sf_buto_may_2013

R0012074690

Lombard Rd., Hwy 15, Smiths Falls613-283-8200

31 Dufferin St., Hwy 7, Perth613-267-2643www.abford.com

&A B FORD&A B FORDAll offers expire September 2, 2013. Offers may be cancelled at any time without notice. See Service Advisor for complete details. Applicable taxes and provincial levies not included. Dealer may sell for less. Only available at participating locations. ‡Applies to single rear wheel vehicles only. Diesel models not eligible. *Up to 5 litres of oil. Disposal fees may be extra. Does not apply to diesel engines. ∏Based on a Ford Fusion V6 automatic that has a fuel consumption rating of 10L/100 km in combined city/highway driving (properly tuned), a one-year driving distance of 20,000 km and $1.29 per litre for gasoline (based on Environment Canada averages). Improved fuel efficiency and emission reduction levels depend on model, year and condition of vehicle. ©2013 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

R0012074670

Heart of the Rideau Canal

Sensational

Email: [email protected] Phone: 613-283-4124 x1127

a place to live, work, play and do businessR0

0120

7467

0

YOUR SOURCE FOR BUSINESS AND AGRICULTURE IN LANARK, LEEDS & GRENVILLEMAY 2013 VOL. 12 NO. 1

Business ‘Krowns’ Smiths Falls shop for its customer serviceBy STACEY ROY

When Dan and Cliff Allan of Krown Rust Protection Centre in Smiths Falls learned they had won a prestigious com-pany award due to customer retention, they decided the best way to say thank you was to give back to the community.

On April 30 the Allan brothers made good on this commitment when they presented Dawn Bouchard, principal at Chimo Elementary School with a $1,000 donation that will go towards the pur-chase of a Smartboard for the school.

“It will defi nitely go to a good cause,” Bouchard said in thanks.

These computerized whiteboards allow teachers to write notes while ac-cessing interactive teaching tools pre-viously unavailable in the classroom. Locally, smartboards have been used from everything from taking attendance to learning colours in the kindergarten room and their success in teaching this generation of learners has made the ac-quisition of another smartboard the next step in the school’s technology plan. In thanking the local business for their generosity, Bouchard said the donation has expedited the purchase of this valu-able equipment.

“This is going to help us get there even faster than I thought we’d get there,” she said of its purchase.

According to Freeman Young, presi-dent of Krown, Smiths Falls is the fi rst outlet to have chosen a donation to a local school over receiving the award money.

On Feb. 28, 2013 the Allan brothers received the top standing in customer satisfaction rating throughout the entire chain.

“When the award was handed out earlier this year to Cliff and Dan at our

annual Krown conference most people said “where the heck is Smiths Falls?” They all know now,” Young added. “Krown dealers from Europe, the U.S. and all over Canada are now trying to copy the model set by the Smiths Falls centre and that’s extraordinary.”

The location won the recognition over stores in Canada, America and Eu-rope (a total of 272 locations) by report-ing a customer return rate of 92.3 per cent in 2012.

“That’s just unheard of. It’s phenom-enal,” Young commented.

The Smiths Falls franchise owners were a strong 10 per cent higher than their closest competitor and well above the Krown standard of 72 per cent. The secret to Smiths Falls’ success is un-doubtedly their personal approach to do-

ing business and dedication to making their customers as comfortable as pos-sible. To that end, the local shop at 15 Franklin St. has a window that connects the waiting room with the shop itself so customers can see work done on their vehicle.

The brothers thanked Young for the recognition April 30, adding special thanks goes to their father who taught them a strong work ethic and to treat people as they want to be treated.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to our father. He’s everything to us,” Dan Al-lan said.

Krown has been servicing Smiths Falls and area vehicles since 1999 when they opened their original shop on Union Street prior to moving to Franklin Street where they now operate from.

-Business Today photo by STACEY ROYIn celebration of their recent customer service award, Krown Rust Protec-tion Centre owners, Cliff Allan (far left) and Dan Allan (second from right) donated $1,000 to Dawn Bouchard, principal of Chimo Elementary School. Freeman Young (second from left), president of Krown and mayor Dennis Staples (right) attended the April 30 presentation in Smiths Falls.

United Counties launches new strategic regional

economic development plan The United Counties of Leeds and

Grenville Economic Development Department is moving forward with a strategy to support and promote ex-isting businesses while marketing the region to attract investors.

The new three-year regional eco-nomic development strategy presented to the Counties Council Governance and Finance Committee last Thurs-day makes helping local business and industry a top priority. There will be a focus on the agricultural, chemical and bio-product sectors. The plan also calls for a new Counties-wide tourism strategy as well as entrepreneurial and community development.

“It is estimated 80 per cent of new jobs are created by existing business-es so it is essential to work with our Leeds Grenville employers to fi nd out how to help them expand their opera-tions and employee base,” said Ann Weir, manager of the Counties Eco-nomic Development Department.

“Whether it’s assisting a company to access provincial and federal fund-ing, helping to identify potential lo-cal suppliers or fi nding ways to make them more competitive, the spotlight will be on business retention and ex-pansion,” said Weir.

“We are seeing positive results from the United Counties decision to work regionally on economic de-velopment,” said Leeds Grenville Warden Ron Holman. “This plan is relevant to today’s local economy and is the needed focus. Working together is making a real difference.”

The new Counties website, www.leedsgrenville.com, was launched in 2012 to be an accessible, continu-ously updated repository of informa-tion for residents, visitors, investors, business and industry. Maintaining and updating the website is a major part of the economic readiness tool-kit and will continue to be a priority, Weir said. With this undertaken, the goal is now to expand into new areas over the next three years.

The department will prepare a tour-ism strategy to address the role of the Counties. The goal will be to design a sustainable model that increases mar-ketplace positioning and growth op-portunities to increase visitor spend-ing and investments. Developing and supporting business attraction oppor-tunities is another priority in the plan. Counties will work with regional, provincial and federal agencies to in-crease the profi le of the region and to source investor leads.

Several new marketing tools will be developed this year as part of the plan. The marketing strategy includes the creation of promotional videos, a regional guide, an e-newsletter and a presence on social media platforms.

The Counties will again host its an-nual Economic Development Summit on Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. This year the Economic Development Leader-ship Award for outstanding commit-ment to the growth and vitality of the Leeds Grenville economy will be pre-sented at the Summit.

2 BUSINESS TODAY MAY 2013

REGIONAL BUSINESS NEWS

Frankville farm becomes fi rst local producer of cold pressed sunfl ower oilBy ASHLEY KULP

When Dale Horeczy and Brad Daily purchased their Frankville property, Kricklewood Farm in 2009, they had no idea what was in store for them. Fast forward a few years later, the duo are now the only local producers of cold pressed sunfl ower oil in the area.

In early April, the fi rst batch of Krick-lewood Farm’s cold pressed sunfl ower oil was bottled and is now available in a number of local specialty and health food stores, including Foodsmiths in Perth, Smiths Falls’ The Garden Mar-ket, The Granary in Carleton Place, as well as the Butcher Shop in Brockville.

According to Horeczy, who has a background in marketing, he and Dai-ly started on the road to sunfl ower oil production in 2010 on their 90-acre farm where they also raise 10 Nubian goats, ducks, chickens, and pot-bellied pigs, making goat’s milk soap and other products.

“We were debating what to do with the land and Brad, my partner, grew up in Manitoba where they grow a lot of sunfl owers, then we saw an article in the Ottawa Citizen about it,” he noted during a recent interview at his rented production space in Smiths Falls. “We saw a gentleman in Quebec was doing this (sunfl ower production) on a big-ger scale and we thought if he can do it, then maybe we can do it.”

Horeczy and Daily went to visit his operation to fi nd out more and spent the next two years researching the idea, seed varieties, farming requirements and equipment needed to press and bottle the oil.

“Last year, we were ready and put in our fi rst 15 acres of sunfl owers,” Horeczy said. “We worked with lo-cal neighbours who used their farming equipment who planted and weeded for us. Others did combining and stored the seed for us in their grain silos.”

Kricklewood Farm also held a benefi t for the Lanark Animal Welfare Society last summer when the sunfl owers were in full bloom. Guests were invited to tour the farm’s grounds and could take home a bouquet of the sunny blossoms for a $10 donation.

“(When in full bloom), the fi elds look like you’re in the middle of a Van Gogh painting,” Horeczy commented. “Every morning I was out there taking a lot of pictures and chronicling the process.”

The crop was harvested after the sun-fl owers had dried and gone to seed in November 2012. That’s when the real work began for Horeczy and Daily. Having extensively looked at the re-quirement equipment, they decided on a German made screw press, which Horeczy likens to a “giant meat grind-er.” The seed is poured into a large hop-per and the oil is then squeezed out into one reservoir, while the solid remnants of the seed make their way to another. Those dry pellets can be used as feed for livestock or as compost, so there’s no waste through the process.

“The oil is pumped out then we let it settle for a week, fi lter it and bottle it,” Horeczy explained. “It’s a simple pro-cess, which is the same way traditional olive oil is made, this is just a little more modern.”

