INSIDE RENFREW Stories of entrepreneurship and business success in the Valley

CONTENTS: Investment opportunities P.2 High tech P.4 Quality of life P.6 Key contacts P.8 INSIDE

Lianne Ing, vice-president of -based Bubble Technology Industries, speaks with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Investment opportunities

Land availability, workforce and low operating COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE costs open business opportunities Renfrew County is home to a diverse economic base of small and medium- ATURE FIRST ATTRACTED that makes television programs sized businesses that includes BRENDAN MARK to Renfrew about adventure travel and the manufacturing facilities, tourism NCounty’s . outdoors, including series on operators, nuclear science and A former professional kayaker, he hunting, fishing and the best hiking technology, aerospace and defence quickly developed a passion for trails in the world. industries, among others. the region’s rivers. “We love the Filming in far-flung locations They all benefit from a healthy outdoors and we love the access to around the world means some supply of well-priced industrial land the outdoors that (the area) gives us,” Heliconia employees work and buildings, low development he says. remotely. However, the company’s charges, a skilled labour force, While Mr. Mark can indulge in headquarters are firmly rooted in strong transportation links, his personal passions virtually at his Renfrew County. proximity to major markets, an doorstep, his business is decidedly “The reason we’re able to do that unparalleled quality of life and a international. Being located in is the foresight that the region had in municipal economic development Renfrew County gives him the best investing in high-speed internet. We team that’s dedicated to helping of both worlds. literally have multiple high-speed businesses launch, expand and Mr. Mark is the vice-president lines into the office to handle the relocate to the . and a partner at Beachburg-based uploads,” Mr. Mark says. In recent years, these factors Heliconia, a video production firm have drawn investors from outside

2 Inside Renfrew County residents call Renfrew County home, FAST FACT 107,885 up 6.5% between 2011 and 2016.

the region to take a closer look at the going out with product every single opportunities in Renfrew County. day.” “There’s been a lot of real estate Roughly half of the products investment lately coming out of carried on those trucks are exported Ottawa and ,” says Alastair to the United States. Renfrew Baird, the manager of Economic County’s extensive transportation Development Services for the network makes it easy for Ottawa County of Renfrew. Valley businesses to access markets Many are new Canadians, looking south of the border, as well as urban at investing in the county’s retail centres in this country. properties, restaurants and hotels Critical to the Pembroke MDF as well as commercial lots and investment is the reliable supply extensive rural industrial land. of wood fibre from the sustainably managed forests and sawmills of crossings within a short driving GLOBAL INVESTMENTS Renfrew County. distance of Renfrew County, across The area has also attracted business Its forests and mills also provide the Thousand Islands Bridge as investments from abroad. the Forest Stewardship Council well as near Prescott, Cornwall and In 2005, a group of Chilean FSC-certified wood fibre to Ensyn . investors purchased the Pembroke Technologies bio oil refinery Meanwhile, the Ottawa airport MDF plant, which makes medium- plant in the Town of Renfrew. is only slightly more than an hour density fibreboard – a wood product away. International airports The Pembroke that’s used in cabinetry, furniture in Montreal and Toronto as MDF plant makes and moulding. medium-density well as three in New York State Its owners are now looking at fibreboard. – Ogdensburg, Syracuse and possible expansion options. Plattsburgh – are also within a one to “It has a bright future,” says chief four-hour drive. financial officer Fito Salman, adding That’s particularly appealing for that he’s looking to partner with globally oriented companies such as local educational institutions to Heliconia. create training programs in the area. “We were just booking tickets for The Pembroke MDF plant is now Jordan,” says Mr. Mark. “Following up to 70 per cent of capacity and that, (our crews) are heading down employs 190 people. to the Galapagos for a two-week film It’s also creating many new jobs Ensyn Technologies produces shoot. Following Galapagos, we have a outside the plant. renewable liquid fuels and exports shoot in Taiwan. “The (number of) indirect jobs Rapid Thermal Process refineries “That’s what we do – jump on a are huge,” says Mr. Salman. “Fourty- around the world and sells bio oil plane and travel where we need to go,” five trucks coming in and 45 trucks produced in the Ottawa Valley to U.S. he says. customers. BUSINESS TRANSPORTATION The Trans- Highway runs the OPPORTUNITIES full length of Renfrew County from The County of Renfrew maintains the edge of Ottawa to the new four- a database of manufacturing, lane Highway 417 that extends from agri-business, tourism and and heads west to Renfrew commercial businesses Employees at the and the rest of the county. and buildings for sale or in Pembroke There are also four U.S. border MDF facility. succession planning mode.

