PORTLAND - Heather and Rob Heins love being on the water so they've made it their business to get you out cruising on the Rideau Canal system.

"People have come back and told me it was the best vacation they've ever had," says Heather. "They're ecstatic and completely relaxed coming off these boats."

The couple lives at their marina and are familiar with the waterway and what is needed for safe navigation. Boats are propelled by 115 high-efficiency, four-stroke outboard motors. All vessels have LED lights, back-up batteries, fully-equipped kitchens (dishes, cutlery, microwave, cooktop, fridge and freezer), three-piece bathrooms and comfortable sofas folding out into beds. 

Each vessel has a propane BBQ, patio table and chairs and deck chairs for rooftop enjoyment. Some boats are wheelchair and scooter accessible. The cabins are air conditioned.  Bedding and towel kits are available or you can bring your own.  Cruisers sleep four to six.  This season boats will have a single-person Pelican kayak for those who want to explore.

Spending days or weeks floating on the water takes you away from the noise of the city, says Heather. There is a lot to see and do along the Rideau Heritage Route. 

"Everyone says the beauty is beyond their expectations," she says, adding "some describe their time on the historic waterway as an unforgettable voyage."

Learn more about this Leeds Grenville business by visiting their website . Contact Heather and Rob via email or give them a call at 613-812-7653. Their business overlooks Big Rideau Lake at 15 Water Street in Portland.

A kitchen with a breakfast bar, full-sized fridge.

Tourism Representative Aleisha Newman at the new tourism kiosk at Mallorytown ONroute North. See the kiosk and the entire team in the images below.

MALLORYTOWN - The tourism kiosks operated by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office are once again open for the summer season at both Mallorytown South and Mallorytown North ONroute Centres on Highway 401 until the end of August. 

Local event and attraction coordinators are encouraged to contact the Leeds Grenville Economic Develoment Office if they have promotional materials to display at the kiosks. Please call 613-342-3840, ext. 5362, for more information or email administrator Joanne Poll. We are looking for event information to share. Posters and information can be sent to us via email. 

The original Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership.

The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office is asking individuals, councils and economic development committees to identify candidates for the Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership.

Before heading off on summer vacation, talk to colleagues and community members about who is deserving of this award in your municipality. There are many volunteers helping to improve the economic vitality of Leeds Grenville. We would like to honour them for their ongoing efforts. If you have someone in mind within the 10 member municipalities of Leeds Grenville, consider putting their name forward.

You can connect with us at [email protected] or call Deanna Clark at 613-342-3840, ext. 5360. Nominations formally open in early August and an online link for nomination forms will appear in this newsletter at that time. 

The submission deadline is Friday, September 29th.  The award will be presented at the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit on Friday, November 17th, 2017.

Sign up now for the second intake round of this new program offered through the Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre. There are 10 spaces left for the August 30th session. You are eligible if you are an Ontario resident aged 18 and over, not attending school or working in another job more than 20 hours per week, or in your first five years of business.

Successful candidates receive one-on-one guidance, mentoring with a local successful entrepreneur, access to business plan and budgeting workshops and funding of up to $5,000. 

Learn more about this program and how to apply by visiting the Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre's website.

The Augusta Township ~ Edwardsburgh Cardinal ~ Prescott Business Showcase and Expo is this weekend.

WHEN: Friday, June 9, 6-9 p.m., 

Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE: Ingredion Centre, 4050 Dishaw Street, Cardinal

COST: Free

EXHIBITOR COST: $80 for an 8 x 8 space with table and chairs (inquire for larger size)

Learn more on our Workshops and Seminars page.

The second Teeny Tiny Summit in Leeds Grenville will feature keynote inspirational speaker Peter Kenyon, a rural revitalization enthusiast who has visited over 1,000 rural communities in 50 countries.

Local experts will join him to share their knowledge on key issues for small communities and rural areas, including municipal-volunteer relationships, risk management, small village servicing, big data for small places, strategic planning without tears and finding your community's story and telling it. Prior to the Summit there will be a breakfast and special presentation (see below).

WHEN:  Wednesday, June 28, Registration begins at 8 a.m. Event: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Learn more and register by visiting our Workshops and Seminars page.