Where the cold press comes into play is the fact that no heat (the press turns very slowly) or chemicals is used in the production of Kricklewood Farm’s sun-fl ower oil. “That’s what makes it as tasty as it is and gives it the golden yellow colour,” Horeczy said. “Sunfl ower oil in a grocery store is usually clear because chemicals have been used to extract the oil. This way, the fl avour comes through

much stronger.”In larger operations, often presses

are sped up in order to produce a higher yield.

Horeczy indicated there are many health benefi ts to using sunfl ower oil, including its high levels of vitamin E. In fact, Horeczy said that mothers often use it to heal chafi ng from diaper rash. It is known for having a light, nutty fl a-vour that is paired well with herbs to create vinaigrettes, or even as a substi-tute for butter on corn on the cob.

Looking forward Horeczy has recently been produc-

ing and bottling more oil, as well as hitting the road to fi nd stores interested

in stocking the item. In addition to the stores listed above, shops throughout Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, including: Peches & Poivre in Almonte; Balderson Fine Foods in Balderson; Katz Deli and Catering in Brockville; The Cheddar Stop in Carleton Place; Forfar Dairy Limited in Forfar; Mrs. McGarrigles Fine Food Shop in Merrickville; Heath-er’s Healthy Harvest in Kemptville; Wendy’s Country Market in Lyndhurst; Swallowtail Farm and Coutts Country Flavours in Perth; Kudrinkos in West-port, carry the sunfl ower oil, as well as a few in Ottawa and Kingston and one in Toronto.

He is quick to stress that Krickle-wood Farm will remain a small farm-

based operation. That’s something im-portant to he and Daily.

“We’re promoting it (sunfl ower oil) as a local production and I go in and meet the owners of stores myself,” Horeczy stated. “It’s low level and we want to keep it local with gourmet and health food stores. It’s probably as big as we want it right now.”

The feedback he has been receiving on the oil has made all the work worth it. Emails received through the Krick-lewood Farm website (www.krickle-woodfarm.com) have been positive as have the comments from the stores stocking the product.

“They (stores) all appreciate it being local and the fact that we’re the only farm doing sunfl ower oil in the area makes it unique,” he noted. “It’s very gratifying to know stores are all very open to bringing the product in.”

For the near future, Horeczy and Daily are focusing on sunfl ower oil pro-duction, but Horeczy said there is the possibility of developing fl avour oils,

such as garlic-infused and other vari-eties, but “right now we’re getting our bases covered with this basic oil.”

“Ideally, we’d also like to move the press to our farm and eventually have a little shop on site,” he added, pointing to fellow Frankville business, Gibbon’s Maple Farm, as how he would like to see Kricklewood Farm develop.

“That’s what we’re working towards, making it a local food destination,” Horeczy concluded.

Kricklewood Farm is also planning future workshops and fundraisers for local organizations to continue to share the farming experience.

For more information on Krickle-wood Farm, visit their website at www.kricklewoodfarm.com or look for their booth at the 1000 Islands Wine & Food Festival in Brockville this June and the Ottawa valley Midsummer Herbfest at Almonte’s Herb Garden on July 28. They will also be at several local farm-ers’ market throughout the area this spring and summer.

Dale Horeczy, above, owner of Frankville’s Krick-lewood Farm with partner Brad Daily, pours sunfl ower seed into a machine which presses the seed into oil. The farm recently be-came the fi rst local producer of cold pressed sunfl ower oil in the area. Right, the sunfl ower oil is available in a vari-ety of local health food and gourmet stores throughout the region.

- Business Today photos by ASHLEY KULP

- Business Today photos by LAURIE WEIR and STACEY ROY

It was the fi rst time that members of the community had a chance to pay homage to men and women killed on the job at a new monument in Perth Monday, April 29. The National Day of Mourning was recognized by half a dozen people, including local union council reps. Pictured above are: John Jackson, CUPE Local 2119 president; Herve Cavanagh, OPSEU 466 president; Ike Doornekamp, OSSTF District 26 rep; Erin Harrison, Canadian Labour Congress regional rep; Chris Luscombe-Mills, OPSEU retiree and Labour Council rep and Danny Whitmore, president of the Lanark District Labour Council. Below, there was a strong turnout of family and friends at the Labour Council cenotaph on Beckwith Street April 29 to mark the 29th annual National Day of Mourning. Erin Harrison of the Canadian Labour Congress addresses the crowd. A number of representatives held candles in memory of those who have died, been injured or become ill due to work.

MAY 2013 BUSINESS TODAY 3

With the Support of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Business Start-up and Expansion Loans up to$250,000

Support and Counselling for New and ExistingBusinesses

Support for Existing Businesses and CommunityOrganizations

Funding Available for Planning, Training andInternships

www.ticdc.ca

613 345 6216800 431 6015www.ticdc.ca

R00

1196

5207

R0012075018

613-205-150022 RUSSELL STREET E., SMITHS FALLS

www.therideauwinery.net

Cheeky Monkey $9000-$9500 Reg Price

Includes onsite fermentation & Design your own labels

REGIONAL BUSINESS NEWS

Hugh Colton receives Charles Gilhuly Award for volunteer effortsBy STACEY ROY

When it comes down to the busi-ness of volunteering, Hugh Colton has his heroes – from Gerry Lowe to Charles Gilhuly himself. So it’s fi t-ting that this year Colton’s work with Build A Mountain of Food and other initiatives has earned him the Charles Gilhuly Award.

“I’m humbled, there’s no doubt about that,” Colton said of the award.

He looks down at the award plaque that lists the many recipients since the Charles Gilhuly Award was initiated in 1975. Names such as Jack Rabb (1977), Jack Traynor (1978), Nancy Yunker (2007) and Elaine Lowe - 1982 (Gerry Lowe’s wife) fi ll out the plaque that is hung at the Town Hall most days.

“Gerry Lowe taught me how to do this,” Colton said.

The formal award presentation took place April 23 at the Memorial Com-munity Centre during the town’s annu-al volunteer appreciation night. Mayor Dennis Staples introduced this year’s recipient with such key words as com-munity builder, tireless volunteer and get it done person.

“He’s a true ambassador of our town who takes volunteerism to new levels,” Staples said.

Being part of such an elite group of community heavyweights means a lot to Colton, who was born and raised in Smiths Falls and remembers Gilhuly’s presence at the town beach when he was a young boy enjoying that facility. He accepted the award last week, but

provides the jumping-off point for his good work, there are many hours that Colton donates himself as a volunteer through and through, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I don’t think there’s any better feeling in the world than to say you’ve taken this program on and we’ve changed the lives of a lot of people,” he said of volunteers. “They make communities survive.”

In addition to the annual 11-com-munity food drive, Colton also works with the Gerry Lowe Foundation to provide a one-hour hockey slot ev-ery Monday for those who otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to enjoy the sport.

Amongst his many special projects there is scarcely a fundraiser, banquet or public event where Colton isn’t in front of the microphone encouraging others to help organizers reach their goal. He encourages everyone to chal-lenge themselves to fi nd an organiza-tion or cause they are passionate about and make themselves available to give back.

“It’s going to change your life,” he said.

Volunteer Appreciation AwardFor more than 20 years Bill Curry

has found a way to give back to his hometown while commuting for a liv-ing. For all his years of commitment to the Property Standards Committee (21 years), the Lanark/Smiths Falls Hous-ing Authority (one year) and the Com-mittee of Adjustment (13 years) the

town has awarded him the Volunteer Appreciation Award.

“I like helping out and I feel every-body should try to do something to help,” Curry said.

The presentation came as a surprise to the Smiths Falls resident who also sees his acknowledgement as a hum-bling honour in a community that boasts so many worthy volunteers.

Curry said he started out with the Property Standards Committee in 1992 because he wanted to give back to his community, but needed some-thing that fi t into his schedule. This committee meets only when needed to discuss items of importance.

“Things have changed,” Curry said of the world of property standards.

When he fi rst began on the commit-tee in November 1992 the committee’s decisions were made in camera away from public scrutiny. Today this prac-tice has changed and discussion and decisions are rendered during an open public meeting.

Curry is pleased to have reached more than 20 years of service to his community, but doesn’t see himself stopping any time soon.

The Volunteer Appreciation Award began in 1992/93 when a donated plaque from Paul Howard was given new life as an award to honour vol-unteers who have made an outstand-ing contribution to council boards and committees. The fi rst person to receive the award was Harold Nichol (1994) who served on L.A.C.A.C. and the Heritage House Museum Board.

- Business Today photo by STACEY ROY

Hugh Colton (right) and Mike Koziel (left) of Town & Country Chrysler hold the Charles Gilhuly Award plaques before the dealership’s community out-reach board. Colton was recently honoured with the award for his volunteer efforts and shares it with his dealership and the many volunteers with whom he works.

insists he shares it with the countless volunteers who come out and make the annual Build A Mountain of Food a success each year, as well as his boss Brad Kyle of Town & Country Chrysler who makes the work he does possible.

“Brad Kyle believes in what I do,” Colton added. “He’s got one of the biggest hearts.”

The dealership is the only one known that employs someone with the special task of reaching out into the community. While Colton’s job

The Great Waterway supports local initiativesThe Ministry of Tourism, Culture

and Sport provided Regional Tourism Organizations throughout the Province of Ontario with partnership funding designed to enhance tourism across the province, support the efforts of regional tourism organizations, facili-tate partnerships and support a coordi-nated approach to tourism investment within the region.

