Business

The Starter Company Plus Program Awards $40,000 to Support 9 Local Entrepreneurs

SUBMITTED SMITHS FALLS – The Small Business Advisory Centre (serving Smiths Falls, Lanark County, and Northern Leeds Grenville) is proud to announce that 9 entrepreneurs from across the region have […]

Enjoy an award-winning experience in Rideau Lakes with a side of innovation at Stoodley’s Kitchen & Beverage

ELGIN — Stoodley’s Kitchen & Beverage has gone from takeout startup to award-winning community hub in just two years, earning recognition as Rideau Lakes’ Business of the Year while keeping […]

Building brighter futures: Mississippi Mills breaks ground on construction of new child care facility

SUBMITTED The Municipality of Mississippi Mills marked a major milestone on August 14, 2025, with the official groundbreaking for the new Mississippi Mills Childcare Services facility. Municipal officials, community leaders […]

Tee-rific! How the BirTee is driving golf forward

HEDDY SOROUR Born in Merrickville and perfected in Perth, Ontario, the BirTee could very well be a game-changer in the world of golf. Its inventor, Mario Caya, a retired elementary […]

From scrap to statement: How James Graham turns old boats into functional art

HEDDY SOROUR PORTLAND — Step into The Galley in Portland, and you cannot miss the showstopper. A cantilevered bar that looks like it came straight from a marina dominates the […]

Canopy Growth posts revenue increase on stronger cannabis sales

LAURIE WEIR SMITHS FALLS — Canopy Growth Corporation reported higher sales in its Canadian cannabis business for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, according to financial results released Friday, Aug. […]

Perth’s beloved Rocky River Café reopens after salmonella-related closure

LAURIE WEIR PERTH — The Rocky River Café has reopened after being ordered closed last month when the health unit linked the restaurant to a salmonella outbreak. The Leeds, Grenville […]

Canopy Growth opens doors to the public during Old Home Week

LAURIE WEIR SMITHS FALLS — Visitors to Smiths Falls will have a rare opportunity during Old Home Week to step inside one of the town’s largest industrial employers. Canopy Growth, […]

Local youth launch businesses through 2025 Summer Company program

Two local students become their own bosses for the summer SUBMITTED These 2 local students have embarked on their entrepreneurial journey as successful participants in the 2025 Ontario Government program, […]

Kawartha Credit Union celebrates new Smiths Falls branch with community open house

SUBMITTED Kawartha Credit Union celebrated the official opening of its newest branch in Smiths Falls with an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony last week. On Friday, June 20, Kawartha welcomed […]

Shannan proposes new life for Algonquin College’s Perth Campus

HEDDY SOROUR With Algonquin College set to shutter its Perth campus, a prominent local resident is stepping up with an ambitious plan to turn the site into a world-class private […]

Lanark Community Alliance launches new websites to strengthen county-wide connections

SUBMITTED Lanark Community Alliance (LCA) has launched a new online hub to help community members more easily connect with the Alliance and its partner agencies: Carebridge Community Support, Community Living […]

Canopy Growth cuts debt and losses, refocuses on medical cannabis

LAURIE WEIR Cannabis producer Canopy Growth says it’s making headway on a turnaround, reporting smaller losses and a nearly 50 per cent reduction in debt as it refocuses on medical […]

Applications now open for 2025 Starter Company Plus program

SUBMITTED The Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/North Leeds Grenville) is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the Summer/Fall 2025 intake of the Starter Company Plus […]

P3 Panel’s president speaks out: ‘We’re not going bankrupt, we’re restructuring’

Rideau Lakes-based manufacturer seeks investor amid explosive growth, cash flow crisis LAURIE WEIR The president of P3 Panel Company and United Edge Structural Components says his businesses are not going […]

Smiths Falls council wrestles with CIP approvals: Some projects denied, others deferred

LAURIE WEIR Smiths Falls council’s committee of the whole waded through a lively debate May 12 as it reviewed the latest batch of applications under the town’s Community Improvement Plan […]

Smiths Falls to host Job and Volunteer Fair April 23

SUBMITTED The Town of Smiths Falls, in partnership with ontrac Employment Services, the Smiths Falls District Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Advisory Centre, and the Downtown Smiths Falls Business […]

Rideau Lakes announces 2024 Business Recognition Award Winners

SUBMITTED The Township of Rideau Lakes Economic Development Committee is pleased to announce this year’s winners of the Business Recognition Awards. Thirty-one local businesses were nominated in recognition of their […]

