Economic Development eNews | July 27, 2021 |
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Lamb's Pond Retreat is a place to unwind and recharge |
NEW DUBLIN - It's about nature, tranquility, home comforts, a bit of outdoor whimsical glam and everything in between.
Environmentalist and retired teacher Shelley Gallagher has created a peaceful place. It's a versatile and accommodating outdoor meeting and event space. It's also a vacation getaway with a private, rentable indoor suite with all the comforts at her 18-acre Lamb's Pond Retreat.
"This is wellness through nature," says Shelley, who along with husband Mark Jenkins, has gradually developed a destination. Over the years they've created mixed forest trails, an outdoor amphitheatre and Zen garden, fire pit and meeting circles, waterfront docks, a café-like courtyard and so much more.
"This is my canvas and my family, friends and visitors continue to help me add colour to that canvas," Shelley says, adding the space off New Dublin Road has evolved naturally with more areas of interest added each year.
Most recently the couple updated a portion of their home with a separate entrance and it has become a highly-rated couple's getaway choice by Airbnb. Testimonials give it top marks for its privacy, spa-like indoor bathroom and lounging space. Guests can bring their own kayak or canoe and explore Lamb's Pond by boat, or enjoy an outdoor wood-fired sauna with adjacent hot outdoor shower.
A new screened in Gazebo is nearly complete providing a beautiful covered area to enjoy outdoor meals with a fantastic view of the lake. During the winter months, you can enjoy the property by snowshoeing, skating, or skiing.
Lamb's Pond Retreat was officially launched as a business in 2019. Prior to this, Shelley informally hosted women's retreats and began considering ways of having others enjoy the property. Various special events and festivals were held. The first wedding at the forest chapel was in 2016. Today groups, including Children's Mental Health and Victim Services of Leeds and Grenville, hold meetings there and nature camps for children are also popular.
"I like to align with groups where the retreat, event or workshop complements what they're doing while adding the grounding and wellness of being at one with nature," says Shelley. "Lamb's Pond gives a voice to nature and helps us to be ourselves."
Learn more about Lamb's Pond by visiting the website, follow them on Facebook and Instagram where there are many stunning images taken throughout the seasons. Lamb's Pond Retreat is located at 6436 New Dublin Road in Elizabethtown-Kitley Township. |
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Top feature photo: Lamb's Pond Retreat owner Shelley Gallagher at the entrance of the Healing Forest, just one area of many on the property. |
Shelley on one of the trails approaching a unique wooden archway in the area leading to the outdoor amphitheatre where weddings are held. |
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Free Online Training: The Ontario government is investing $5.8-million in free online training to help 100,000 workers gain the skills they need to find good jobs and restart their careers. More than 17,000 courses will focus on building skills most in-demand by employers in fields such as information technology, finance and business administration.
Adjusted border measures: The Government of Canada announced easing of border measures for fully vaccinated travelers: Media release.
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Rapid Screen Test Kits for Businesses
The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce and 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ontario and Canadian governments, have launched the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative. Free rapid antigen tests for small and medium-sized businesses (150 employees or less) are now available locally. These tests are NOT considered as a replacement for mandatory healthy screening that your employees complete daily.
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Employers looking for employees, please share your job postings with the local Employment Agencies. For FREE, they can assist in communicating your jobs to individuals who are looking for employment.
KEYS, Varley Taylor – Email | Telephone 613-382-1085.
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Digital Transformation Grant returns!
Does your business operate out of a “bricks and mortar” location and do you pay commercial property taxes?
You may qualify for a $2,500 grant!
Through partnership with the Province of Ontario, FedDev Ontario and the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas and administered by the Ontario BIA Association, Digital Transformation Grants of $2,500 are available once again to assist business implement an online presence or improve their existing online presence.
Free one-on-one consulting services through our Digital Service Squads are also available to assist businesses in all matters digital.
For FREE a Digital Service Squad can assist with:
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Applying for your $2500 grant (previous grant recipients are not eligible)
- Registering for your free online shop
- Exploring social media
- Learning about e-Commerce
- Providing feedback on your current digital presence
- One hour consulting sessions for advice on Google my Business, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, email marketing and more.
Lori Reynen, owner of Seasons of Westport, received the Digital Transformation Grant and used the free digital consultation services offered by the Leeds Grenville Digital Service Squad.
"I used the $2,500 grant to pay for website support for my online shop and they provided me with excellent one-on-one assistance every step of the way,” says Lori. “The grant and the free consultation sessions allowed me to successfully improve my online business, complimenting my in-store sales and revenue.”
If you are interested in the Digital Transformation Grant or free consultation services contact Jim Hutton via email; T 613-342-3840 ext. 5361; Toll Free 1-800-770-2170 ext. 5361; or visit our webpage. |
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The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office is now hiring a Digital Service Squad - Team Member. As a member of the Digital Service Squad (DSS) you will be a key contributor to the success of the Ontario-wide Digital Main Street program and the growth of the local digital economy.
Applications for the Temporary Full-Time position are now being accepted.
Reporting to the Economic Development Manager, the Digital Service Squad - Team Member will assist small businesses located within the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville with increasing their online and digital presence. This may include:
- Enhancing existing website;
- Building a basic online presence;
- Creating content for websites and / or social media
- Activating online tools such as Google My Business, Social Media, e-commerce shops, etc.
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Jobs and Growth Fund
The Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) is a $700-million federal program to support regional job creation and position local economies for long-term growth. This includes up to $70-million dedicated to businesses created after January 2020 that meet the eligibility criteria.
The Government of Canada has committed to creating one million jobs.