Inside Renfrew County 3 INSIDE RENFREW COUNTY High-tech cluster Chalk River nuclear laboratories enter a new era as spinoffs and suppliers manufacture explosives detectors, military-grade metals

HE COMMERCIAL OPENING The money, announced in OF THE CHALK RIVER 2016, will be used for “a complete SCIENCE & TLaboratories in 1945 ushered transformation” of the Chalk River TECHNOLOGY in a new generation of high-tech site, which is located less than two businesses in Renfrew County as the hours west of Ottawa. HUB nuclear research facility powered “For our local communities Chalk River Laboratories of high-tech spin offs, suppliers and in the Upper Ottawa Valley, this Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, partners. announcement means we remain is the single largest science and Spread out across 9,100 acres a stable, long-term partner and technology centre in Canada. along the , the employer. We continue to rely With 2,800 employees and site contains several nuclear on our skilled local workforce many visiting professionals and facilities, including a reactor and and ... opportunities for our local academics from around the many other unique facilities and supply chain will grow,” says world, the facility attracts many laboratories that specialize in Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, young and recent graduates. advanced materials, biology and which manages the Chalk River They’re drawn by its cutting- health, nuclear safety and security, Laboratories. “Through commercial edge research and development environmental and clean energy and academic partnerships we will and science and technology in research. attract innovative companies to many disciplines, which includes Now, armed with $800 work beside us.” chemistry, mathematics, million in fresh funding for new engineering, computer controls infrastructure and facilities, that HOMELAND SECURITY and automation, control systems, ecosystem is poised to unleash a The roster of Renfrew County’s robotics, environmental science new era of economic growth in the high-tech firms already includes and physics. region. companies with close connections to Now managed by a consortium of experienced multinational engineering, nuclear science, construction and energy firms, this unique and all-encompassing Canadian research hub is more effectively intertwined with the global industrial, science and nuclear energy community:

• Atkins; • Fluor; • CH2M; • SNC-Lavalin Image courtesy of Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

4 Inside Renfrew County $ The average household income in FAST FACT 81,962 Renfrew County

the nuclear research centre, such as It’s essentially a test tube filled centres,” she says. “People can buy Bubble Technology Industries. with specially formulated gel homes and raise families here.” Originally spun off from Atomic containing tiny droplets of a detector Energy of Canada Ltd. in 1988, it liquid, Ms. Ing explains. LOW LAND PRICES began by commercializing a newly Other companies in Renfrew County invented technology to detect “ People can count Canadian Nuclear Laboratories neutrons. among their customers. This ability enabled the company buy homes and One example is Arnprior’s Nu-Tech to expand into the security market, Precision Metals, which says it’s the selling commercial, homeland raise families sole supplier of alloy pressure tubes security and defence solutions to here.” made from zirconium, a chemical detect radiation, explosives and element, for the Canadian nuclear contraband. Lianne Ing, vice-president, Bubble industry. Technology Industries BTI’s technology has flown on It also makes specialty metal more than two dozen space missions extrusions, such as piping and tubing, and protected major events such When neutrons interact with the using other metals including titanium as U.S. presidential inaugurations, detector liquid, they cause the liquid and special nickel alloys for companies Super Bowls, the Olympics, the droplets to suddenly “pop” into gas in the aerospace, medical, military and World Series, global political bubbles that are trapped in the gel. other sectors. summits and visits by the Pope, says The number of bubbles that form in Originally attracted to the area by company vice-president Lianne Ing. the gel is an immediate and accurate low land prices around 40 years ago, “We started out with seven measurement of the neutron it’s also seen growth over the years. employees and one product,” Ms. Ing radiation level, she adds. “We’ve expanded from originally says. “We’ve now grown to about 50 Ms. Ing says locating the business about 20,000 square feet, to a few employees with more than two dozen in Renfrew County holds several hundred thousand square feet today,” products. We export to 25 countries, advantages, particularly for BTI’s says company president George Legate. we’ve been awarded more than 20 employees. He says the people are a big part patents and we’ve conducted over “We’re fortunate to be in a of what makes it a good place to do 200 cutting-edge research programs truly beautiful area located on the business. for customers around the world.” doorstep of Algonquin Park. And “The attitude of the people that As the company’s name suggests, things like real estate, property you can hire for employees is good, BTI’s detection equipment uses taxes and the overall cost of living probably better than we could do bubbles. are affordable compared to urban elsewhere.”

Inside Renfrew County 5 INSIDE RENFREW COUNTY

The Ottawa Valley is home to several high- tech industries and employers including Chalk River Laboratories, seen above.

Quality of life Entrepreneurs Offeringdrawn a breakto Renfrewfrom work, the County’sOttawa Valley features world-class paddling. outdoor lifestyle put downPhoto provided roots by Heliconia

