Leeds Grenville: Thriving region offers businesses room to grow

On Ottawa’s southern doorstep is a region rich in lifestyle alternatives and a desirable affordability factor for those looking to open or expand their business or take up residence.

Leeds Grenville offers the picturesque backdrop of the St. Lawrence River, the 1000 Islands and the southern portion of Rideau Canal – places where emerging innovative industries and entrepreneurs can spread their wings. Business professionals will find relaxed, commute-free surroundings where their families can enjoy new adventures.

“We invite Ottawa region residents and businesses to discover the opportunities and the enviable lifestyle that Leeds Grenville communities offer,” says Ann Weir, economic development manager for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. “Having lived in a major city before, I enjoy the proximity to the Ottawa city centre but love the affordability Leeds Grenville offers me – and all while living in a vacation destination with 24 inland lakes and two major scenic waterways. I highly recommend it to anyone for a day or for a lifetime.”

The region is well connected to Ottawa through highways 416 and 401. Businesses will find within its borders a direct link to CNR/CPR rail lines, the deep-water Port of Johnstown and two international bridges to the United States. Leeds Grenville is making a strong name for itself as a transportation and logistics hub. An example is retailer Giant Tiger recently opening its state-of-the-art 600,000-square-foot distribution centre here.

Business and Industrial parks are located in the municipalities of North Grenville, Edwardsburgh Cardinal, Prescott, Augusta, Elizabethtown-Kitley and Brockville. These parks are home to many global companies such as 3M, Invista, Evonik, Prysmian Power Cables and Systems, to name a few. There is room to grow with parks serviced at various levels.

Some entrepreneurs may choose one of the region’s many hamlets, villages and towns, including Athens, Front of Yonge, Gananoque, Rideau Lakes, Merrickville-Wolford, Westport, Leeds and the Thousand Islands. These municipalities offer small business opportunities from boutique shops, artists/artisan studios and galleries to cideries, craft brewing, distilling and many agri-food opportunities.

“We are seeing a surge in business professionals working remotely in Leeds Grenville,” says Weir. “They are still in close proximity to Ottawa, and its international airport connecting them to locations around the globe, without having to deal with daily commutes and heavy traffic. Many business efficiencies are gained along with a location that puts them in a place offering a sense of freedom and empowerment to choose a balanced lifestyle.”