The fund will help job creators and the organizations that support them future-proof their businesses, build resiliency and prepare for growth by:
- Supporting the transition to a green economy
- Fostering an inclusive recovery
- Enhancing Canada's competitiveness through digital adoption to improve productivity and manufacturing processes
- Strengthening capacity in sectors critical to Canada's recovery and growth
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Tourism Relief Fund
A $500-million Tourism Relief Fund to help tourism businesses and organizations recover over a two-year period was recently announced by the Government of Canada and will be delivered through FedDev Ontario.
A total of $485-million will be directed to tourism businesses and organizations to help aide in the creation of new tourism experiences, or enhance existing ones. Within that, a minimum of $50-million will be invested in Indigenous tourism projects. A total of $15-million will used to support destination development, seasonal and local attractions, human resources and skills development.
Funds delivered to businesses will be either non-repayable (contributions up to $100,000 for up to 50% of eligible costs) or repayable (contributions up to $500,000 for up to 75% of eligible costs).
For more information on eligibility, please review the application guide. Applications are now open and, early application is encouraged as similar funding programs in the past have been highly over subscribed. |
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Active Transportation Plan Survey |
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Help create a plan by completing the survey
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville’s is laying the foundation for an Active Transportation Plan, we need your help! We're looking for your input on infrastructure improvements, types of policies, and how we can promote and encourage more transportation choices in the region.
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Getting to Know your Region and Hidden gems |
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Amazing and scenic terrain on area's "Mac Mills" trails |
MCINTOSH MILLS - There is a little secret in Front of Yonge Township that outdoor enthusiasts would like to share.
It's one that involves vast expanses of rugged Canadian Shield - a place that has trails winding over hills of mixed forest, stunning views, quiet little creeks and lively marshes.
The Mac Mills Trails system, or the trails of the Triangle Cross Country Ski Club in McIntosh Mills, is a great place for non-motorized enthusiasts to enjoy throughout the year. Cross-country skiers, snowshoers, fat (winter) and mountain bikers, hikers and trailrunners can enjoy the 25 kilometres of winding trails. The clubhouse is available to members anytime throughout the week.
"The number one comment we get from people is they can't believe how beautiful it is," says Bill Flikweert, President of the Triangle Ski Club. The non-profit club and its small but energetic group of volunteers oversee the maintenance and development of the trails and property. The club will be hosting events in the upcoming year and information will be on their website.
"It's gorgeous all year round," adds Angela Groulx, secretary of the club. "People often tell us they had no idea it was here. It's so welcoming."
This is the 50th anniversary of the club, which originally developed the first trails in Brockville with the YCMA. The club has seen many changes over the years but with the continuous effort of volunteers, along with the close relationship with the Ministry of Natural Resources and private landowners, it continues to offer a safe venue for outdoor enthusiasts.
What makes the trails so attractive is the landscape itself. There are creeks, gorges, streams and meadows and so much wildlife to observe and enjoy.
"The variety of the terrain gives you a good workout. If you love the hills, you'll love Mac Mills," says Bill.
"It's a place where you can bring your whole family and do what you enjoy," adds Angela, noting there is something for everyone, from bird watching to trail running.
Mac Mills is truly the place to be not only to ski, but to enjoy a beautiful outdoor experience.
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Learn more about this amazing place on the club website, or visit their Facebook and Instagram pages and send them an email. The club is always looking for new members, volunteers and corporate sponsors. The main entrance is located at 114 Marsh Road in Front of Yonge Township. |
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library |
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Designing Graphics & Social Media with Canva
This webinar will focus on developing the skills and knowledge you need to effectively utilize Canva, an online graphic design tool, to design beautiful images and graphics for use on your social media channels.
Topics include: Canva account set-up, time-saving tips and tricks, as well as basic design strategies. The speaker is Jennifer Baker.
WHEN: Thursday, July 29, 1-2 p.m. Replay webinar
COST: Free
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Overview of Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)
Are you an innovator? Regardless of if you are working from your home, an academic in a university lab, or a scientist in a small or a major corporation, the IDEaS program is looking for your solutions to help resolve defence and security challenges. This is Part 2 of the webinar series Doing Business with the Government of Canada hosted by Valley Heartland CFDC in partnership with the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises + Public Services and Procurement Canada.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 10, 10-10:45 a.m.
COST: Free
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Bookkeeping 101: What Business Owners Need to Know?
This session features speaker Lynn March of HealthyBooks and is hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre. This session will include:
- The difference between an accounting firm and a bookkeeper and how both are essential.
- How to set up your records and filing systems
- Sole-proprietor and incorporation - why incorporate
- HST-annual, quarterly or monthly remittance periods and best practices
- Banking and credit cards for business
- Allowable expenses - what can be a ‘write-off’
- Vehicle expenses-how to track and the different tracking for corporations and sole-proprietors
- Payroll – best practices
- Accounting software - which is best for your business and why
- App Solutions – how to embrace the latest technology to eliminate the shoe-box of receipts
- Reports – Income Statement or Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and more
- Q&A
WHEN: Thursday, August 12, 9-11 a.m.
COST: Free
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Leeds Grenville eNews Deadlines for submitting information:
If you have an upcoming workshop, seminar, or business-related event, please email it to us in advance.
- Submissions for the August 10th edition should be received by Friday, July 30th.
- Submissions for the August 24th edition should be received by Monday, August 16th.
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Ann Weir
Economic Development Manager
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Deanna Clark
Economic Development Officer
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Joanne Poll
Administration / Communications Support
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Jim Hutton
Business Development Officer
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32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9
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