HE OTTAWA RIVER IN rafting guides. located inside a renovated dairy barn, RENFREW COUNTY offers Things started small, Mr. literally metres from the rapids of the Twhat many consider to be Thompson says. At first, three Ottawa River, and operates during the some of the greatest whitewater batches a week was all that paddling season while the newest one rafting and kayaking in the world. Whitewater Brewing – which also opened in Cobden last fall. Each year, thousands of tourists includes the company’s co-founder, While being the first craft take on the river in kayaks, canoes James Innes, and business partner brewery in the area may have given and rafts. Some visit on a day trip, Chris D. Thompson – could afford. Whitewater Brewing a first-mover while others stay longer and spend advantage, it also meant they were several nights in the Ottawa Valley. “ (Residents) offering something new to many But a growing number of visitors people in the area. Convincing people fall so deeply in love with the region’s want to to try something other than the big- natural beauty – and attractive support local name beers wasn’t always easy. business environment – that they “It took a bit of time to teach never leave. Several entrepreneurs businesses.” people how we are different,” Mr. have put down roots in Renfrew Chris M. Thompson, co-founder, Thompson says. “The nice thing County and started their own Whitewater Brewing Co. about this area and the people is that businesses after initially being even though they might be die-hard drawn in by the region’s rapids. But as they sold more and more macro beer drinkers, they also want beer, they funnelled the proceeds to support local businesses and CRAFT BEER back into the business and bought they’re fiercely proud of anything That includes Chris M. Thompson, the more equipment. They now brew local that could be successful. That’s co-founder of Foresters Falls-based some five batches a day, seven days helped us along the way. A lot of these Whitewater Brewing Co., the first a week, and are planning a major people are our best promoters.” craft brewery in the region. expansion. He met his future business In addition to the company’s retail ACQUISITIONS partners roughly a decade ago when sales, Whitewater Brewing operates The residents of Renfrew County the trio were training as river two brew pubs. The original is are among the major reasons that

6 Inside Renfrew County Renfrew County residents hold a higher education certificate, diploma or degree. Engineering and related technologies are the most popular fields of FAST FACT 48,867 study. Additionally, nearly 6,100 residents hold a skilled trade certificate. another company keeps expanding in the Ottawa Valley. Plaintree president and CEO David Watson has joked that his company’s core business is acquisitions. It’s bought a string of other companies in recent years, including Barry’s Bay-based Madawaska Doors, which makes custom wooden doors, in 2015. Life in the Ottawa Its operations also include high- Valley includes live concerts and tech ventures such as manufacturing craft breweries. wireless telecommunications systems, aircraft components, fire trucks and specialty building show people what we had in mind.” traditional media companies structures such as domes. His company, Palmer Rapids-based are having trouble adapting to a Despite this high level of diversity, Rapid Media, has grown to publishing changing digital environment. The there’s a common thread tying these four magazines as well as an annual company blogs regularly, has a large businesses together. Buyer’s Guide centred around social media following and posts “We don’t have the city bureaucracy paddling sports gear. It also organizes instructional videos that has made it a and taxes to deal with, and there are an international film festival. hub for paddling knowledge. lots of talented assemblers who are This spring, the company plans Still, traditional magazines remain very loyal with 30-35 years here,” Mr. to launch an annual Paddling Trip the company’s primary business and Watson told reporters during a media Guide. It will include articles about readership continues to grow. tour of Plaintree. “We fell in love with paddling trips as well as ideas of trips “Things that are easier for people the place.” that readers can take. to get online, they can get online, but Like many startups at the I think people still enjoy enthusiast MEDIA time, Rapid Media’s first internet magazines,” he says. The entrepreneurial spirit in connection was a dial-up service. Mr. MacGregor says the choice to Renfrew County runs beyond beer However, a series of government and base the business in the Ottawa Valley and advanced manufacturing. private-sector initiatives has greatly helped craft the firm’s identity. Scott MacGregor came to the expanded the reach of high-speed “It was a conscious decision to live Whitewater Region while he was in internet throughout Renfrew County, at the rivers, rather than drive to the university. He taught whitewater creating new business opportunities. rivers,” he says. “We decided to make canoeing and then worked as a raft Rapid Media is continuing to this home and make this the home for guide before starting a non-profit see success at a time when many the business.” paddling school with his then- girlfriend – and now, wife – Tanya MacGregor. HELP WANTED As they worked to get the word Looking for fresh career opportunities? A lifestyle change?Renfrew County out about their venture, someone can lead you to your next job. suggested that they should start their Many of the Ottawa Valley’s growing companies are looking to hire own magazine. individuals for a wide variety of exciting opportunities. Mr. MacGregor jumped at the idea These positions include openings for industrial millwrights, engineers, and, a year later, the first issue was accountants, hydrogeologists, industrial hygienists, scientists, editors, writers, published in February 1999. welders and jobs in the healthcare and administration sectors. The economic development team at the County of Renfrew will connect “It was really small,” he says. “A 16- prospective job-seekers with employers. page sample of what Rapid was to be. Contact Alastair Baird, the manager of economic development at the It had real content and a few ads but it County of Renfrew, at 1-800-273-0183 x466 or [email protected]. was really just kind of our trial run to

Inside Renfrew County 7 A skilled workforce Business- Easy access friendly to major government highways officials

An Close unparalleled RENFREW proximity to quality of life major urban COUNTY markets

Knowledge- Affordable based commercial businesses land High-speed Internet

Contact Alastair Baird, David Wybou Connect or Jackie Stott with us at the County of Renfrew’s economic development department by calling 1-800-273-0183 or email Alastair at [email protected]

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8 Inside Renfrew County the Ottawa WanderValley this winter in Renfrew County

Outdoor activities Food and drinks Cultural landmarks

www.OttawaValley.travel Explore Renfrew County and escape the everyday Table of Contents