Carleton Place bat maker caught in Torpedo bat craze

HEDDY SOROUR It’s a busy time of year for wooden baseball bat manufacturers, but since last weekend, it’s gotten a lot busier. “We’ve noticed a marked difference in the number […]

Smiths Falls council backs buy-Canadian initiative

SUBMITTED Where appropriate, buy local. That was the message from Smiths Falls council on Monday, March 3 when they passed a resolution endorsing the federal and provincial call to buy […]

Lynn Laming-Kerr to receive Lifetime Achievement Award

SUBMITTED Lynn Laming-Kerr, long-time owner of Kitley Grocery & Service Centre in Toledo, will be receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s annual International Women’s Day celebration on […]

Smiths Falls pares down tax levy to 5.11%

Average household to see a $155 increase LAURIE WEIR Smiths Falls council reviewed a revised 2025 budget on Feb. 18, with treasurer and director of corporate services Paul Dowber presenting […]

Mayor Christa Lowry urges support for local economy amid tariff uncertainty

SUBMITTED There has been a lot of uncertainty these days. We heard that heavy American tariffs would be in place, due to come into effect yesterday – the start of […]

Rideau Lakes Business Recognition Program open for nominations

SUBMITTED The Township of Rideau Lakes is pleased to announce that nominations open on Friday, February 7, 2025 for the Business Recognition Awards. Each year, the Township calls for nominations […]

Smiths Falls council responds to U.S. tariff threat

LAURIE WEIR Smiths Falls council is weighing its response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports, a measure currently delayed until March 1. During […]

Statement from the CAO regarding impending U.S. tariffs

SUBMITTED The Town of Perth is closely monitoring the impending tariffs set to take effect on Tuesday, Feb. 4, and their potential impact on our local economy. As a community […]

Peavey Mart Smiths Falls to close amid broader retail restructuring

STAFF WRITER Peavey Industries LP (Peavey) has announced the closure of its Peavey Mart location in Smiths Falls as part of a broader plan to close 22 stores across Ontario […]

Ontario Land Tribunal clears path for 94-Unit Perth subdivision

SUBMITTED A settlement has been reached in the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) case between the Town of Perth, Lanark County, and Perthmore Enterprises Inc. (Case Number OLT-24000210). The details of […]

Need help getting your business off the ground?

ByNan Business Solutions is your go-to coach LAURIE WEIR Kevin Savoy is an engineer by trade, and has turned his passion for business into helping others. Named after his sons, […]

Empower your business: Starter Company Plus Program now accepting applications for training, coaching and Funding

SUBMITTED The Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/North Leeds Grenville) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the next cohort of the Starter Company Plus program. […]

Mississippi Mills businesses recognized at Long-Standing Business Appreciation Night

SUBMITTED The Municipality of Mississippi Mills saluted members of the business community October 24 as our Long-Standing Business Appreciation Night returned for the first time since 2018. Traditionally held in celebration of […]

Dave Brown honoured with 2024 Warden’s Award

SUBMITTED Dave Brown humbly accepts the Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Leadership Award. Dave has been an influential figure in Leeds Grenville, contributing to economic development and heritage preservation for […]

Rideau Lakes wins National Award for Economic Development

SUBMITTED The Township of Rideau Lakes is delighted to share yesterday’s announcement from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC), naming Rideau Lakes as a winner of the 2024 EDAC Marketing […]

‘Never miss a chance to sparkle’ Starlet, a new retail store opens on Gore Street in Perth

LAURIE WEIR Starlet – a new shoe, jewelry and clothing store, has opened in Perth. Saturday, Sept. 28 marked the grand opening, complete with a warm welcome and ribbon cutting […]

Montague’s Moose Munchies Candy Co. brings sweet traditions to Smiths Falls

Can this chocolate company fill the void left by Hershey’s departure? LAURIE WEIR Can an up-and-coming entrepreneur with a passion for chocolate fill the void left by the Hershey factory […]

Eight local businesses secure $38,000 in Starter Company Plus funding

SUBMITTED The Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls, Lanark County, Northern Leeds Grenville) is pleased to announce that eight local businesses have been awarded a total of $38,000 in funding […]

Quality, community and care: The Jac’s Boutique story

SUBMITTED – LEEDS GRENVILLE NEWSLETTER Integrity is everything. “We appreciate the little things; the people in the community and the details we offer matter,” says Lyndsay. Jackie Taylor and her […]