The Great Waterway Partnership Fund initiative was designed to build on existing and introduce new tour-ism products that enhance the region’s diversity of tourism attractions and competitive advantage by supporting the development of tourism experi-ences in the region.

The Great Waterway utilized these funds by partnering with 10 communi-ties in the region on a variety of web development and signage initiatives. Through the partnership fund, The Great Waterway will provide match-ing funds on 14 projects in the amount of $167,477 for an overall investment of $399,954. Each community will lead their own project with the sup-

port of The Great Waterway’s Project Manager.

Eligible partners were Great Wa-terway Destination Marketing Or-ganizations (DMO) and Destination Marketing Funds (DMF) as well as municipalities with a role in the de-livery of tourism services. The Great Waterway undertook a fair evaluation process to ensure the approved proj-ects were in line with the region’s own initiatives and vision of achieving the highest growth of tourism visitation revenues and investment amongst On-tario’s tourism regions by developing results driven product and investment development and marketing initia-tives.

Recommended projects were ap-proved by an independent advisory committee who are knowledgeable in the tourism sector as well as familiar with the region.

“We are grateful the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport made these funds available allowing us to work with our regional partners on im-portant community initiatives. These

extra funds will strengthen their tour-ism assets and ability to attract fi rst time and repeat visitors.” said Stephen Paul, Chair of the South Eastern On-tario Tourism Organization, The Great Waterway.

“The Kingston Association of Mu-seums, Art Galleries, and Historic Sites is excited to work with the Great Waterway in 2013, and beyond, to raise the profi le of the museums and galleries of Kingston. The grant we have received to purchase consistent and recognizable outdoor signage will immensely improve the visibility of our many sites, and make it easier for tourists to fi nd their way to us.” said Mark Badham, President, Kingston Association of Museums, Art Galler-ies, and Historic Sites Inc.

“Brockville Tourism is thrilled to be in partnership this year with The Great Waterway. Through this part-nership we will be able to complete restoration to many of Brockville’s city signs.” said Steve Weir, Tour-ism Manager, Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce.

Spots still available for business fairThere are still spots available

for businesses to take part in the third annual Elizabethtown-Kitley Business Fair.

The township’s Economic Development Committee is inviting all local businesses to take part in the business fair on Saturday, June 8 at the site of the former Spring Valley Hall on County Road 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition to featuring displays from local businesses, the fair will include children’s entertainment and a Lions Club charity barbecue on site.

Registration fee for vendors’ exhibit space is only $40 and an additional $40 will provide vendors advertising in a mail out to 20,000 homes, EMC and radio coverage. However, all members of the public can attend the fair for free.

This event is targeted to businesses throughout Elizabethtown-Kitley; however businesses from outside the municipality can exhibit there as well.

Any businesses which want to register are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Contact 613-345-7480 or email [email protected] to register.

Leave your car at home for

a day, week or a month!

Try walking or biking. If work is too far away to walk carpool.

PARK IT!


SMITHS FALLS BUSINESS NEWS

-Business Today photos by JOSEPH MORIN

Good crowds for home show

Above, The Smiths Falls Home and Living Show was the place to be for business-minded individu-als on Saturday. May 4, with local vendors and organizations setting up shop at the Smiths Falls Me-morial Community Centre. The second annual event attracted hundreds of visitors. At left: The Cataraqui Trail is 100 kilometers in length. Volunteer Kent Mainse was at the trade show explaining the trail to visitors. Below: The smell of freshly popped popcorn was in the air at the Trade Show as volunteers from Century 21 made sure everyone had a snack. Left to right are: Lisa Ritskes, a sales representative and Nan Bell, a broker.

By STACEY ROYMunicipal representatives aren’t turn-

ing their backs on the Villa Montague project until the court process regarding the alleged improper use of investors’ funds runs its course.

Media reports have confi rmed that 27 of 44 investors who have provided mil-lions of dollars for Tom Assaly’s Act 1 projects - Villa Montague in Montague and Nature’s Walk in North Grenville - have taken their case to the Ontario Su-perior Court. An inspector from Doyle Salewski was appointed to investigate the matter on Feb. 6, 2013. The inves-tors allege that Assaly has used the funds provided by them for the purposes of moving forward the two projects, for renovations to his home in Florida, USA, demonstrating an intent to defraud them on their investment.

“All of these things are still allega-tions. Nothing has been proven,” said Montague Reeve Bill Dobson.

At this point the reeve is instructing his staff to continue developing a pro-posal to bring forward to Smiths Falls for discussion with the potential of a special in-camera meeting to be held in the near future. He said he is keen to hear the results of the court proceedings, but noted the township has a responsi-bility to move forward to address the larger issue the Villa Montague project uncovered. Dobson said he is hoping the two communities can come up with a compromise when it comes to how services can cross the border for future developments.

Barbara McEachern, a Kemptville realtor, who until news of the investors’ court case became known to her a month ago, was working with Assaly to sell the two projects, says she is heartbroken the Villa Montague project has been im-pacted by the allegations.

“I believe in the concept,” McEach-ern said. “I’m optimistic that another developer will come in or that Tom will right the situation and proceed with the project.”

Since learning of the investors’ con-cerns she has shut down the Villa Mon-tague website, but stated no funds have exchanged hands for the project as she was waiting for a municipal decision on the services.

McEachern noted none of the in-vestors involved in the allegations are known as they hadn’t invested in any units.

The local realtor has invested $1,000 of her own funds into the projects to date believing the municipal debate over ser-vices was her only obstacle. The former Shardon Manor property has been par-tially demolished to make way for the

proposed Villa Montague development. “That’s what concerns me the most is

what’s going to happen to that property. It’s such an eyesore,” she said.

Tom Assaly has previously stated that if services couldn’t be provided by the town he would commit to doing basic improvements to the existing building and retaining the clientele that now call the building home. What will become of the property should Assaly be found guilty of defrauding his investors is as yet unclear.

One of those who is also unclear about the future of the project is Smiths Falls Mayor Dennis Staples.

“We are both (Smiths Falls and Mon-tague) in a wait-and-see mode how this will affect the plans of Mr. Assaly,” said Staples, who said he spoke to Dobson about the matter on Friday, April 26. “What we don’t know (is) if that will impact on the project with Villa Mon-tague.”

The last time Staples saw Assaly in the fl esh was at a public meeting on Vil-la Montague back in January.

“I have had no contact with him in many, many months,” said Staples. “This is one of those things that has to play itself out.”

Staples noted that Assaly had asked that the town’s water and sewer services be extended out to the site but “to date, we have not been able to complete any-thing” in terms of fi nalizing an agree-ment between the two municipalities.

“Our door continues to be open,” said Staples.

After the closing of the Hershey chocolate plant back in 2008, the town has tried to attract new developments to Smiths Falls and surrounding area. However, there have been setbacks, such as the proposed Aquablue water bottling plant and the proposed water park, both of which came to naught.

“We get our hopes fi lled up that de-velopment will happen,” said Staples. “Whenever there is something that comes along and it doesn’t come to frui-tion, there is disappointment.”

But he hastened to add that, in spite of those hiccups, there have been posi-tive developments in the area, such as the new OPP regional headquarters in the area, and the redevelopment of the old Zellers store into a Target location.

“We have had a number of new de-velopments,” Staples said, stating that about $150 million in capital invest-ments – such as renovations to Smiths Falls and District High School, the local health unit and the VIA Rail station, plus nearby housing developments – have been a boon for the town.

With fi les from Desmond Devoy

Questions still loom as Villa Montague investors take concerns to court

Artist’s ren-dering of what the proposed Villa Montague would look like upon comple-tion.

Submitted illustration


“MOST PEOPLE TALK RECYCLING, WE DO IT”

COMPETITIVE PRICES:

613-283-5230

613-345-3263

Scrap VehiclesSmall Tin

For ShreddingAluminum,

Copper, Brass, Batteries

R00

1194

8772

_TF

TIRESUSEDTIRESUSEDTIRESUSEDTIRESUSED

GLENVIEW IRON & METAL LTD.

www.glenviewiron.com

SMITHS FALLS BUSINESS NEWS

Property standards bylaw to get faceliftBy STACEY ROY

The Smiths Falls property standards bylaw is about to get an improvement of its own, following strong councillor support last month.

Mark Russell, property standards and by-law enforcement offi cer, submitted a report requesting a new property standards bylaw be drafted to achieve a number of outcomes.

“It is in my professional opinion that the council should authorize the by-law enforcement department to create a new property standards by-law to address administrative changes necessary, increase the minimum standards of properties, and make the by-law more user friendly,” Russell stated in his report.

Councillors welcomed the opportunity to introduce stronger wording to ensure lingering aesthetic concerns with vacant

buildings be addressed. Coun. Ken Graham said property standards is the single most common complaint he hears as a councillor and would support any changes that would “expedite the issue.”

“We need something here that’s got a lot of teeth in it,” said Coun. Dawn Quinn.

Currently, the town’s property standards by-law is enforced on a complaints driven basis. The town can require the building to be secured if there is a public safety concern. If the windows are broken the town can request the windows be boarded up.