Lists are on the minds of many Forget your usual haunts. Try the Plan your trip 4 people at this time of year. path less travelled and explore the Downhill adventures 6 true Ottawa Valley – the County The joys of ice fishing 8 There are New Year’s resolutions of Renfrew. The camaraderie of 9 to check off, projects around the house that need completing and While off the beaten path, it only Craft beers 10 your phone is a constant reminder takes a 20-minute drive from The retailers of Renfrew County 12 of the daunting pile of to-do items Kanata to see Eastern County quiz: Little known Renfrew County facts 14 accumulating at work. through new eyes. The birthplace of the NHL 15

But imagine, for a moment, a day Come wandering in Renfrew Food and drinks 16 without a list. Imagine a place County. Unique accommodations 18 where you can escape the every- History and culture 20 day rules and your own rushed Cross-country skiing 22 schedule and where the best days just happen.

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Whitewater Capital of Canada

2 #ComeWander #ComeWander 3 If you like…

Outdoor sports Food and drink for something different? Try only clock museum (page 20- Speed down the region’s highest Renfrew County is home to the health beverage kombucha 21) and a tribute marking the vertical at one of the Ottawa modern gastropubs, fine- – a fermented tea-based drink – birthplace of the modern-day Valley’s downhill ski hills (page dining restaurants and cozy brewed in , near NHL (page 15). Spend the night 6-7) or glide through serene establishments serving pub fare, Chalk River (page 16). in an atmospheric B&B or lodge forests along dozens of kilometres all of which are guaranteed to (page 18-19) before searching for of cross-country ski trails (page satisfy the heartiest of appetites Culture and recreation that one-of-a-kind keepsake while 22-23). Alternatively, challenge (page 16-17). Wash it down with a Learn more about the history browsing the county’s unique your friends to see who can reel in refreshing ale, hoppy IPA or dark of the region and country as shops (page 12-13). the biggest catch while ice fishing stout as you sample the beers of a whole by visiting Renfrew on a frozen lake (page 8). Renfrew County’s unique craft County’s many historical sites breweries (page 10-11). In the mood and facilities, including Canada’s

4 #ComeWander #ComeWander 5 Carving new tracks

Every skier and snowboarder With the region’s highest vertical has a favourite run. There’s no and longest green beginner trail, competing with that. skiing at Calabogie means guests spend more time actually skiing, But when you’re simply going and less time on chairlifts, on a through the motions of navigating mountain that’s synonymous with each predictable turn and drop, guaranteed snow and no ice. it’s time for a change. Elsewhere, Mount Pakenham is Resort restores an ideal spot for night skiing and the novelty and excitement that carving through endless powder drew you to the sport in the first glades. place. For a different type of adrenaline Step into your bindings at the rush, jump onto one of Mount bottom of the hill and glide Pakenham’s tubes and go for straight onto one of the hill’s a slide through picturesque lifts before taking on one of woodlands, a perfect outdoor Calabogie’s 24 trails. thrill for non-skiers and snowboarders.

6 #ComeWander #ComeWander 7 Cast your line The roaring game

Ice fishing typically requires Once your line is in the water, take Canadian curling icon Clarence one of the most sociable sports on a frozen lake, a warm hut and a moment to experience the vast (Shorty) Jenkins reportedly once the planet. That’s especially true patience. silence as the sun plays with the quipped that, “A curling rock is during bonspiel tournaments, hues of blue and green embedded smarter than a human being.” where many would argue that If you bring the latter, Renfrew into the ice, sharply contrasting camaraderie is more important County can take care of the rest. against the stark white snow. Was Jenkins correct? Renfrew than skill. County is the perfect place to try Jocko’s Beach Resort, Calabogie A day of solo ice fishing can to outsmart the stones and learn Grab a broom and check out one Lodge Resort and Cedar Cove bring peaceful solitude, while the intricacies of the roaring game of the county’s curling clubs in Resort can all help guests become an afternoon inside a hut brings first-hand. Arnprior, Cobden, Deep River, acquainted with the sport. friends and families closer Pembroke, and the town together. While curling may be a fiercely of Renfrew. competitive game to some, it’s also

8 #ComeWander #ComeWander 9 Beer inspired by the rapids of the Ottawa River

Several years ago, three friends style ale that the craft brewery With an expanding craft brewery a fair fight on balancing this on a rafting trip had an epiphany: says is “inspired by the moment scene, the beers of Renfrew epic ale. The Ottawa Valley is home to some when you come to realize that County are as diverse as the area’s of the best natural ingredients you’ve managed to leave all landscape. A few kilometres south of Shady needed to create true hand-crafted the concerns of the real world Nook, meanwhile, Square Timber beer, as well as great people who behind.” Treat your tastebuds to something Brewing Co. pays tribute to the deserve a local beer to share with new by wandering over to Ottawa Valley’s logging heritage friends. Another rapids-inspired beer, the Calabogie Brewing Co., the town’s with its hand-hewn ales and Class V IPA, may have a smooth first-ever craft brewery. lagers. Try their Timber Crib Whitewater Brewing Co. was appearance but is fraught with Pale Ale, west coast-inspired Big born in 2011 out of this revelation hidden dangers only found at Be sure to try their Double Pine IPA and selection of seasonal and now boasts four mainstay the point of no return when Bogie American IPA. The beast and special craft beers. Check beers and more than a half-dozen the intense bitterness of this contains deliciously huge pine and its Facebook page for brewery seasonals. That includes the seemingly calm beer hits the back grapefruit citrus flavours with opening hours. Whistling Paddler, an English- of your tongue. enough booze and malt to provide