‘Tired and needs a facelift’: Smiths Falls council denies $10,000 funding for 17-23 Beckwith St. façade

Rideau Heartland Centre houses several businesses causing signage cacophony LAURIE WEIR A revised façade improvement application from the owners of a Beckwith Street building has been sent back to staff […]

Small Business Advisory Centre announces open applications for Starter Company Plus program

Smiths Falls/Lanark County/North Leeds Grenville SUBMITTED The Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/North Leeds Grenville) is now accepting applications for the Starter Company Plus program. Funded by the Government […]

Rideau Lakes launches new Community Profile and video

SUBMITTED The new Rideau Lakes Community Profile was adopted on Tuesday, April 2 at the regular meeting of Council, and the accompanying video was launched at the Rideau Lakes Business […]

Summer Company trains and mentors youth to run their own business

SUBMITTED The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville – Small Business is looking for 5 capable, independent students to step out and run their own business through the Summer Company […]

Customer service remains strong as BMO celebrates 150 years in Smiths Falls

Bank has been ‘a safe depository for surplus cash’ over the years LAURIE WEIR It was in April 1874 that the BMO branch opened its doors in Smiths Falls for […]

The Body Shop closes its doors after milestone 40 years in business

SHANNON MCLELLAN Local auto-body paint & repair man Roy McLellan is hanging up his paint gun as he enters his fortieth year in business this April. The owner of The […]

The Tap Room Inc. opens at Settlers Ridge Mall in Smiths Falls

Partnership with 4 Degrees Brewing and Distilling also on tap LAURIE WEIR What’s on tap? Come find out, as new entrepreneurs have moved into the space at 4 Degrees Brewing […]

Smiths Falls annual business survey seeks local business feedback this spring

STAFF The Town of Smiths Falls has launched its annual business survey for the third consecutive year, introducing an innovative approach to data collection. The annual survey program serves as […]

Thirty-four businesses nominated for the Rideau Lakes Business Recognition Awards

SUBMITTED The Township of Rideau Lakes is pleased to announce that 34 local businesses have been nominated for the Business Recognition Awards. This year, the Township is working with three […]

Fostering community connections through a good cup of coffee

STAFF WRITER In the heart of Merrickville sits the bustling hub known as The Village Bean Coffee House. Especially vibrant just before the shops open, it’s where locals and visitors […]

Rideau Lakes Business Recognition Program open for nominations

SUBMITTED The Township of Rideau Lakes is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the Business Recognition Awards. Each year, the Township calls for nominations of businesses located in […]

Your Independent Grocer in Smiths Falls has a new owner

Kemptville YIG co-owner comes to town with extensive background BY LAURIE WEIR After 15 years in Smiths Falls, Dan and Wanita Andress have retired from Your Independent Grocer. “It has […]

Almonte entrepreneurs shake up spirits industry on Dragon’s Den

Becoming a small business owner is a journey that requires courage, innovation, and the ability to seize opportunities. Almonte business owners Omid McDonald and Neal McCarten exemplify these qualities through […]

Spotlight on Business: Welcome to ontrac Employment Rescource Sercives!

ontrac Employment Resource Services has been providing free professional in-person, local employment services to the community of Smiths Falls since 2002. Our team of dedicated staff provides services to job […]

Canopy Growth completes sale of Hershey Drive facility

Facility sold to Hershey Canada, Inc. for approximately CAD$53 million Canopy Growth completes CAD $155 million of property sales since April 1, 2023 SMITHS FALLS, ON, October 2, 2023 – […]

Two local students become their own bosses for the summer

This year 2 local students have been selected for the 2023 Summer Company Program in the Lanark County/Smiths Falls/North Leeds Grenville area. Summer Company provides an opportunity for students to […]

Canopy Growth announces refinancing of C$100 million of notes due 2023

Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth” or the “Company”) (TSX: WEED) (NASDAQ: CGC) announced today that it has entered into an exchange agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with Greenstar Canada Investment Limited Partnership […]

Smiths Falls job fair draws hundreds

During Monday evening’s Committee of the Whole meeting in Smiths Falls, the town’s Manager of Economic Development Julia Crowder brought an update on last week’s job fair at Settlers Ridge. […]

Canopy Growth announces US $150 million registered direct offering

Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth” or the “Company”) (TSX: WEED) (NASDAQ: CGC) announced today that it has entered into an agreement (the “Agreement”) with an institutional investor (the “Institutional Investor”) […]

