In addition to the Marketing Canada Award, Rideau Lakes has been recognized as a "2024 EDAC Cup Contender" which focuses on highlighting up-and-coming best practices in marketing and community initiatives.

The Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) describes the award as “Best of Show,” and announced Rideau Lakes’ Economic Development project as one of the “Best of the Best.”

The Association’s mission is to enhance the professional competence of economic development professionals and ensure placement of qualified people in the field of economic development, to advance economic development as a distinct, recognized, and self-governing profession and to contribute to Canada’s well being.

The Association recognizes that marketing a community is an integral part of the economic development profession, therefore provides The Marketing Canada Awards competition as an opportunity to exchange and review promotional and marketing material produced by municipalities across the country. This awards program is open to those organizations that undertake to promote and market Canadian provinces, territories, regions, cities, towns and areas with a view to improving the economic well being of Canadians.

Two trophies have been received at the Municipal Office, and the Township wishes to share this national honour with the business community and project partners.

Investment Attraction Video Project Partners:

• Tom Graham of T.D. Graham and Associates
• Brett Colpitts of Colpitts Media
• Rideau Lakes Economic Development Committee members: Mayor Arie Hoogenboom, Committee Chair and Councillor Marcia Maxwell, Councillors Paula Banks, Linda Carr, Sue Dunfield, Debbie Hutchings, Ron Pollard, public representatives Dudley Hill, Ken Davies, staff members CAO Shellee Fournier and Economic Development & Cultural Heritage Coordinator Marie White.
• Fiona McKean, The Opinicon
• Elizabeth Murray, Ethereal Massage Therapy
• Timmy McNamee, Project Wakesurf
• Dylan Sliter and Stefano Ferrante, P3 Panels
• Dana McCulloch, Wolfe Springs Golf & Waterfront Resort
• Jim Summers, Rideau Lakes Building Centre
• Mark Hales, Hales Excavation & Trucking Ltd.
• Wendy Banks, Wendy’s Country Market

Mayor Arie Hoogenboom remarked, “The Township works diligently to create an environment for businesses to thrive. We want to see steady, sustainable growth for the benefit of our community.”

Awards Link: https://edac.ca/conferences-awards/marketing-awards/gallery-of-entries/rideau-lakes-investment-attraction-video-the-rideau-lakes-advantage/

This outstanding achievement was celebrated during the Business Recognition Event held on April 16, 2025; a local award program that recognizes the outstanding contributions of Rideau Lakes businesses.

We strongly encourage people to share the Investment Attraction video available on the Township’s YouTube Channel linked below, or on the website at investrideaulakes.ca.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKnKU3yuwP8&t=3s

Photo by Brett Colpitts, Colpitts Media