Quinn will be bringing forward information from the City of Ottawa who has been taking a strong stance against vacant buildings. She would like to see a requirement to maintain adequate windows in vacant buildings

rather than boarding them up and heat in vacant buildings to protect the facility from depreciating further.

“I certainly don’t want my town boarded up. I don’t think that’s a viable option,” said Coun. Lorraine Allen.

She agreed with Quinn that tax breaks for vacant properties is the wrong way to encourage property owners to fi ll their buildings.

This topic has been discussed at the Municipal Heritage Committee level, Coun. Chris Cummings reported. There is interest in addressing property standards for local heritage buildings who can fall into decay due to neglect.

“I’d certainly like to look at that,” Cummings said.

A draft property standards bylaw will be coming forward to a future meeting for discussion and endorsement.

-Business Today photo by STACEY ROYThe National Day of Mourning offers a chance to remember those workers lost far too young. Here participants in Smiths Falls hold candles in honour of loved ones who died on the job during the local ceremony April 29.

Tax rate frozen for another year, operations get tighter in Smiths FallsBy STACEY ROY

Smiths Falls councillors and town staff wres-tled nearly $900,000 out of the 2013 budget in recent weeks to meet their commitment to keep the tax rate at 2012 levels for the coming year.

The achievement came at a cost of many capital projects large and small that were rec-ommended for completion this year.

“Every one of the projects and initiatives are worthy the thing is we can’t do them all,” Mayor Dennis Staples said.

Projects that were cut this week include the Civitan ball diamond work ($30,000), a salt storage facility ($550,000), and a number of major roadwork projects including the deferral of an environmental assessment on the Confed-eration Bridge ($75,000).

“I don’t think we’re in a position to replace it,” Coun. Ken Graham said.

It was generally agreed around the horseshoe that this was the case, noting the downtown plan does call for (in the long term) the bridge to be closed to vehicle traffi c and recaptured as part of the parkland. Vanessa Bernicky, town staff, noted the bridge will be part of a bi-annu-al review by the ministry this year. While a date has not been confi rmed on this review, Ber-nicky did assure councillors she would bring back any recommendations or orders from the review (that may include closure). This saves $75,000 from the budget.

The same approach was taken with the maintenance work on the stone arch bridge on Beckwith Street. Bernicky assured residents the road is sound, but minor maintenance work was slated for this year at a cost of $100,000.

On this line, councillors opted to remove it in favour of lobbying the provincial govern-ment to share the costs of maintenance as the bridge connects provincial highways.

“I think they have an obligation to come to the table,” the mayor said.

This year’s budget was a bare bones bud-get operationally with the exception of two proposed additions: $35,000 in ongoing sup-port for the Railway Museum of Eastern On-tario (RMEO) and $50,000 of support for The Hub’s community pool proposal. Coun. Shawn Pankow cast the deciding vote to deny the mu-seum’s funding request this year based on the news the museum received $68,000 over two years from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Coun. Chris Cummings assured his peers these funds are for specifi c programming initia-tives that aim to assist the museum in becom-ing self-sustaining. The $35,000 from the town would have covered operational costs such as utilities so that fundraised dollars and grant money could be used to enhance what the mu-seum offers.

“I think this year is not the right year to start sustainable funding for the railway museum,” added Coun. Jay Brennan. “I’d take the $35,000 and put it in the Hub frankly.”

Mayor Staples noted the town will look at how they fund all three museums in town (RMEO, Heritage House Museum and the Rideau Canal Museum) this year when they undertake a service review process. His hope is a new model of operations can be found to support all three museums. The RMEO will continue to receive $4,000 in tax forgiveness in 2013 as they have in the past.

Coun. Dawn Quinn supported both the mu-seum and the Hub’s request seeing both as unique assets for the town.

“I think the Hub and the railway museum are two things that will bring good news to the town,” she said.

Coun. Pankow is keen to begin the service review so that reserve funds can be built up al-lowing the town to pass their budget earlier in the year. This year’s budget process began well, but was held up when the Ontario Municipal

Partnership Fund numbers were lacking. One suggestion that town staff will likely table dur-ing this process is the thought of charging for staff time to set up, clean up before, during and event community events. Currently the town provides this service free of charge.

Coun. Cummings said the town must main-tain its debt room to accommodate unknown expenses.

“Something will change tomorrow. We need to always be prepared for that,” Cummings said.

In 2014-2015 the debt room is minimal at a little more than $95,500, but then rebounds in 2016 with $290,707 of room available at $412,639 in 2017.

Staples supported caution going forward particularly in regards to potential changes requiring municipalities to depreciate their as-sets, which could potentially leave a hole in future budgets.

“It’s something that’s very signifi cant that we have to keep an eye on,” the mayor said.

The town’s struggles to balance their bud-gets this and past years while meeting the needs of the community was part of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s (AMO) presen-tation today (May 2) as part of the province’s pre-budget discussions. The town ascertained that they have lost roughly $1 million a year in lost tax and water revenue due to plant closures and vacant buildings.

After cutting about $800,000 out of the 2013 budget councillors were at a loss as to where the remaining $78,000 (or one per cent of taxes) would come from until Steve Fournier, interim CAO came to the rescue despite having reviewed operations numerous times.

“I’m quite happy to make the commitment that we will fi nd them,” Fournier said.

The fi nal tax notices are due out by the end of May this year.

Park N Pedal bike rack to be installed

This spring REAL and the Town of Smiths Falls are partnering to introduce a novel program to make it easier to get people out of their cars and onto their bicycles.

Park ‘n Pedal focuses on individuals who live too far from town to bike into Smiths Falls easily. It will give them the option of biking in Smiths Falls for fun or exercise, to get to and from work or school, or to accomplish various errands in town. People will be able to park their cars on REAL’s property, where there is ample free parking, while they get around by bike.

REAL will have a high quality, secure bicycle rack located on the REAL Deal site at 85 William St. W.

The rack will be in a highly visible, lit location, in a secure, roofl ess enclosure. Only people registered for Park ‘n Pedal will have access to the locked enclosure. The person would leave their own bicycle locked in the enclosure, and may choose to lock their bike to the bike rack as well. When they want to cycle in town, they can drive into town, leave their car parked at the REAL Deal, unlock their bike, go about their business, and then return the bike to the enclosure.

There is no cost to the cyclist for this service.It has long been a goal of REAL to establish a Park

‘n Pedal on its William Street site. It is just one of the many features planned for an Environment Centre that demonstrates practical environmental solutions to the public.

Cycling instead of driving reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves air quality for us all.

Jamie Schoular, community ambassador for Smiths Falls, is working on behalf of the Town to promote Park ‘n Pedal. “It makes perfect sense that smaller communities such as ours embrace the growing movement towards becoming more accessible to cyclists. The recently completed (Town of Smiths Falls) Pedestrian Linkages Study recognizes the need for the town to provide for the inclusion of cyclists on roads and trails in and around our municipality,” Schoular said.

The bike rack, being manufactured and donated by Kilmarnock Enterprise, was to be in place by the end of April. More information is available at www.REALaction.ca under the Greenspaces tab. To register, contact Susan Brandum, at [email protected].

R00

1195

1695

_TF

Welcome Wagon has FREE gifts and resources for new business owners and new professionals

with a special free package designed for your needs in the first 12 months.

We come to you for:

sector

www.welcomewagon.caCELEBRATING 80 YEARS OF HELPING OUR COMMUNITY

Welcome Wagon for New Businesses and Executives

Business helps women adjust to changes brought about by breast cancer

Dean family celebrates opening of grocery store in Almonte

By TARA GESNERThe best thing that could ever happen

to Crystal Harris is to go out of business. Why? It would mean there is no more cancer.

“I can always fi nd another job,” she said.

Lorraine’s, Carleton Place’s new breast care studio and more, celebrated its offi cial opening on April 26.

The store, named in memory of Har-ris’ mother, Lorraine Kenney, offers mastectomy and lumpectomy-related products (post-operative wear, bras and breast-form fi tting and more).

“My mother passed away six years ago from lung cancer,” said Harris, store owner, “and she was the fi rst member of our family with the C-word.”

Kenney was well-known in Carleton Place.

“My mother was a positive person – so full of life,” said Harris. “There was such a positive vibe around her.”

“I am sure your mom is looking down right now with pride and pleasure,” said mayor Wendy LeBlanc during the open-ing. “Congratulations!”

Harris was born and raised in Carle-ton Place, and she attended Trent Uni-versity. Married to husband Gary, the couple has two sons: Blake, 14, and Trent, 12. Although a senior manager of human resources at Honeywell Aero-space in Ottawa, Harris bid goodbye to the corporate world to open Lorraine’s.

“The job was hectic and I was hav-ing some health problems,” she said. “A family decision was made that I would try something different.”

Two years ago one a close friend of the Harris family was diagnosed with

By TARA GESNERThe Dean family observed the offi -

cial opening of its newest Mike Dean’s Super Food Store on April 20.

The family-owned and operated gro-cery store is located in Almonte at 430 Ottawa St.

At the opening the store was packed with customers, politicians and mem-bers of the Dean family in celebration of the opening and ribbon cutting cer-emony.

According to store manager James Egan, a soft opening took place about a month and a half ago.

“Today we fi nd ourselves standing in our sixth operation,” he said. “Con-gratulations, Mike!”

