Leeds Grenville
Economic Development eNews  |  January 27, 2015
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News

Darlene Nelson and her daughters Emma Grace and Julia Wheeler completed the 
5K together.

Skate the Lake President John Bongers cuts a slice of ice to show it is a safe thickness for the event

Skaters round the bend during the 5K race to start off the day at the 11th annual event.
11th Annual Skate the Lake brings outdoor enthusiasts to the region 
PORTLAND - Hundreds of spectators and 150 registered skaters turned this event into another success on Saturday according to event president John Bongers.

"Our skaters and spectators showed up in droves," he said, adding participants came from Vermont, Northern New York State and from across Ontario and Quebec.There was a constant stream of people throughout the day and into the evening watching races, enjoying the bonfire and fireworks over the lake. It was such a success organizers are looking at making it a two-day event.

"You're creating traffic throughout the region," Mr. Bongers said of the economic impact. On site more than 300 "beaver tails" were sold. 

For more information and race details visit the website skatethelakeportland.com


Canadian Curling champion Rachel Homan and Canada's Olympian and former National Team World Cup rower Derek O'Farrell were special guests along with local dignitaries at the event on Big Rideau Lake.
News

 
St. Lawrence Seaway returns to pre-recession cargo volumes

The St. Lawrence Seaway's 2014 shipping season ended with a total of 40-million tonnes of cargo volume, a 7% increase over 2013 levels. The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) said this means the seaway has made a full recovery to the pre-2009 levels. 

According to SLSMC the standout cargo was grain. More than 12 million tonnes of grain went through the locks, the highest volume since the turn of the century 14 years ago. Learn more from the On Course for the Future Annual Corporate Summary on the SLSMC website.
Regional Marketing
Red Chairs on the Rideau Canal
Parks Canada is placing new chairs along the Rideau Canal.
Add you best view for Red Chairs
Here is your chance to identify some of the most scenic locations along the Rideau Canal Heritage Route in Leeds Grenville. Parks Canada would like you to submit ideas for the top spots for their Red Chairs Experience Program, a cross-Canada initiative.

Five chairs were placed at lock stations between Kingston and Ottawa last year. Another five are being added in May. Send your ideas for suggested locations to annie.laurie@pc.gc.ca at Parks Canada. Please be specific on the location and attach photos or easy maps if possible.The criteria: locations be public, accessible, along a path or trail, overlooking the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 20, 2015. Spread the word on this initiative. Tell a friend! 
Funding Opportunities

Programs and events to aid entrepreneurs; business funding avenues

The Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation (GCFDC) has announced a new lineup of services and events. Among those are the Business, Government Services and You Workshop on Thursday, February 26. 

For entrepreneurs: Appointments are now being taken for mentoring services delivered by Entrepreneurs in Residence at GCFDC. The upcoming dates are January 30, February 27, and March 27.

Applications for the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) will be open for new projects beginning April 1. Learn more on the GCFDC website. The service area includes the Townships of Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, North Grenville, Prescott and Kemptville.

Visit our Leeds Grenville Workshops and Seminars page to learn more. 
Economic Development Office
32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON Canada, K6V 4R9
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Leeds Grenville