10 #ComeWander #ComeWander 11 One of a kind

Urban power centres, packed with the same predictable roster of similar stores, have eroded the art of window shopping and all but killed the hunt for hidden the store has helped small treasures. villages and family compounds in developing countries earn a Reconnect with your sense of dependable source of income. curiosity and browse the county’s many independent retailers, each Closer to home, take a step back selling one-of-kind products that in time at Arnprior’s Antiques you can’t find anywhere else. Treasures and Treats, a store that brings back warm memories The Ottawa Valley is filled with for visitors with its small tables, antique and craft stores selling rocking chairs and dressers that local artwork, gifts and treasures were fixtures in the homes of hand-made in Renfrew County. many grandparents.

Run your hands over the smooth Elsewhere, the store is brimming wood carvings of Buddhas and with antiques, collectibles, old- mermaids or feel the warmth fashioned seasonal items and of hand-knitted sweaters at giftware, gourmet treats, gift Grumblin’ Granny’s. For decades, baskets and cigars. Wh itew ater And, for those who are tired of Capital of generic Ikea furniture, A Sense of Canada Country in Renfrew – constructed in the style of an old-fashioned general store – is a one-stop shop for home and cottage decor.

12 #ComeWander #ComeWander 13 County quiz: A new look at Little known Canada’s national Renfrew County winter sport facts

1) Which town is... 3) What local watering As Ottawa prepares to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Named after a former hotel was... Stanley Cup, hockey fans can postmaster; Known as the Exchange Hotel dive deeper into the history of Part of the Pinetree Radar Line; in 1894; Canada’s most cherished winter Ontario’s highest point at 1,600 For seven decades operated by sport by visiting the feet above sea level; and the Shulist family; birthplace of the NHL in Former home of outdoor Host of the Tuesday Night Renfrew. clothing company Sierra Blues Jam; and Designs Co. Home to best pierogies this side Slightly more than a century ago, of Krakow 2) This famous gangster’s millionaire businessman M.J. Canadian connection O’Brien and his son, Ambrose, was... owned the Renfrew Creamery Museum. Its collections include Kings of the Upper Ottawa Valley championship rings, pictures of Built in 1942; Hockey League. After a Stanley classic teams in their glory days Located 150 kilometres Cup challenge with the Montreal as well as old jerseys, skates and southwest of Ottawa; Wanderers was denied, O’Brien trophies. Nestled just outside helped unite several hockey Quadeville; and associations that formed the But hockey is more than just Found on Letterkenny Road National Hockey Association – the history in the Ottawa Valley. ANSWERS: precursor to the National Hockey The area is home to the Renfrew League – in 1909. Timberwolves and Pembroke 1 Foymount Lumber Kings of the Central 2 Al Capone’s secret hideaway Today, Renfrew is home to Canada Hockey League as well as 3 The Wilno Tavern the NHA / NHL Birthplace the Jr. B Arnprior Packers.

14 #ComeWander #ComeWander 15 For the foodies: Fresh meals and cold drinks

Learning the details of what’s behind that fermented beverage fizzing in front of you may prompt a pause before you raise that glass to your lips.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, With a symbiotic culture of order one of the Rocky Mountain bacteria and yeast, feeding off House’s crispy schnitzels, sugar and brewed tea, kombucha mouthwatering steaks, is a non-alcoholic low-sugar scrumptious salads or popular probiotic beverage. pub fare dishes.

But learning about its health In Arnprior, the recently benefits will likely cause you opened Lumbertown Ale House to ask for a refill. It’s full of gastropub is drawing rave reviews antioxidants, vitamin B and with its seasonal menu and beneficial acids, and is typically revolving beer taps, while Krave infused with herbs and fruit to Bistro attracts crowds with its all- produce various flavours and fresh homemade menu. natural carbonation.

For a table with a view, make a Laurentian Brew is run by a reservation at the Spectacle Lake husband-and-wife team with a Lodge located between Barry’s passion for kombucha, food, good Bay and Algonquin Park. The company and the great outdoors. dining room overlooks Spectacle They’ve recently moved into their Lake, and the waterfront own brewery, but their kombucha restaurant is locally renowned for is available on tap at the nearby its gourmet quality and extensive Olive Tree health food store in ever-changing menu. Deep River.