Mike Dean’s Super Food Stores, in

business for 37 years, boast national brand products at direct warehouse prices, and the Almonte location joins the family’s growing chain of stores in Chesterville, Winchester, Vankleek Hill, Bourget and Sharbot Lake (com-ing soon).

“Welcome!” said Mississippi Mills mayor John Levi. “We are really hap-py to have Mike and Gord (father and son) bring a store to town, which means more jobs.”

He noted the municipality had been struggling to get a store in the Ottawa Street mall since 2002.

“It is really exciting to get this mall rolling – to get it fi lled,” continued Levi, “and we have heard nothing but good things about you, and I am sure

they are all right.”Carleton-Mississippi Mills Member

of Parliament Gordon O’Connor, who was on hand at Saturday’s offi cial open-ing, was pleased to see another store in the modest community because it trans-lated to much-needed jobs.

“I understand from your pattern that you like to go into the smaller towns,” he said, “and I think it is really great what you are doing.”

“We like being the community gro-

cery store,” said Mike.He noted his grandmother left Liver-

pool, England at the age of 11 for Can-ada. She ended up in Pakenham. Her sister settled in Carleton Place.

“Both were married and had fami-lies,” said Mike, “and as a result, I spent quite a bit of time in Pakenham as a young boy.”

With the new store in Almonte he said it was like coming home.

Egan fi rst visited Almonte in early

November (2012). “I took a tour around town and was quite impressed with how clean it was,” he said. “More important-ly, when I came to start work in Febru-ary, it was really friendly.”

Egan promised to return the favour to the customers of Almonte.

“We will keep this store safe, we will keep it clean, and we will keep it stocked,” he added.

The opening offered a free barbecue, raffl e and much more.

is even more challenging.As a certifi ed fi tter, Harris will help

her clients achieve the best possible fi t. A positive self-image plays an important role in overall health and can aid in the healing process.

“I want to make this a positive ex-perience for clients,” said Harris. “In a comfortable and confi dential setting, I am here to help them.”

Private fi tting rooms, warm slip-pers and coffee, tea or water are special touches.

Calling ahead for an appointment can offer additional time to talk to clients and address their needs.

“I really enjoy people, helping people,” said Harris. “I love getting to know someone and building new rela-tionships.”

Lorraine’s also offers a mobile ser-vice, in-home support.

Harris only uses Trulife products, which are 100 per cent Canadian made.

“This allows for a lower price point,” she said. “I don’t have offshore manu-facturing and shipping feeds.”

Moreover, there is no HST on medi-cal products.

The Assistive Devices Program, ad-ministered by the Operational Support Branch of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, as well as personal benefi t plans can help with costs.

Bras and post-operative camisoles come in different colours, and there are several styles (lingerie, athletic and lei-sure) and fabrics to choose from.

“In the future I would like to carry headwear, scarves, swimwear and wigs,” said Harris.

“Everyone has been incredibly sup-

portive,” continued Harris. “Nearly ev-eryone knows someone with, or affected by, cancer.”

Lorraine’s is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“I can accommodate special requests, if clients need to come in on the week-end,” said Harris.

For additional information, contact the store at 613-854-7112.

-Business Today photos by TARA GESNERLorraine’s, Carleton Place’s new breast care studio and more, celebrated its offi cial opening on April 26. Participating in the ribbon cutting with owner Crystal Harris (fourth from left), from left: Cathie McOrmond, Business Im-provement Association (BIA) manager; Trent Harris, son; Blake Harris, son; Wayne Kenney, father; mayor Wendy LeBlanc; and Gary Harris, husband.

The Dean family celebrated the offi cial grand opening of its Almonte grocery store on Saturday, April 20, with a ribbon cutting. Above, from left: Mike, Gordon, Nancy, Julie and Pam Dean, as well as Mississippi Mills mayor

John Levi, Carleton-Mississippi Mills Member of Par-liament Gordon O’Connor and Mississippi Mills Coun. Denzil Ferguson.

cancer. Consequently, she had one of her breasts removed.

“We were right there with her on her courageous journey – from diagnosis to treatment,” said Harris.

Next chapter“I didn’t want a typical storefront,”

said Harris. “I wanted more of a home atmosphere. Something private, cozy.”

Although it took time to fi nd the per-fect space, she found it in a centrally located heritage building – 6 Lake Ave. W., the former constituency offi ce of Member of Parliament Scott Reid and Member of Provincial Parliament Ran-dy Hillier.

“We took possession on Dec. 23,” said Harris, “and it took two months and family and close friends to get it ready.”

Minimally decked out in white with traces of purple, fi xtures include a large portrait of Harris’ mother, which is prominently displayed above the fi re-place mantle. Additionally, her mother’s 52-year-old wedding dress is show-cased.

“Purple was my mother’s favourite colour,” said Harris.

A needTo purchase items such as mastec-

tomy bras, prosthetic breast inserts, etc., travel to Ottawa was a must.

“There was nothing available locally to support women,” said Harris.

It is diffi cult to fi nd a good bra under normal circumstances. However, fi nd-ing one after a mastectomy or during chemotherapy and radiation treatments

Lorraine’s, Crystal Harris’ new store in Carleton Place, is named in memo-ry of her mother (Lorraine Kenney) who passed away six years ago from lung cancer. A portrait of her mother is prominently exhibited above the fi replace mantle.

SAFETY TIPSCarbon

Monoxide Alarms: Installing a carbon-monoxide alarm near

the sleeping areas

of your home will alert you to the

presence of this deadly gas. It is a good idea

to invest in a battery-operated

alarm that will continue

to work during power

failures.

CARLETON PLACE/MISSISSIPPI MILLS BUSINESS NEWS

- Business Today photo by TARA GESNER


By DESMOND DEVOY Lanark County Tourism knows that

tourists are, by defi nition, mobile peo-ple, so it wants its website to be equally so. The tourism authority is looking to make its website more mobile-friendly, with the iPhone, Android and other por-table devices.

During a presentation to Perth town council’s committee-of-the-whole meet-ing on Tuesday, April 9, the county’s tourism manager, reported that the audi-ence visiting the website was 70 per cent female, with most of the visits coming from Canada, with the United States and United Kingdom in second and third place respectively, and a strong interest from Australia and New Zealand. The tourism authority’s Facebook site now has 200 more friends than it did a year ago, as it improves its online presence, including its Twitter account.

But the county has not forgotten about older media, recently printing up new

paper maps, the fi rst since 2007, which now include new suburban subdivisions not seen on the older version. They have also received 390 telephone calls of in-terest from prospective tourists.

“But the majority of our calls do come through the website,” said Marie White, tourism manager for Lanark County.

The face of the average tourist to the area is a little older, about 55 years on average, and most are from the Ottawa area. They stay for about a day, usually on their way to somewhere else, but this is enough to support 415 tourism busi-nesses in the county.

While some of the county’s advertis-

ing is in French and even the Mandarin dialect of Chinese, White was quick to point out that visitors should not expect a multilingual experience in the county.

White is also a director at Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization, and marketing chair for the Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association.


HEATING & A/C

257-8282Geothermal Systems

www.carletonrefrigeration.com

FLOORING

Professional Sales & InstallationCarpet - Vinyl - Hardwood

Ceramic - Laminate

Call Andy 613-253-0298 or 613-253-6671

MEETINGS/SEMINARS

PROFESSIONAL CATERINGAffordable Pricing

UP TO 300 PEOPLE

FARRELL HALL186 Gore Street East, Perth

613-267-7895

RETIREMENT HOMES

613.253.7360 |

Independent & Supportive Retirement Living

the vibrant side of RETIREMENT WORRY FREE LIVINGin one of our comfortable spacious studios or suites.

Whether you want to join the fun as part of the Monarch Club, or you’re ready to live it full time,

just call or drop in to learn more.

WINDOWS/DOORS

WINDOWS & DOORS

Sales Associate at

rrs

58 Abbott Street,Smiths Falls

613-283-2211

Winston King613-267-1565

CONTAINER RENTALS/DISPOSAL

GIM GLENVIEW IRON& METAL LTD.

3954 Hwy. 43 W., Smiths Falls, ON

283-5230

1124 Lyn Rd.Brockville, ON345-3263

– TWO LOCATIONS –“Most people talk recycling. We do it!”

CARPET & RUG CLEANING

Call today for yourFREE ASSESSMENT

Our caregivers makethe difference... every visit, every time.