Grand opening – The Tipped Ship, Elgin

On February 24th, 2023, the doors of The Tipped Ship on Main Street in Elgin will open to the public following a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 am. All are […]

Welcome to ontrac Employment Resource Services!

ontrac Employment Resource services has been providing free professional in-person, local employment services to the community of Smiths Falls since 2002. Our team of dedicated staff provides services to job […]

Canopy Growth completes divestiture of Canadian retail operations

Transaction supports the Company’s focus on achieving profitability through streamlined operations in Canada Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth” or the “Company”) (TSX: WEED) (NASDAQ: CGC) announced today that it has […]

Canopy Growth to fast track entry into the U.S. cannabis market

Creation of U.S. holding company and exchangeable share structure designed to enable Canopy USA to trigger full ownership of U.S. cannabis investments and capitalize on market opportunity projected to be […]

Two local students are working for the best boss ever this summer, themselves

Each year, students between the ages of 15 and 29 apply to the Summer Company program, submit a business plan and if selected, they can receive up to $3,000 in […]

Le Boat celebrates fifth anniversary in Smiths Falls

During Tuesday evening’s Committee of the Whole meeting, CAO Malcolm Morris announced that Tuesday morning marked the fifth year of Le Boat’s North American branch being headquartered in Smiths Falls. […]

Smiths Falls saw 19 new businesses in 2021: Business Survey Report

During Monday evening’s Committee of the Whole meeting in Smiths Falls, Julia Crowder, Manager of Tourism and Economic Development, presented the first annual Business Survey Report based on a town-wide […]

Sweet Scoops awarded CIP for new location reno

During Smiths Falls’ Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday night, Senior Planner Karl Grenke presented a report by the CIP (Community Improvement Plan) Evaluation Committee recommending a municipal funding […]

North Pole at North Folk Cafe

The spirit of the season is alive and well at North Folk Cafe & Gelato in Perth. This cafe is decked out for Christmas with festive decorations, a holiday drink […]

Canopy Growth announces changes to Executive Management Team

Changes are designed to drive execution against the Company’s strategic priorities Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth” or “the Company”) (TSX:WEED) (NASDAQ:CGC), a world-leading diversified cannabis, hemp, and cannabis device company, today […]

Canopy Growth expands premium flower portfolio with new offerings across 7ACRES, 7ACRES Craft Collective and DOJA Brands

Canadian premium flower market leader delivers 10 new strains to address growing consumer demand for premium flower with high THC potency from sought-after strains Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth” or “the […]

Spotlight on Business: Merrick Preparatory School

Merrick Preparatory School is a boarding and day high school located in the beautiful town of Merrickville Since 2012, our school is renowned for small class sizes with outstanding academic […]

Lanark County business community invited to participate in Think Local marketing info session

The Carleton Place & District Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Smiths Falls & District Chamber of Commerce and the Perth & District Chamber of Commerce, is inviting local […]

Michele’s Doorway to Splendour offers stylish sanctum for ladies fashion

Michele’s Doorway to Splendour has taken a pivotal turn into becoming the place to shop for the latest in new ladies’ fashion. The fashion boutique offers a one-stop shop for […]

Canopy Growth announces plan to acquire Wana Brands, the #1 cannabis edibles brand in North America

Transaction strengthens Canopy Growth’s U.S. ecosystem and increases U.S. cannabis market exposure upon federal permissibility Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth” or “the Company”) (TSX: WEED, NASDAQ: CGC) and Mountain High […]

Digital Main Street returns in partnership with surrounding townships

As the world continues to shift into a digital space – a need proven even more prudent by the COVID-19 pandemic – the Town of Perth will be maintaining digital […]

Sew Crafty

On the road again. At least that’s what Fred and Sue Gieratz plan when they sell the business they’ve been in for 27 years. The couple have catered to the […]

Sumayyah Emeh-edu joins Canopy Growth as Vice President Of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth” or the “Company”) (TSX:WEED, NASDAQ:CGC) is pleased to announce that Sumayyah Emeh-Edu will be joining the company in the newly created role of Vice President […]

Canopy Growth announces closing of plan of arrangement involving RIV Capital

Canopy Growth holds conditional ownership of approximately 20% in TerrAscend Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth”) (TSX: WEED, NASDAQ: CGC) announces that it has closed the previously announced plan of arrangement […]

Canopy Growth announces plan of arrangement with Canopy Rivers

Canopy Growth to receive exchangeable shares, warrants and debt in TerrAscend, increasing its direct conditional ownership in TerrAscend from approximately 13%[1] to approximately 21% of the issued and outstanding shares on […]

