This electronic communication is a resource providing businesses and interested parties with relevant information about funding sources, events, resources, and other local municipal information.

Canada and U.S. Tariffs Update

The Government of Canada has imposed 25 percent tariffs on $29.8 billion in products imported from the United States. These measures will remain in place until the U.S. eliminates its tariffs against Canadian steel and aluminum products. Impacted products include American steel and aluminum, cooking appliances, computer and server technology, water heaters, sports equipment and more. 

Funding for Your Business Improvement Project

The Town of Petawawa offers a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) as a financial incentive for businesses and commercial property owners to upgrade their space. Most grants provide 50% of funding up to $5,000 and can be stacked together with typically a three month turn around.

Eligible grants under the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) include:

• Accessibility Improvement Grant
• Brownfield Redevelopment Grant
• Building Facade Improvement Grant
• Commercial Retail Market Study Grant
• Green Initiatives Grant
• Landscaping and Parking Area Grant
• Planning, Building, and Demolition Fee
• Signage Improvement Grant
• Tax Increment Equivalent Grant

Email Marketing Webinar for Small Businesses

Ottawa Valley Business Summit Returns April 11

The Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2nd annual Ottawa Valley Business Summit on April 11th. What to Expect:

✅ Gain insights from inspiring speakers and industry leaders

✅ Participate in engaging discussions designed to help your business thrive

✅ Connect with exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services

✅ Network with fellow professionals and potential collaborators

✅ Learn more about our current economic landscape and the impacts of trade battles and tariffs on our local economy

Whether you're looking to expand your business, gain valuable knowledge, or make meaningful connections, this summit is an event you don’t want to miss!

Unemployment Rates in the Ottawa Valley

Renfrew County (4%) and Lanark County (3.9%) continue to maintain lower unemployment rates than Ontario’s 7.6%, the highest since 2014. While this is positive news, low unemployment can indicate fewer available workers which creates hiring challenges for businesses

The local Labour Market Group also indicates that half (52.8%) of Ontario households facing food insecurity rely on employment, highlighting that having a job doesn’t always mean financial stability.

Bank of Canada Cuts Interest Rates to 2.75%

The Bank of Canada has dropped interest rates again. The Bank of Canada announced a 25-basis point cut to its policy interest rate on March 12, bringing the rate to 2.75%. The Bank of Canada says recent data indicates a sharp drop in consumer confidence and a slowdown in business spending. Economists predict more decreases over the next several rate announcements.

Ontario Chamber of Commerce Economic Report

The Ontario Economic Report is the landmark research platform of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Some of the key takeaways include:

Inflation is expected to continue easing down to 1.9 per cent in 2025, prompting expectations for lower interest rates.

Productivity – measured in real GDP per capita – has fallen below pre-pandemic levels, and that downward trend is expected to continue into 2025.

Most regions of Ontario are expected to see weaker population growth and elevated unemployment over the next 12 months.

Each year, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce surveys businesses and other organizations to better understand their perspectives.

Proposed Expansion of Off Road Vehicle Access in Petawawa

Petawawa Town Council is considering allowing residents to access the Algonquin Trail directly from their residence on urban municipal roads without having to trailer their machines.

This expansion applies only to “Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs)” including “All-Terrain Vehicles”, “Multi-Purpose Off-Highway Utility Vehicles”, and “Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles”. 

A public survey is open until 11:59pm on March 30th, 2025.

👉 Complete the survey here.

Nominations Open for Ottawa Valley Tourist Awards

The Ottawa Valley Tourism Awards celebrate the best of local tourism! Nominations are open across six categories.

1 - Tourism Champion Award

2 - Business/Organization of the Year Award

3 - Event of the Year Award

4 - Tourism Marketing Award

5 - Sustainability Champion Award

6 - New Tourism Product Award

CFIB Launches Proudly Canadian Campaign

Now more than ever, supporting local businesses has never been more important. The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) has launched a "proudly Canadian owned" campaign. Encourage Canadians to #shoplocal and support Canadian small businesses. Supporting local means supporting Canadian jobs, families, and communities. 🍁

👉 Download your free poster today.

International Women's Day Networking Event Hosted at Ottawa Valley Coffee Petawawa

Thank you to everyone who attended the Business Connects event for International Women's Day. The Economic Development Department hosted a this networking event at Ottawa Valley Coffee on Friday, March 7th, 2025.

A special thank you to our hosts and door prize sponsors including Airborne Petawawa, Rose Beauty Studio and Troyes Cinema.

If you are interested in hosting a business networking event at your location please reach out to us today!