | | |
Photos: Top - find the Wise Line Shops just off of County Road 5 north of Mallorytown.
Above from top - look closely and you see the two profiles used to press and shape sheets of metal; two shades of red among the multitude of colours and textures available; new storage building for wood; fasteners for framing and roofing; top names in tools for sale in the office/shop.
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MALLORYTOWN - Four years after opening Wise Line Building Products in Mallorytown, Peter Wieler has watched the business grow steadily through a simple philosophy: treat customers with honesty, deliver quality products quickly and never turn away a job because it's too small.
The business supplies metal roofing and siding, construction lumber, fasteners, tools and the accessories contractors and homeowners need to complete projects. Serving both wholesale contractors and direct consumers, the company customizes metal roofing panels and trim on site while offering products ranging from flashing and underlayment to screws, vapour barriers, vinyl and metal siding, and dimensional lumber.
Four years ago, Peter relocated to Mallorytown to establish Wise Line Building Products and better serve the growing construction market in Eastern Ontario.
Joining a new community, Mallorytown provided a natural starting point for the building products division. Since opening, customer demand has exceeded expectations.
"It's booming right now and growing fast," Peter says, noting that a new lumber storage building is nearing completion.
Approximately 60 per cent of the company's work supports roof renovations, while the remaining business comes from new construction. Peter has seen increasing interest in metal roofing as homeowners look for durable, low-maintenance materials. For example, there is a 40-year warranty on the SMP paint that is applied to the metal roof and siding panels, as well as a 50-year warranty on Colorbond Paint panels.
"It's as simple as sending me a list of materials required for the job. I can prepare an estimate and, once approved, have the order ready within two or three days," he explains. That quick turnaround offers a significant advantage over suppliers shipping materials from outside the region. Delivery is available for larger orders within a set service area, although most customers choose to pick up their materials.
"Our eight-person team's commitment to serving customers is very important," Peter says. "Integrity is equally important. When hiring, we look for people who share that value. Customers appreciate our honesty and return because they know they can rely on our word."
Whether supplying a contractor with materials for a large build, helping a homeowner finish a weekend project or customizing a few metal pieces to keep a project on schedule, every customer receives the same attention to detail.
The company's wholesales materials to Home Hardware in both Prescott and Cardinal who retail the products to customers.
For Peter, the greatest reward comes from working with people. Every project presents a different challenge, and helping customers find the right solution is what makes each day enjoyable. As Wise Line Building Products continues to grow, its commitment to integrity, responsive service and locally manufactured products remains at the heart of the business.
| | HFI Announces 5 Year, $120 Million Growth Plan | | Photo - HFI Pyrotechnics Engineering & Technical Services Director Isabelle Roberts, CIEL Capital Partner & Managing Director Brendan Howard, PA to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, MPP Tyler Allsopp, Edwardsburgh Cardinal Mayor Tory Deschamps, President of HFI Pyrotechnics Rhiannon Iles, Edwardsburgh Cardinal Councillor Joe Martelle, HFI Pyrotechnics Team Lead-Inert Sub Assembly Joanne Serwa, MP Michael Barrett, MPP Steve Clark, Edwardsburgh Cardinal Deputy Mayor Steve Dillabough, Councillor Walter Smail, Chris Craig of the Algonquin Nation, South Nation Conservation Chair Adrian Wynands. | | |
HFI Pyrotechnics Inc. has announced a $120 million expansion of its Edwardsburgh Cardinal facility, marking the first phase of a five-year growth plan to increase infrastructure, production capacity and technical capabilities. Funded through new contracts and investment, the project will help meet growing global demand for the company's military training and search-and-rescue products. A groundbreaking ceremony on July 23 was attended by federal, provincial and municipal officials, Indigenous partners, business leaders and employees.
The investment is already creating jobs in Leeds Grenville. Since November 2025, HFI has added 50 employees and expects to hire up to 150 more as production expands. One of the region's largest employers, the company recently secured about 2,500 acres through the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal's Phase 1 land bank transaction, providing room for future growth.
President Rhiannon Iles welcomed guests. "This is about doing it together. Our business is about the people and understanding what they need." She added, "all levels of government contributed to the growth; acquiring the land changed many aspects of the conversation. My goal was to make HFI a permanent and relevant player for Canadian defence and the region as a generational place of employment, and we are on our way."
MP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Michael Barrett said, "The expansion of local defence company HFI Pyrotechnics is exciting news for our community. Congratulations to the entire team on its continued success and growing its manufacturing of training and safety products for our military."
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Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, said, "This announcement shows that our Leeds Grenville, Ontario and Canadian economy remains strong and resilient, demonstrating tremendous confidence in the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal."
Tyler Allsopp, MPP for Bay of Quinte and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, highlighted HFI Pyrotechnics' "continued ability to adapt, innovate and remain at the cutting edge of technology." He referenced the successful Artemis II splashdown, which used an HFI smoke marker, and noted the Ontario Centre for Innovation's support through the Digital Competence Centre to help expand production capacity, invest in infrastructure, advance research and upgrade digital systems.