16 #ComeWander #ComeWander 17 More than a day trip

For many travellers, a hotel is If you’re looking to more closely merely a means to an end: A tie in activities with your stay, generic room in which to store consider visiting the Deakins your bags and sleep at night. B&B in Killaloe. Immerse yourself in the life of a Canadian maple But those who wander off the syrup farmer and engage in beaten path are often rewarded hands-on activities ending with with stays in unique B&Bs, the production of your own maple guesthouses and lodges that syrup in a half-day workshop become an integral part of one’s in the Deakins maple forest and experience in a new destination. rebuilt 1910-style sugarhouse.

Watch the sun set over Golden For those who prefer exploring Lake, curled up next to a wood independently, there are several stove overlooking the snow-swept unique Canadian experiences shore line inside a peaceful and in the area surrounding the serene cottage at Greystone. Deakins B&B. They include the Madonna House Pioneer In Eganville, check out the Hobit Museum, Champlain Trail Bed & Breakfast. Despite its recent Museum and the Manido Chiman renovations, the property retains (Spirit Canoe) Collection, housed its century-old charm and gives in the Omàmiwininì Pimàdjwowin guests a peaceful retreat with the Algonquin Way Cultural Centre property’s cozy nooks, porches in the First Nations community of and decks. Pikwakanagan.

18 #ComeWander #ComeWander 19 Image courtesy of the Arnprior & McNab/Braeside Archives

Arnprior is another historic film visitors to provide more historical house in Renfrew County that’s and technical details. been similarly restored. A look back in time To learn more about the history For another unique experience, of the region, visit the Barry’s On June 25, 1930, the O’Brien times in the ensuing decades. It visit Canada’s only clock museum Bay Railway Station. Constructed Theatre opened its doors in was extensively repaired and in Deep River. to accommodate the region’s Renfrew to rave reviews about renovated prior to reopening in booming 19th century lumber its superior sound system and 1994. The Canadian Clock Museum industry, the first locomotive beautiful ornate interior. opened in 2000 and is home to roared through in 1894. Today, it’s a popular place to more than 2,500 horological items With an admission price of 45 watch current Hollywood hits in dating back to the 1800s, as well Today, the station operates as a cents, patrons were led to their a unique setting as well as take as dozens of galleries devoted cultural centre for the Township seats by an all-female usher staff in art, independent and foreign to the country’s many timepiece of Madawaska Valley and houses to watch the opening movie, Sally, films. A large theatre pipe organ manufacturers. a visitor information centre, art a comedy starring Marilyn Miller. occasionally thrills audiences gallery as well as artifacts and with periodic concerts and movie A guided tour, included in the photos relating to the village’s The theatre changed hands several prelude music. Its sister theatre in admission fee, is offered to railway history.

20 #ComeWander #ComeWander 21 Gliding through the snow

Cross-country skiers come to the Nordic Club in Renfrew County to experience the the Brudenell area. sport the way it was meant to be: In silence, except for the sound of Interested in cross-country skiing your skis gliding across the snow, but don’t know where to start? and surrounded by mature trees. Volunteers from the Pembroke Area Cross Country Ski Club offer Apart from the groomed trails, the lessons, and rentals are available fluffy snow blanketing the forest from Gearheads in Petawawa. floor is untouched, save for the odd deer and rabbit tracks. For a memorable experience, try cross-country skiing by moonlight West of Calabogie, near the along the Silver Spoon Trails that Calabogie Peaks Resort, are the are maintained by the Deep River Madawaska Nordic trails running Cross Country Ski Club. along old logging roads that wind their way through a picturesque Their facilities include a chalet, forest landscape. With plenty of viewing platform and a well- gentle inclines and declines, the equipped ski cabin that’s available trails are well marked and colour- to members for overnight use. coded for levels of difficulty, although most sections are Looking for something completely suitable for skiers of all abilities. different? With a “fat bike” – A 2.5-kilometre snowshoe loop mountain bikes with super-large has recently been added. tires – you can now cycle the Ottawa Valley’s trails all winter Elsewhere in the Ottawa Valley, long. For trail maps, visit the members and day users alike Beachburg Off Road Cycling are welcome at the more than 14 Association website. kilometres of trails maintained by

22 #ComeWander #ComeWander 23 only minutes Come wander west 20from Kanata this winter

