The Economic Development Committee is pleased to celebrate the success of local businesses and recognize their contributions to the community. Members of the public are invited to nominate businesses each year. The nomination period takes place from the first Friday in February until the first Friday in March each year. During the nomination period, nomination forms are available online, at the Rideau Lakes Public Library or at the Township office. 

Thank You to our Sponsors

 

From Left: The Honourable Michael Barrett, M.P.; Mayor Arie Hoogenboom; Jen Pryal and Tim McMichael of Recess Café (Business of the Year); Joe Chase of Clearly Auto Glass (Small Business Award); Kim Lulashnyk of Stone Manor Studios (New Business Award); Carole Fuller of KPMG MSLP (sponsor); Terry Wills of Wills Transfer Limited (sponsor); Kevin Tackaberry of G. Tackaberry & Sons Construction Ltd. (sponsor); Sandra Houle, Matt Piche and Prithi Pal Ratti of RBC Royal Bank (sponsor).

 

The Rideau Lakes Economic Development Committee is pleased to announce this year’s winners of the Business Recognition Awards. Fifty local businesses were nominated for their contributions to the community.

Congratulations to the 2025 Rideau Lakes Business Recognition Award Winners:

Recess Café was awarded the Rideau Lakes Business of the Year Award. This upbeat and bright café in Portland is now a hot spot for locals and considered a “hidden gem" for travelers between Kingston and Ottawa. Recess café has grown to employ Rideau Lakes residents and supports various small businesses by sourcing local products.

The recipient of the Small Business Award was Clearly Auto Glass. Providing convenient mobile service for auto glass, including replacements or repair, Joe and Victoria come highly recommended from local customers who rave about their fast and reliable service alongside competitive pricing for any size vehicle - even transports, tractors and heavy equipment.

Stone Manor Studios takes home the New Business Award. Embarking on year three in the historic village of Newboro, the Studio is set for immersive art workshops, retreats, and cultural experiences designed to inspire connection. Business owner Kim Lulashnyk is dedicated to excellence in artistic instruction and curates an environment where creativity and community flourish.

Presentations by the Honourable Michael Barrett M.P. were a highlight of the Business Recognition event held at the Elgin Lions Hall. The Economic Development Committee wishes to recognize all the deserving nominees and thank all of those who took the time to nominate these outstanding local businesses.

New this year, 22 long-standing businesses were honoured, celebrating 20 years in operation to over 150 years. Mayor Hoogenboom stated, “Council is proud to acknowledge the tremendous contribution made by local business owners. We are especially thankful for the support of corporate sponsors to help us recognize the incredible people in our business community.”

The Township of Rideau Lakes would like to extend special appreciation to the sponsors of this year’s program: G. Tackaberry & Sons Construction Ltd., KPMG MSLP, RBC Royal Bank of Canada and Wills Transfer Limited.

Now in its 10^th year, the Rideau Lakes Business Recognition Program established by the Economic Development Committee continues to grow. The Township is home to over 470 locally owned businesses and encourages residents and visitors to continue supporting local establishments. 

Business of the Year (3+ years, more than 5 employees)

Recognizes a business operating within the Township of Rideau Lakes that has demonstrated a commitment to the community and its residents, while displaying strong ethics within the business and society.

Winners

2024:  McMullan Appliance & Mattress
2023:  Rideau Carpentry and Construction
2022:  Wills Transfer Limited
2021:  Sunnyside Family Retreat
2020:  Wendy's Country Market
2019:  Gordanier Freshmart
2018:  Hinton Auto Group
2017:  The Opinicon
2016:  Country Roads Community Health Centre

Small Business Award (5 or fewer employees)

This award acknowledges businesses with 5 or fewer employees including the owner(s) and home-based businesses that have demonstrated qualities such as professional integrity, excellence in customer service, success through innovation and a commitment to the community. From 2016 to 2022, this category was called the "Business Innovation Award."

Winners
2024:  Stoodley's Kitchen and Beverage
2023:  Recess Cafe 
2022:  Elgin Bowling Lanes
2021:  Gordanier Freshmart
2020:  No.9 Gardens
2019:  Miller’s Bay Farm
2018:  Elgin & District Co-operative Nursery School
2017:  Smiths Falls Veterinary Services
2016:   2Low Inc 

New Business Award (1 to 3 years)

This award category was developed to celebrate new businesses between 1 and 3 years old, and includes entrepreneurs of all ages. From 2016 to 2023, this category was called the "Young Entrepreneur Award" in honour of the hard work demonstrated by a young entrepreneur (under 35) who either resides, operates an active business, or grew up primarily in the Township. 

Winners
2024:  Clearly Auto Glass (Joe Chase)
2023:  Stoodley's Kitchen and Beverage (Kody and Jessie-Leigh White)
2022:  Bastard Coffee House (Tao Hipwell)
2021:  Arctic Acres (Ben Canning)
2019:  Rideau Roots (Corey Evans)
2018:  Hales Excavation and Trucking (Mark Hales)
2017:  Bastard Baking Company (Stefanie Dobson)
2016:  Scott Blair Construction (Scott Blair)

New! Long Standing Business (20+ years)

An honourable mention will be given to businesses that have continuously operated in Rideau Lakes for over 20 years.

The Rideau Lakes Business Recognition Awards Breakfast 

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at the Elgin Lions Community Hall from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Advanced registration required. Contact  or register online at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/rideau-lakes-business-awards-breakfast-tickets-1981244171651