Canopy Growth announces changes to Canadian operations

Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth” or the “Company”) (TSX:WEED, NASDAQ:CGC) today announced a series of Canadian operational changes designed to streamline its operations and further improve margins. Canopy Growth will […]

Owner of Smiths Falls cannabis store has ‘dedicated my life to the science’

Think of it as a no-frills convenience store for the cannabis consumer. “Our whole guiding principle is we’re trying to save our customers money,” said Nathaniel Morris, owner of T […]

Spotlight on Business: Pretty Things on Russell

Pretty Things opens at 18 Russell Street this week in Smiths Falls. It is a small shop with a world of fantastic purchases inside; it has a cool vibe with […]

Canopy Growth To Move U.S. Stock Exchange Listing to Nasdaq

The Company joins innovation and growth leaders on Nasdaq Company’s U.S. Ticker symbol to remain “CGC” Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth” or the “Company”) (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC) announced it will be […]

Canopy Growth and Acreage Holdings announce initial plans to launch THC-infused beverages in the U.S. next summer

Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth”) (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC) and Acreage Holdings, Inc. (CSE:ACRG.A.U, ACRG.B.U), (OTC: ACRHF, ACRDF) announced today that following the implementation of their amended arrangement, Acreage has developed a […]

Martha Stewart and Marquee brands partner with Canopy Growth Corporation to launch Martha Stewart CBD

Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC), a world-leading diversified cannabis, hemp, and cannabis device company, today announced the launch of Martha Stewart CBD– a new line of premium quality, hemp-derived wellness […]

Canopy Growth solidifies national retail footprint with expansion into Alberta market

Company to open 10 retail stores across Alberta under the Tokyo Smoke and Tweed banners, marking its first retail cannabis presence in the province Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth” or […]

Ontario TSC stores will convert to Peavey Mart

Proudly Canadian Owned & Operated “Peavey Industries LP is pleased to announce the repositioning of our two flagship retail banners into one, with the conversion of TSC Stores, located solely […]

Canopy Growth to hold virtual Annual General and Special Meeting of shareholders

Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth” or the “Company”) (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC) announced today the Company will hold its 2020 Annual General and Special Meeting in virtual online format. The meeting will […]

Canopy Growth’s new online store provides one-stop shop for growing U.S. product portfolio

ShopCanopy.com offers a convenient online shopping destination and features the company’s growing portfolio of CBD brands Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC), a world-leading diversified cannabis, hemp, and cannabis device company, […]

Valley Heartland responds to COVID with $1.7 million for small businesses

Small businesses are vital as the backbone of our rural. To support businesses through the coronavirus crisis, Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) acted quickly to help local businesses […]

Canopy Growth & Acreage Holdings agree to modify plan of arrangement as Canopy Growth’s U.S. expansion continues

Canopy Growth and Acreage agree to amend plan of arrangement to provide potential additional upside for all shareholders Amended arrangement provides for up-front cash payment to Acreage shareholders and certain […]

Clever Leaves and Canopy Growth announce regional supply agreement

Clever Leaves Colombia to supply extracted products to Canopy LATAM, Canopy Growth’s Latin American Subsidiary Clever Leaves, a leading multinational operator (MNO) and licensed producer of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis and hemp extracts, and […]

Storz & Bickel’s Volcano Medic 2 receives medical use approval from Health Canada

Storz & Bickel is pleased to announce that Health Canada has issued a Medical Device Licence for the new Volcano Medic 2 (License No.: 103842), an advanced cannabis vapourizer device […]

Canopy Growth announces changes to its Board of Directors

Terry Yanofsky and David Lazzarato appointed as John Bell and Peter Stringham retire from the CGC Board. Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth” or the “Company”) (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC) is pleased to […]

Canopy Growth to temporarily close corporate owned retail amid response to COVID-19

Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth” or the “Company”) (TSX:WEED, NYSE:CGC) has been monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak and paying close attention to the guidance given by public health bodies around the […]

Canopy Growth announces production optimization plan in Canada

The Company announces the closure of two Canadian greenhouses, representing a significant step forward in aligning the Company’s cultivation capacity with projected demand. Company expects to record estimated pre-tax charges […]

Budding partnership reaps sustainable solutions for Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyard

Canopy Growth leases former Concession 5 Vineyard property to Niagara College It’s proving to be a vintage year for cultivating partnerships in Niagara. Thanks to a new agreement, Niagara College’s […]