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decidedly international. Being attention – and capital – the Renfrew County’s draw for located in Renfrew County plant was purchased by gives him the best of both Chilean investors in 2005. worlds. entrepreneurs and investors This year alone, Heliconia “That’s what we do crews are flying to Jordan, – jump on a plane Businesses, families relocating to the Ottawa Valley the Galapagos Islands and Taiwan, to name but a few and travel where nside his Renfrew County proximity to major markets, Heliconia, a video production destinations. That travel is we need to go” office, Alastair Baird an unparalleled quality firm that makes television made possible by Renfrew Brendan Mark Ikeeps a database of jobs of life and a municipal programs about adventure County’s proximity to the that companies are looking economic development team travel and the outdoors. Ottawa International Airport, Every day, some 45 trucks to fill. that’s dedicated to helping It was nature that first which is located only slightly enter the facility carrying Industrial millwright. businesses launch, expand attracted Brendan Mark, more than an hour away, as wood products as another 45 Engineer. Accountant. and relocate to the Ottawa Heliconia’s vice-president and well as international airports trucks – loaded with finished Scientist. Editor. Welder. Valley. partner, to Renfrew County’s in Montreal, Toronto and New products – pull out, destined Healthcare specialist. And a York State. for urban centres in Canada handful of high-tech positions “That’s what we do – jump and export markets in the U.S. that didn’t even exist a few Learn more at on a plane and travel where Many of those trucks years ago. investinrenfrewcounty.ca we need to go,” says Mr. traverse the Trans-Canada The head of the county’s Mark. Highway, which runs the full economic development length of Renfrew County, and department has seen rising Renfrew County is already Whitewater Region. A former MANUFACTURING provides easy connections interest in recent years among home to a diverse economic professional kayaker, he Renfrew County’s to U.S. border crossings at skilled workers and business base of small and medium- quickly developed a passion transportation links also the Thousand Islands Bridge, owners in setting up shop in sized businesses that includes for the region’s rivers. one of the keys to success Prescott, Cornwall and the Ottawa Valley. manufacturing facilities, “We love the outdoors for Pembroke MDF, a Montreal. They’re attracted by the tourism operators, nuclear and we love the access to manufacturer of medium- As production continues healthy supply of well- science and technology, the outdoors that (the area) density fibreboard – a to ramp up, Pembroke MDF’s priced industrial land and aerospace and defence gives us,” he says. While wood product that’s used owners are now looking at buildings, affordable utility industries, among others. Mr. Mark can indulge in his in cabinetry, furniture and possible expansion options. rates, a skilled labour force, One of those success personal passions virtually at moulding. “It has a bright future,” says strong transportation links, stories is Beachburg-based his doorstep, his business is Attracting international Pembroke MDF’s Fito Salman. — SPONSORED CONTENT — Building a life and career in Renfrew County Home offices, high-tech employers complement quality of life

arry Smith’s Renfrew As part of his professional lumber mills and wood-based County property offers Learn more at work at the University of manufacturers expanding. Lmany things, including a Waterloo, Mr. Smith advises Lavern Heideman & Sons great view, a quiet atmosphere investinrenfrewcounty.ca students to look for more than Ltd. announced in November and soaring pine trees. It also a career after graduation. He 2016 that it is investing $16.9 affords Mr. Smith the ability to says areas such as Renfrew million to update its facility. The work from home – which may County can offer both job expansion is expected to bring come as a surprise given he’s opportunities and a high 18 new jobs to the region. a professor at the University of quality of life. It’s growth like this that leads Waterloo, located more than 400 Historically a logging Mr. Smith to believe Renfrew kilometres away. region, it has since County holds potential for new Mr. Smith is a lifelong resident developed to include an businesses. of the region and an expert in array of manufacturing To him, the ability to do economic development and businesses, including Arnprior business – no matter what entrepreneurship. He recently Aerospace. The firm designs, field you’re in – all while being made the case for Renfrew fabricates, assembles and immersed in nature adds up County as a viable place to live, With high-speed internet easily enjoy the amenities of integrates components for to an ideal lifestyle. While he work and do business in his available throughout Renfrew a major urban centre, such global commercial aircraft admits it’s not for everyone, Mr. keynote speech at the Renfrew County, he believes it’s a viable as world-class museums and manufacturers and has a Smith argues that it all comes County Economic Development and – for some – better option major league sports, without 165,000-square-foot facility in down to thinking about what Summit in Eganville. than big cities such as Toronto. the traffic congestion, high real Renfrew County. you want in life. “It used to be important to be “It’s an extraordinary place estate costs and overly dense In August 2016, Arnprior “A little box surrounded near your customer,” says Mr. to live on the pure quality of housing developments. Aerospace won two major by other people in other little Smith. “Now, if you’re running life issues,” says Smith. “I can “I can have a house with contracts from Boeing to boxes? Or a house with a big any kind of decent venture your hike, I can camp, I can fish. You trees, overlooking a beautiful manufacture parts for its new garage where you can have customers are everywhere. And name it, I can do it.” view that in the city of Toronto 777X line of aircraft. a workshop or a giant garden you couldn’t possibly be near With Ottawa just next door, would cost $5 million,” he The region hasn’t forgotten or whatever is your heart’s them all.” Renfrew County residents says. its roots, however, with many content?” — SPONSORED CONTENT — Charting Renfrew County’s economic future Economic Development Summit scheduled for June 21 in Eganville