Smiths Falls area, please call 613.283.1400 • 1.888.227.4599

HOME HEALTH CARE

Business Today

Call Cheryl at 613-283-3182 ext 184 or 1-800-267-7936 Email: [email protected]

SCREEN PRINTING & EMBROIDERYPROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

LETTERING & NUMBERS FOR JERSEYS

PHONE (613) 283 7772

e-mail: [email protected]

Unit 41, 39 Chambers Street, Smiths Falls, ON

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTSRECYCLING/WASTE COLLECTIONPeter StanleyOwner/Operator

(613) 256-4205

Recycling / Waste Collection

223 Ann Street, PO Box 824 Almonte, ON, K0A [email protected]

TOWING/AUTO SALES“Best Rates in the Valley”

ALL PURPOSE TOWING& AUTO SALESPeter PorteousOwner/Operator

Free Auto RecyclingCarleton Place Based“24 Hour Towing”

Cell: (613) 797-2315Fax & Shop: (613) 253-4604

Pager: (613) 560-9042www.allpurpose.4-you.ca

AUTO/TRUCK REPAIR

ogilviesautowww

.com

2010 NAPA AUTOPRO OF THE YEAR

COMPLETE AUTO & TRUCK

REPAIR

rrs

613-283-7444714 Kilmarnock Road, Jasper, Ontario

135 Elmsley St. N., Smiths Falls 613-283-9334

R R RROTATING RUG RENTAL

R00

1208

1323

Rooney Feeds Ltd.South Gower Ind. Park 40 Dundas Street#3 Industrial Road Iroquois, ON K0E 1K0Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 613-652-4382613-258-1567 Fax: 613-258-0007 Fax: 613-652-2479Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.Sat. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

www.equistation.com

R00

2143

6131

PERTH BUSINESS NEWS

Lanark County tourism boosts mobile technology presence

-Business Today photo by DESMOND DEVOY Marie White, Lanark County’s tour-ism manager, speaks with Lanark County Warden Bill Dobson before her presentation to Perth town coun-cil’s committee-of-the-whole April 9.


FARM EQUIPMENT

Your Quality New Holland Dealer Since 1955

Jasper613-283-1758

LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENTFARM & INDUSTRIAL

SALES – SERVICE – PARTS

SMITHS FARMEQUIPMENT

www.smithsequip.com

CROP INPUTS

Suppliers of High Quality Crop InputsThe Right People…The Right Products…

The Right Place and Time!

Eastern Ontario Distributors for Outback Field Guidance Systems

Oxford Station613-258-3445888-342-7839

DRAINAGE

MAITLAND FARMDRAINAGE LTD.

Kilmarnock Rd, Jasper, Ontario K0G 1G0

Jim MaitlandCell: 1-613-355-0871

Home: 1-613-283-4010

AgriculturalALTERNATORS

Ron Bulloch 613-284-2034

Ted Turner [email protected]

877-823-2604

Sales & Service

WESTERN

COMMERCIAL ALTERNATOR& STARTER SERVICE

www.commercialalternator.ca

250 County Road 17, RR4, Smiths Falls, Ontario K7A 4S5

(613) 284-2034 After Hours 283-6682

LIVESTOCK SUPPLIESSEEDS SALES & SERVICE

ADVERTISE HERE FOR AS LITTLE AS

$20.00 PER MONTH!Contact Cheryl Johnston 613-283-31821 extension 184

1-800-267-7936 | [email protected]

GREG KNOPS

Ph: 613-658-3358

ooted Alf Attitude Wh v

I will deliver your seed needs in Eastern Ontario.

Seeds Sales & Service

3704 County Rd #21, Spencerville, ON K0E 1X0

TM

TM

TM TM

TM

OATS - BARLEY - PEASOAT, BARLEY, WHEAT PEA MIX.

CUSTOM FORAGE SEED MIXES

TM

Designed by Farmers Forum

Weekdays 8:00 AM To 6:00 PMSaturday 8:30 AM To 5:00 PM

CCWG Livestock Supplies& Equestrian Centre142 Franktown RdCarleton Place613-257-2714

[email protected]

R00

1208

1319

PERTH BUSINESS NEWS

From jail cells and cop shop to incubator for business birthBy DESMOND DEVOY

Some unlucky souls may think of their job as a jail sentence – but what if your offi ce actually used to be a jail cell?

While admitting that the cells and interview rooms at the old Perth Police Service headquarters at 1881 Rogers Rd. are “not the most inviting space,” Paul Blais, principal of Millier, Dickin-son, Blais consultants in their Kingston offi ce, they could still be used for small offi ce spaces and storage, if plans to make the old cop shop into a business incubation centre come to life.

“You (would) want to paint the jail cells cool colours,” advised Blais with a laugh.

Blais was presenting a feasibility study into the idea at Perth town coun-cil’s committee-of-the-whole meeting on Tuesday, April 9 and explained that “the purpose of an incubator is to see businesses graduate.”

Before the meeting, Blais had been speaking with some local farmers, and he was asked if a business incubator was “like an incubator at a farm? It is. It’s a mentorship opportunity. It is a place where people can gather and learn.”

He stressed that any new businesses which grow out of the facility are not being groomed to challenge existing businesses, but rather to complement them, all within a “non-threatening, en-trepreneurial environment,” he added.

“The graduates of incubators are strong and better able to grow,” he said.

“It’s a statement to the business com-munity that you are serious,” about business, though he hastened to add that “it’s not for the Town of Perth to deliver every service.”

While many business owners are talented people, “entrepreneurs are not meant to be good at everything.” An incubator, out of which a business could operate, with help just down the hall, “let’s them (the business) focus on sales.”

Blais pointed out that as the county seat, because of its closeness to High-way 7, and other factors, “Perth is somewhat of a regional centre,” though it does not have a lot of small business

space on offer. “Where the growth has been stagger-

ing is in small business growth,” he said. “There is a small business base that is starting to mature in Perth. Perth is an attractive place to do business.”

While there is big demand in the area for starting up small businesses, Blais added that “capacity to do so is limited,” in terms of space available. Many oper-ate out of their homes at fi rst, but that can limit growth.

With the old police station however, with 4,400 square feet of offi ce space, “you really do have a nearly ready-made centre,” said Blais. “It could be used as is.”

While there are similar business incu-bators in Ottawa and Kingston, there are none in Lanark County, which would make Perth’s facility a fi rst for the area.

“They (the new start-ups) are not meant to be competition to existing businesses,” he reiterated, but rather, are meant to complement them.

Like a parent loves its child, but also knows that, eventually, they must leave the nest, an incubator’s “purpose is not to hold on to them indefi nitely,” but to have some turnover.

He advised that, once the project is ready to be operational, that a part-time coordinator be hired to lead the facility, with an eye towards making the position

full-time. He also recommended that the facility be run as a not-for-profi t corpo-ration.

Blais said he anticipated fi nancial losses for the fi rst few years, with rental income likely pegged at $5,780 in the fi rst year, rising, by his estimation, to $26,280 by year fi ve. The town would also likely see property tax income rise from $2,960 in the fi rst year to $11,240 in the fi fth year.

“You will have municipal space that did not bring in municipal taxes (before) now bringing in money” in taxes, he noted. “There is a larger benefi t to the community than the fi nancial benefi t.”

“It sounds like a great idea,” said Coun. Judy Brown.

However, Coun. Beth Peterkin won-dered if too much was being expected of a part-time coordinator.

“That’s a lot of pretty heavy skill sets,” required for the job, Peterkin said. “The skill sets for the staff people are extremely high level. It’s a lot to expect of a part-time staff person.”

Perth Mayor John Fenik suggested tapping “the great wealth of retired business people in the community,” who could meet once a month to provide ad-vice, as a type of “think tank, for want of a better word… to draw on so many resources in our community.”

Coun. Jim Graff agreed with Fenik’s assessment.

“I believe we have an untapped re-source in our retired seniors,” said Graff.

-Business Today photo by DESMOND DEVOY Perth’s committee of the whole was presented with a feasibility report last month for turning the old Perth police station into a business incubator.


R0011963006

Serving Industrial, Commercial

and Residential customers in Eastern

Ontario for over 63 years

MOBILE SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE

NEW! BIG or Small

we RENT IT ALL

G.C. Hudson Supply Limited224 Hudson Point Road

R.R.#3 Brockville, Ontariowww.hudsonsupply.ca

Phone: 613-342-4578 Toll Free: 1-800-267-8157

HudsonRentals &TruckingBrockville

NORTH GRENVILLE/MERRICKVILLE BUSINESS NEWS

SERVING THE COUNTIES OF LANARK, LEEDS & GRENVILLE

BUSINESS TODAYP.O. Box 158, 65 Lorne St., Smiths Falls, Ontario K7A 4T1(613) 283-31821-800-267-7936Fax: (613) 283-9988Email: [email protected] Office7712 Kent Blvd., Kent PlazaBrockville, Ontario K6V 7H6(613) 498-0305 Fax: (613) 498-0307Email: [email protected]

GROUP PUBLISHER Duncan Weir

MANAGING EDITOR Ryland Coyne

NEWS EDITORS Ashley Kulp Marla Dowdall Laurie Weir Joe Morin

ADVERTISING SALES CO-ORDINATORS Wayne Thornhill Andrea Harding

DISTRIBUTION Lori Sommerdyk Richard Squires

PRINTING Performance Printing

FEATURE WRITERS Desmond Devoy Doreen Barnes

Lorraine Payette Conan de Vries Stacey Roy Ashley Kulp Tara Gesner Tiffany Lepack Sabine Gibbins

SALES REPRESENTATIVES Cheryl Johnston Kathy Perreault Sharon Sinfield Vickie Carr Dave Fox Anne Sawyer Bruce Thomson Kevin Hoover Liz Gray Jamie Rae-Gomes

By JOSEPH MORINA message of continued

growth, and effective teamwork was what those at the 4th annual North Grenville Economic De-velopment Appreciation Break-fast received last month.

The April 18 breakfast is be-coming a great way for North Grenville to send out a message detailing its economic plans and ongoing successes.