Mayor of Edwardsburgh Cardinal Tory Deschamps credited all levels of government, conservation authority professionals and First Nations partners for collaborating on the project. "It takes commitment, a ton of trust, patience and perseverance," he said.
Over the next year or two, HFI will construct new buildings, roads and supporting infrastructure while expanding production capacity with new industrial equipment. The project includes expanded Hydro One power service, made possible through the supportive efforts of Leeds Grenville Economic Development, Bell FibreOp connectivity, and investments in research, manufacturing processes, cybersecurity and a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
| | Photos below (l-r): Edwardsburgh Cardinal Councillors Walter Smail, Joe Martelle, Stephen Dillabough and Mayor Tory Deschamps present a certificate of recognition to President Iles; a commemorative challenge coin marks the Artemis II Splashdown which used HFI's SC-58 Marine Location Marker for recovery. | | Starter Company Plus is On the Road: Register to Find Out More | | Starter Company Plus Program is a free program designed to help entrepreneurs launch, expand or grow their businesses. This competitive program provides free business training, mentorship and the opportunity to pitch for a small grant. To be eligible for this program, you must attend one of our in-person or virtual information sessions. | | | |
Elgin Municipal Complex
47 Main Street, Elgin
Date: August 13
Info Session:
12:30-1:30 p.m.
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Easton’s Corners Centennial Hall
43 Park Street, Easton’s Corners
Date: August 19
Info Session:
12-1 p.m.
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Virtual Info Session #1
Date: August 26, 4-5 p.m.
Virtual Info Session #2
Date: September 9, 12-1 p.m.
| | Small Business Consultations Are On the Road in August! | | We will also be providing free, confidential consultations to help small business owners take their next step in starting a new business or strengthening an existing one in new locations. Whether you are looking for advice on where to start, developing your business plan or cash flow projections, understanding government regulations, exploring grant opportunities, or accessing workshops, and business resources, we are here to help you! | | | Nominate a Local Business Person for Entrepreneur of the Year Award | | |
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional business owner who demonstrates innovation, leadership, and a strong commitment to business excellence. This award celebrates a Leeds Grenville entrepreneur who has successfully grown their business while making a positive impact on the local economy and community.
Eligibility details:
- a Leeds Grenville resident
- actively operating a business within the geographic area of Leeds Grenville
- owner of the business and legally registered (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation)
- in business for at least 2 years and demonstrating business growth and success
- the business must employ fewer than 10 employees
- is a Starter Company Plus graduate
- the nominee must demonstrate a positive impact on the community through employment, involvement, or contribution
- the nominee must be of good character, showing integrity, leadership, and professionalism
The award will be presented at the 2026 Small Business Success Forum (formerly Bridges to Better Business). For more information, call Small Business Assistant Meagan Metcalf at 613-342-3840 ext. 5363. To submit a nomination, please send the completed form to Carol Hardy, carol.hardy@uclg.on.ca.
| | The deadline to submit: Friday, August 21 at 4 p.m. | |
Howard Wilson Motors Celebrates 65
July 12 marked the 65th anniversary of Howard Wilson Motors Ltd. / Kemptville Towing. The family owned business located at 706 Prescott Street in Kemptville is a fully licensed automotive repair garage offering 24 hour light and heavy recovery towing service and vehicle storage. They celebrated with an open house with lunch and cake. North Grenville Deputy Mayor John Barclay delivered a certificate of acknowledgement from the Mayor's Office. Photo credit: Mayor Nancy Peckford.
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New Shop on Church in Westport
Located at 25 Church in Westport, Róisín offers style in apparel and accessories specializing in artisan jewelry. Decor pieces such as florals can be found here too as well as lines of self care products and fragrances. They invite you to shop, sparkle and shine by booking a private party that inspires you to create custom pieces. It's an experience not only in shopping but also in making memories with friends and family, and a perfect idea for those rainy cottage days.
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Position your business at one of the most visible corners in this growing waterfront community. At 2,794 sq. ft., this commercial building sits on 0.69 acres at the intersection of County Road 36 and Bedford Street, beside Harbour Creek Health Care Centre and a new home development. It offers exceptional flexibility for a wide range of commercial uses, including retail, restaurant, bakery, financial services, animal care, automotive sales and service, building supply and personal services. The property features nearly 200 feet of frontage, a dock-level loading door and outstanding potential.
View map for 77 Bedford Street, Westport.
| | Critical Industrial Technologies: $10,000 Future Ready Matching Grant | | | | |
The integration of critical technologies is the global future of industry. Through the Critical Industrial Technologies initiative, Ontario industry will converge with innovative SMEs to amplify Ontario’s rich capabilities and propel these four key sectors to the forefront of this transformation:
- Mining
- Advanced Manufacturing (non-auto)
- Agri-Food
- Construction
This initiative will support Ontario SMEs to develop new IP faster and at a greater scale for the benefit of the province and beyond. By also investing in talent development to advance the knowledge and training of critical technologies, Ontarians are poised as leaders in the global industrial economy to tackle the dynamic future. These critical technology areas are:
- 5G & advanced networks
- AI
- Blockchain
- Robotics
- Cybersecurity
- Quantum
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Details:
- $10k grant at 1:1 match for upskilling in one of the 6 critical technologies (AI, robotics, cybersecurity, quantum, blockchain, 5G/advanced networks) for businesses that are in 1 of the 4 industries (advanced manufacturing, construction, mining, agri-food)
- Grant can be used for defence procurement-type training, but not certification specific costs; can be used for training multiple employees
- Training must be from a third-party and be approved prior
Contact: Randy Ringuette, OCI's Manager, Business & Commercialization via email or call 613-581-4451.