he historic business off commercial ventures the nation’s capital as they the summit will include The economic development ties between Ottawa developing homeland security expand. a panel discussion about summit comes at a key Tand Renfrew County solutions (Bubble Technology “Our businesspeople the funding and business time for Renfrew County are poised to get a major Industries) and supports the recognize the strong support programs available to businesses, which have boost in the coming years broader nuclear industry in connectivity with Ottawa,” businesses in the area. been leveraging the region’s as one of the Ottawa Valley’s Canada – is set to undergo a says Alastair Baird, the largest employers prepares an massive transformation and County of Renfrew’s manager $800-million redevelopment renewal, armed with $800 of economic development. Learn more at and several other firms ready million in fresh funding and “Highway 417 between investinrenfrewcounty.ca their own expansions. new private-sector operators. Ottawa and the Valley runs While the economic Meanwhile, Renfrew two ways.” Additionally, the summit is affordable land supply, skilled connections between the County businesses in Ottawa businesses will expected to attract Renfrew workers – many of whom are two areas were forged by the other sectors including have an opportunity to County’s business leaders, drawn to the area’s outdoor 19th century lumber industry, manufacturing, agri-business, explore those opportunities, who can provide visitors from lifestyle and recreation the relationship today has a tourism and media are form new partnerships and Ottawa with an unbiased opportunities – and strong decidedly high-tech twist. drawing on their partners, see the potential to live, work opinion on doing business transportation linkages to ride Kanata life sciences firm suppliers and customers in and play in an area offering in the Ottawa Valley and the global economic recovery. Nordion, for example, tapped a high quality of life at the discuss potential partnership “All these factors are the nuclear laboratories in Renfrew County Economic opportunities. coming together to make for Chalk River for more than Renfrew County Development Summit, The summit’s keynote an exciting time here,” says six decades to develop its Economic scheduled for Wednesday, speaker will be Larry Mr. Baird. medical isotopes used to treat Development Summit June 21 at the Eagle’s Nest in Smith, an adjunct associate cancer, as well as in medical Eganville. professor of economics at More information: When: June 21, 2017 therapies, sterilization and Hosted by the county’s the University of Waterloo Contact Jackie Stott, Where: Eagle’s Nest at industrial scanning. warden and attended by who’s known for his advocacy information and research 178 Jane St. The Canadian Nuclear in Eganville the region’s senior political of youth leadership and coordinator at the County of Laboratories in Renfrew Cost: $25 leaders and economic mentorship in startup Renfrew, at 613-735-0091 or County – which have spun development officials, business management. [email protected]. — SPONSORED CONTENT — Renfrew County redefines work-life balance Engaging career opportunities make work part of the fun of living in the Ottawa Valley

ike Ackman is to carve leisure time out of their and tourism operators, Renfrew to improve Pembroke MDF’s developing a knack day-to-day grind. In contrast, County is home to leading operations by applying some HELP WANTED Looking for fresh career for finding value many Renfrew County residents nuclear science companies. This innovative thinking. M opportunities? A lifestyle where others see waste. spend their weekdays at highly includes Bubble Technology Pembroke MDF generates change? Renfrew County He’s the Renfrew-based engaging careers where they Industries, a security firm that large volumes of wood can lead you to your next general manager of Ensyn apply their skills by finding develops radiation, explosive dust during the fibreboard job. Technologies, a clean-tech creative solutions to real-world and contraband detection manufacturing process. Mr. Many of the Ottawa Valley’s growing companies company producing renewable problems. systems used at Super Bowls, Ackman asked what could are looking to hire fuels from forestry residues. be done with the by-product individuals for a wide variety That fuel is sent through Learn more at and helped turn it into heat by of exciting opportunities. a filter before it’s sent to investinrenfrewcounty.ca burning it, displacing natural These positions customers. Traditionally, the gas used at the plant. include openings for filtered materials were sent “We took a raw material that industrial millwrights, engineers, accountants, to a landfill. And, once the workday is the Olympics and global used to be considered waste hydrogeologists, industrial But Mr. Ackman is working on over, the area’s outdoor lifestyle political summits. and turned it into a valuable hygienists, scientists, a process to burn it instead to awaits with activities that Renfrew County also features product,” he says. editors, writers, welders and heat the facility’s dryers used include paddling the Ottawa manufacturing facilities such as Outside of work, Mr. Ackman jobs in the healthcare and to remove moisture from wood River, cycling on scenic country fibreboard producer Pembroke says he’s developed a love for administration sectors. before it’s turned into biofuels. roads or through forest paths MDF, which initially drew Mr. the outdoor lifestyle Renfrew The economic development team at the He figures he could cut as well as tackling ski hills and Ackman to the area. County offers, namely skiing County of Renfrew will Ensyn’s natural gas bill by a trails in the winter months. A native of downtown in the winter and golfing in the connect prospective job- whopping 60 per cent. Mr. Ackman is among the Montreal, Mr. Ackman moved summer. seekers with employers. “We’re going to take our own growing number of skilled to Renfrew County with his “Every time I go back to the Contact Alastair Baird, by-product, combust it and workers in Renfrew County family by way of Sault Ste. big city, I think it’s great for the manager of economic development at the County reduce our consumption of employed by some of Eastern Marie in 2001 to work as a plant about five minutes. But then I of Renfrew, at 1-800-273- natural gas,” says Mr. Ackman. Ontario’s most innovative engineer. get stuck in traffic,” he jokes. 0183 x466 or abaird@ Some people define “work-life companies. As he later did at Ensyn, the “Here, we have a quieter and countyofrenfrew.on.ca. balance” as desperately trying Alongside agri-businesses engineer spotted an opportunity more relaxed lifestyle.”