In keeping with the theme of this year’s breakfast which was “Team North Grenville” orga-nizers had asked Olympic gold medalist Rob Marland to talk about his own experiences as a top class Olympic rower and how, without teamwork, success is not normally the outcome in just about any endeavor.

In keeping with the theme of teamwork and local fl avours for the breakfast, six local business-es provided the food. Catered Affairs and the Branch Restau-rant and Texas Grill along with Albert’s Meat Market and Dial a Chef provided lots of great breakfast fare. Brewed Awak-enings and Grahame’s Bakery joined in with coffee and donuts, cinnamon rolls and scones.

Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville Gord Brown was on hand as well to explain a bit about what his government had accomplished regarding stabilizing, for the present and future, the country’s economic health.

“Since taking offi ce in 2006,” said Brown, “our government has pursued a positive agenda to make Canada’s economy stron-ger, helping create more good, high quality jobs.”

These efforts, he said, in-cluded lowering taxes more than 150 times, lowering the average tax bill by more than $3,200 and supporting entrepreneurs by low-ering taxes on job creating busi-nesses and opening more markets to Canadian goods and increased trade deals.

“That positive agenda has kept Canada’s economy on the right

path,” said Brown. He explained how Canada had created over 950,000 new jobs since the depth of the recession and the country had the best job growth recovery record in the G-7.

The MP explained the pur-pose behind the government’s Economic Action Plan 2013. “It focuses more on positive initia-tives to support job creation and growth,” he said.

The new Canada Job Grant is designed to help Canadians get high quality, well paying jobs.

North Grenville has a number of important infrastructure proj-ects waiting in the wings that need fi nancial support from the government. Brown said, “Eco-nomic Action Plan 2013 includes our government’s plan to make the largest federal investment in job-creating infrastructure in Ca-nadian history, “Seventy billion over 10 years. This investment will help build and repair roads, bridges, subways, rail and much more in communities across Canada.”

Another good news item was

the announcement the Eastern Ontario Development Program was going to be extended another fi ve years. “This is great news for North Grenville and our riding,” said Brown.

North Grenville Mayor David Gordon said all of the more than 155 people at the breakfast were members of one great big team. The mayor said the success of North Grenville and the contin-ued growth was thanks in part to staff. “North Grenville is incred-ibly lucky to have such dedicated councillors and staff,” he said.

He mentioned this was a com-munity of volunteers.

Following the remarks about the government’s attempts to cre-ate a positive and opportunity-rich business environment, the mayor pointed out there has been several new small businesses set-ting up shop in North Grenville. He said, “Economic develop-ment is not all about growth but also about business retention and expansion. Mayor Gordon be-lieves the work the municipality has done on sharing with busi-

ness and supporting them has resulted in a healthy business atmosphere.

“That is what has made us one of the fastest growing communi-ties in eastern Ontario,” he said.

The North Grenville Director of Planning and Development Forbes Symon put all of that growth in perspective.

In 2003 there were 92 new housing starts. Over the past ten years, as more developers put their plans into action that number increased. In 2012, there were 249 new housing starts.

The value of all new construc-tion was a respectable $44.9 mil-lion.

Forbes Symon gave a brief list of accomplishments which are part and parcel of North Grenville being able to move forward.

A new comprehensive zoning bylaw was put in place, allow-ing one set of regulations and expanded home based opportuni-ties along with investment ready zoning. An environmental assess-ment for servicing of the North West quadrant was completed.

A new tourism website and app was set up at www.explorenorth-grenville.ca and the Business Re-tention and Expansion program continued to provide support for business at www.northgrenville-business.com with information and presentations.

While the municipality moved

forward the community was not far behind. The United Coun-ties of Leeds and Grenville Bill Thake award was given to the Kemptville District Hospital. The award is for economic lead-ership. The hospital was also giv-en the Booth Centennial Green award for its commitment to go-ing green.

The North Grenville Public Library had more than 100,000 visits compared to 22,000 in 2010.

Sixty-two per cent of North Grenville residents have library cards and there have been 3,000 new library members added to the library since 2011.

The new North Grenville District High School opened up last year and the Upper Canada District School Board has an-nounced plans to build a new Kemptville Public School.

The Ferguson Forest Centre made their fi nal mortgage pay-ment this year and a new dock and picnic shelter was placed at the Anniversary Park.

There have been several new businesses in North Grenville. Grenville Mutual opened its new head offi ce in the Kemptville Colonnade Business Park. DFC Woodworks Inc. started manu-facturing at Bridge Street.

Candy for You, Heather’s Healthy Harvest, Keller Wil-liams Realty and Tekken Martial Arts opened locations in Old

Town Kemptville. The Kemptville Building

Centre rebranded itself under the RONA banner. Anytime Fit-ness opened in Kemptville Col-onnade.

The Cranberry Hill Vet Clinic moved to a new home on Coun-ty Road 43 and in partnership with the Dandelion Festival, the eQuinelle Criterium took Kemptville to the next level as a cycling destination.

Symon explained that there was still more to come in terms of North Grenville develop-ment.

The Kemptville Colonnade Business Park is still growing.

There will be a new LCBO arriving in the spring of 2013 and a shoeless Joe’s restaurant as well.

A Holiday Inn Express Suite has been delayed but construc-tion will get under way in 2014.

A new seniors apartment has been approved in Kemptville and an eleven-story condo-minium is slated for Old Town Kemptville.

There will also be reconstruc-tion of Clothier Street beginning in 2013 and completed in the fall.

More good news was the fact that the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville has made infrastructure funding for the widening of County Road 43 a top priority.

Annual economic development breakfast celebrates growth

-Business Today photo by JOSEPH MORINThe fourth annual Economic Development Appreciation Break-fast held at the North Grenville Municipal Centre Thursday, April 18 was a hit. The breakfast gave the municipality the chance to celebrate its economic successes and exciting plans for the future. The keynote speaker was Rob Marland from Royal LePage. He is a Canadian 1992 Olympic gold medal winner in rowing eights. Other speakers left to right were: North Grenville councillor Tim Sutton, Mayor David Gordon, Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown and Forbes Symon, North Grenville director of planning and development.


ROMANO’SHOME IMPROVEMENTS

613-341-7481

“Proper Assessment & Repair is Essential.”

Specializing in: *Economical Steel

John R. Bishop613-382-2366

Fax 613-382-8517 ‘BISHOP’ OVER 50 YEARS EXPERIENCEwww.timarineconstruction.com

The Largest and Newest Barge Mounted Hydraulic Excavator andHydraulic Pile Driver on the River for Reliable, Precision Pile

Installations for Docks, Boathouses, Retaining Walls

1000 Islands Sales & RentalsMaggio Plaza, Hwy. 29Brockville – 345-2753

▲ JOINT SEALANTS

▲ PROTECTIVE COATINGS FOR CONCRETE

▲ INDUSTRIAL FLOORING

▲ CONCRETE RESTORATION

▲ GROUTING PRODUCTS

▲ SURFACE HARDENERS AND ANCILLARY PRODUCTS

FOR THE PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTOR

We are Brockville’s

RENTAL CENTRAL

No. 1 worldwide for chainsaws & trimmers

45 King Street East, Brockville

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.lgrealty.ca

Ralph LegereBroker of Record

Commercial Specialist

LG

COMMERCIALReal Estate Inc.

613-498-2146

Ralph is a full time Commercial Brokerin the Brockville and Prescott Area.

“Let the Specialist Work for you”

Maggio Flooring & Decorating CentreHwy. #29, Brockville, Ont. (613) 342-5880

Ceramic - Carpet - Vinyl - Laminate - Hardwood – Paint, Wallpaper Window Treatments & Great Values!

“Floors to Ceiling – Windows to WallsWe’ve

Got You Covered”

• Trophies & Awards• Apparel• Skate Sharpening• Custom Goalie Masks

• Sports Memorabilia• Full line of Itech Products• N.H.L. Jerseys (C.C.M., Koho)•Umbro Sportswear

ROPHIES LUS...P

Brockville Memorial Civic CentreMagedoma Drive342-6510

[email protected]

ROPHIES LUS...P

Mark yourCalendar...The following is a list of some of the events taking place in the St. Lawrence Region of Business Today (Gananoque, Brockville, Prescott, Iroquois) that are of particular interest to businesses and industries in the area.

UPCOMING EVENTS:MAY 9Brockville Women’s Network monthly dinner meetingAt The Brockville Country ClubNetworking: 5:30 p.m.Dinner: 6:30 p.m.“Members Showcase”Registration: 613-498-4851; [email protected]

MAY 14Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce Breakfast meetingAt The Mill Restaurant- 7:30 a.m.- 9:00 a.m.Speaker: Greg Hinton “Great Goal Setting”Registration: www.brockvillechamber.com

MAY 16Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce “Business After 5” at Bud’s On The Bay – 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.Registration: www.brockvillechamber.com

MAY 21Brockville Women In Business monthly luncheon meetingAt CJ’s Banquet HallRegistration: 11:30 a.m.; [email protected]

JUNE 7Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce “25th Annual Mixed Golf Tournament at The Brockville Country Club.11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Roast Beef Buffet to follow.Registration: www.brockvillechamber.com

JUNE 8Township of Elizabethtown/Kitley “Annual Business Fair”9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at the former Spring Valley CommunityHall on Hwy. 29, north of Tincap near the O.P.P. station.Regisration: www.brockvillechamber.com

THEBROCKVILLECOUNTRY CLUBCome to the renovated “Granite Hall”

for BCC’s

613-342-2468www.brockvillecountryclub.com

613-342-2468

Banquet and Meeting facilities for large or small events. Contact us for details

R00

1207

9462

BROCKVILLE BUSINESS NEWS

Canadian Tire Prescott re-opens with fresh new lookThe newly renovated Canadian Tire

Prescott store is ready to provide its many customers with a one-stop shop-ping destination to get everything they need for their home, car and leisure ac-tivities.