Projects and funding must be completed by September 30. 2026. (Approvals approximately 2 weeks)
| | | | Apply to be the Greatest Entrepreneur | |
The Leeds Grenville’s Greatest Entrepreneur initiative showcases the region’s most innovative small business owners and their ideas. Open to businesses in the service areas of the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation and Community Futures Grenville, this premier business pitch competition offers expert coaching, valuable networking, and the chance to present your vision.
Finalists will compete for a generous prize package at the high-energy gala event in February 2027 with support from local business and community leaders who contribute to the prize fund. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain visibility, grow your business, and inspire the community.
| | Application deadline: October 17, 12 p.m. | | | | Futurpreneur Startup Programs | Futurpreneur helps empower aspiring young entrepreneurs on their journey to success! Since 1996, the program has fostered the entrepreneurial passions of Canada’s diverse startup founders, ages 18-39. | | |
The Core Startup Program provides startup loan financing and up to two years of mentorship, with added access to tools and networking opportunities across Canada.
- Up to $75,000 in financing (in partnership with the BDC), an expert business mentor for up to two years, and resources to help you plan, manage and grow your business.
- Collateral-free loans at better interest rates than most banks.
- For more information on eligibility or to apply, visit the Futurpreneur Canada website.
Both the Black Entrepreneur and the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Programs offer up to $75,000 in accessible loan financing and two years of mentorship. The Side Hustle Entrepreneur Startup Program offers up to $25,000 in financing to help launch or grow your side business and keep your full-time job.
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Could your business uncover hidden savings?
Community Futures Grenville is partnering with Green Economy Canada to help Grenville businesses turn an emissions inventory into a competitive advantage. Space is limited.
- Cost-shared Green Economy Canada membership
- Identify opportunities to reduce operating costs
- Improve efficiency and strengthen competitiveness
- Receive a customized action plan to guide future investments
- Access EcoFutures financing of up to $300,000 for eligible projects
| | Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | | Food Producers: Sharpen Your Knowledge With Foodpreneur | The Foodpreneur Advantage Program is a small business resource for food enthusiasts. It's for individuals looking to start or expand a food or beverage manufacturing business producing consumer packaged goods (CPG). The program provides introductory one-hour expert-led training sessions and industry insights to help navigate getting started or expanding into new product lines. Take as many of these courses as you wish; if you miss one, pick up where you left off in the following round. | | | | |
When: Thursdays from 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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First Fall Session
Aug 20: Starting a Food Business & Regulatory Compliance
Aug 27: How to Sell your Food Product
Sept 3: Costing & Pricing to Make Profits
Sept 10: Marketing & Branding your Food Product
Sept 17: Food Safety Fundamentals for Start-Ups
Sept 24: Labelling & Packaging Your Food Product
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Save the Date - Fall Session
Oct 29: Starting a Food Business/Regulatory Compliance
Nov 5: How to Sell your Food Product
Nov 12: Costing & Pricing to Make Profits
Nov 19: Marketing & Branding your Food Product
Nov 26: Food Safety Fundamentals for Start-Ups
Dec 3: Labelling & Packaging Your Food Product
| | | | Support for Women-Owned Businesses | Join the Government of Ontario for an informative session exploring the supports available to women-owned businesses across Ontario. The session will also include a presentation from Paro, an organization that prioritizes diversity, builds cultural inclusivity, and incorporates gender analyses into their programs and services for women-owned businesses at every level. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with valuable resources and strengthen your business journey. The webinar will include available funding opportunities, programs for entrepreneurs and established companies and organizations designed to uplift women-led businesses. | | |
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Date: Aug 11
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Email Marketing: Developing A Successful Email Marketing Strategy
Despite being around for so many years, email marketing is still a powerful tool to engage with your audience.
You'll learn:
- Utilizing AI for your email marketing
- How to create segmented audiences
- How to write compelling subject lines
- How to create a strong email body
- Various platforms that can assist in email marketing
Date: August 18
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Your Digital Storefront: Growing Your Business Online
Your customers are on the web. Having a strategy for your online presence allows you to market your small business so customers can easily find you.
You'll learn:
- What is an online presence and what platforms you can use to set up your website
- Utilizing AI for your website and ecommerce strategies
- How to create a professionally designed, responsive website for your business
- Setting up your Google My Business listing and other online directories
- Developing a cohesive brand voice online
Date: August 25
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | United Counties of Leeds and 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 August 18 edition should be received by August 10.
- Submissions for the September 1 edition should be received by August 24.
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