Featuring Canadian Tire’s Smart Store concept, the renovated store of-fers everyday essentials at competitive prices in a shopping environment that is fun, inspirational and easy-to-navigate. Grand re-opening festivities were held April 25 with incredible in-store savings and fun events for the entire family.

“We’re excited to be growing in Prescott and better able to serve our customers with Canadian Tire’s new Smart Store format that features a robust line-up of products at great value and a unique shopping experience,” says Je-rome Taylor, Associate Dealer, Cana-dian Tire. “The renovated store refl ects our commitment to being loyal to our customers and to investing in our com-munity by delivering world class prod-ucts, services, selection and value com-bined with top-notch customer service.”

The renovated store features 20,000 square feet of retail space with more than 30,000 products. The newly reno-

vated store is designed to deliver the ul-timate shopping experience, featuring a clean and bright shopping atmosphere, an easy-to-shop racetrack layout, easy-to-read navigational signage, informa-tion kiosks with access to canadiantire.ca, customer help buttons and price

look-up stations. Canadian Tire’s new Smart Store

concept features creative displays to showcase the company’s heritage busi-nesses – automotive, sporting goods and tools. Inspiring boutiques in each area highlight a wide assortment of innova-

tive, competitively-priced products. Additional features and highlights of

the renovated store include:Seasonal – The seasonal department

is located at the front of the store and offers customers a vast assortment of products to start each season with con-fi dence. During spring and summer, the area features barbecues and outdoor liv-ing items, and in the winter customers can fi nd a large selection of holiday dé-cor and winter-related items.

Household essentials – The store car-ries more of what you need every day such as a wide selection of consumables, and pet food and accessories.

Storage and organization – This area will help customers stay organized both inside the home and in the garage. With increased space and design changes, the store features inspiring closet and garage organization ideas and laundry room displays.

Hardware store – This area of the store brings together hardware, paint, plumbing and electrical to a single, easy-to-shop location – with an exten-sive assortment of products, new cus-tomer service desk and kiosks.

Tools – Located beside the Hardware

store, the tool boutique is visible from the front of the store and features a large assortment of power, carpentry and stationary tools, logically organized to make it easier for customers to fi nd what they are looking for quickly and easily.

Sporting goods and outdoor recre-ation – Canadian Tire is Canada’s lead-ing sporting goods retailer. The new Smart Store format features an impres-sive Sporting goods and outdoor rec-reation area with robust hockey and outdoor recreation boutiques offering an extensive selection of year-round hockey equipment, as well as innova-tive camping and outdoor recreation products. With its own customer service desk, this area is designed to meet the needs of sports enthusiasts, providing helpful information, maps, and other services.

Automotive – The Automotive Ser-vice Centre features six bays with the latest in diagnostic equipment to help motorists maintain their vehicles and get back on the road safely and easily.

Garden Centre – The 5,000 square foot Garden Centre showcases Canadi-an Tire’s expanded seasonal assortments including lawn and garden products.

-Business Today photo by CONAN de VRIESMayor of Prescott Brett Todd (left) and President of the South Grenville Chamber of Commerce Dan Roddick (right) join Jerome Taylor, owner of the Canadian Tire in Prescott, to ‘cut the chain’ during the recent grand re-opening of the store.


ELIZABETHTOWN-KITLEY

BIG TENT EVENTBUSINESS FAIRPROMOTE YOUR BUSINESSBOOK YOUR EXHIBIT TABLE NOW!

R0012045125_0425

FREE ADMISSION

Saturday, June 8, 20139:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

BUSINESS TODAY

MEDIA SPONSORSMEDIA SPONSOR

For more information please call

Betty Gibson or Laura Stanzel at 613-345-7480

or email [email protected]

Former Spring Valley Community Hall

South of OPP on Cty Road 29

Brockville Farmers’ market opens for its 180th season

The Brockville Farmers’ Market opened its 180th season on Saturday, May 4, at 8:30 a.m. For the grand opening, the market had mayor David Henderson, councillors, a piper, a town crier and representatives of the Downtown Business Improvement Agency on hand.

The Brockville Farmers’ Market brings to the public this summer 60 local farmers, market gardeners and artisans.

With the Tall Ships and all other major events organized in Brockville for this summer, the market will be buzzing during the whole season.

“The market has been growing fast over the last few years thanks to our customers who keep asking for more fresh produce and local products. The season is short in Canada and they want to take advantage of those few months where they can get fruits and vegetables just freshly picked and our market provides that,” said Margaret Plume, the acting Chair of the Brock-ville Farmers’ Market Association.

All the members are very enthusi-astic about the season coming up.

“We are looking forward to a great

season. We have activities and en-tertainment planned for almost every Saturday and fun things for the kids such as little zoos, planting herbs or carving pumpkins. Just check the tent in the middle of the street.”

The Brockville Farmers’ Market stands for local – homegrown – hand-made - handcrafted.

“If you are looking for fresh fl owers or plants, fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh homemade bak-ing and treats, homemade jams and jellies, local maple syrup and honey, handmade natural skin care products or other beautiful crafts, come to the market. You will be surprised by the selection and sophistication of the products you can fi nd,” added Plume.

The Brockville Farmers’ Market is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Satur-day from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is located on Market Street West, beside City Hall in downtown Brockville.

Check the website on a regular basis www.brockvillefarmersmarket.ca. Make the market part of your weekly shopping and support the de-velopment of a strong local economy.

-Business Today photos by LORRAINE PAYETTE

Left, Township of Leeds and Thousand Islands councillor Wendy Merk-ley (left) checks out some of the information avail-able about the town-ship at the third annual Thousand Islands Rural Small Business Showcase and Earth Day Showcase held at the Community Building in Lansdowne on April 21. Above, a wide variety of art was on display for the art and photography competition held at the event. Themes for the art works were Earth Day and Rural Small Business.

Spray tanning comes to BrockvilleBy MARLA DOWDALL

Bringing the sun to their customers, Tan on the Run is now offering its services in Brockville. A safe alternative to tanning, there is no UV, the products are organic and good for you, noted Sandra Hoare. Hoare purchased the franchise from Nicole Hyatt who appeared with the idea on Dragon’s Den.

The service is mobile and brings tanning services to the customer’s home, a fi rst for the area, Hoare explained.

Her business will cover the Leeds and Grenville area, also reaching out to Gananoque, Smiths Falls and Prescott.

The services the business offers includes airbrush tanning, shading and contouring, body building winning colour, and she noted she will be offering special incentives as well, including group discounts, special rates and more.

Visit www.tanontherun.com, call 1-855-TANTAN-1, ext. 305, or email [email protected].

Industrial park expansion one step closer to realityBy CONAN de VRIES

The Township of Augusta just got a big boost in its efforts to expand its industrial park.

Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown was at the township offi ce recently to present a cheque for $100,000, which will enable the township to complete the slew of studies required before any kind of expansion can take place.

“This is going to mean exciting things for Augusta Township,” said Brown.

The money was provided under the auspices of the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP), an investment initiative begun in 2006 by the federal government that seeks to promote economic development in rural Eastern Ontario.

The program is delivered locally by the Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation (GCFDC). “Our board is pleased to be supporting the Township of Augusta,” said Heather Lawless, executive director of the GCFDC.

Since its inception, successive federal budgets have renewed the

EODP program for only one or two years, meaning the program was always on the bubble. But in the most recent budget, thanks in large part to activism by Brown and other Eastern Ontario MPs, the EODP has been renewed for fi ve years.

Augusta will use the investment to offset the costs of the hydrological, archaeological, environmental impact and storm

water management studies that will need to be completed before the industrial park can get up and running. Already, though, there have been inquiries from interested companies.

“This is a great day for Augusta,” said Reeve Mel Campbell. “It puts us on a road to prosperity we haven’t seen in some time.”

-Business Today photo by CONAN de VRIESLeeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown (far right) and Tom Bailey (far left), of the Grenville Community Futures Development Corpo-ration, present a cheque to the Township of Augusta to help off-set the costs of expanding the township’s industrial park. Grate-ful for the donation are Augusta Township councillors (from left) Doug Malanka, Darlene Banning, Pauline Cyr and Reeve Mel Campbell.

BROCKVILLE AND AREA BUSINESS NEWS


401 Bath Rd.Kingston, 613-634-4000

Smiths Falls Hyundaiwww.smithsfallshyundai.ca R

0012

0746

56

sf_buto_may_2013

Documents

smiths falls613

business krowns smiths

customer retention

krown dealers

allan brothers

local business

local school

customer satisfaction