Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit Sell-out Crowd Amped Up

Kemptville – The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit saw a packed crowd of business and political leaders at the North Grenville Municipal Centre on November 22nd.

The Summit featured keynote addresses from the Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification and from BDC’s Pierre Cléroux, Chief Economist and Vice President, Research, along with presentations on new investments in the region.

The Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership was presented to Dave Brown from the Township of Rideau Lakes.

“This summit is known as ‘the business event of the year’ with its outstanding presenters and top business and municipal leaders coming together to share what’s ahead and the opportunities,” said Nancy Peckford, Past Warden, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

“This partnership with the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office is a great example of our community coming together to work with business and community partners in unleashing the talent and economic potential in our region so that our people can bring home powerful paycheques, and our businesses and entrepreneurs can create high-quality jobs and continue to invest in our community,” said Michael Barrett, MP Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.

“I’m honoured to be a partner with the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office on the annual Summit and I commend the team for another fantastic event,” said Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark. “Now in its 16th year, the Summit is a key opportunity for leaders from the business community and all three levels of government to connect and celebrate our economic success story and focus on attracting more investment. I also want to extend a special thanks to the Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification, for his keynote address detailing how the province is working to ensure a clean and affordable energy future for Ontario.”

A keynote address was given by the Honourable Steven Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification. The province is initiating the largest competitive energy procurement ever seen in Ontario, the provincial government is leading the way in North America’s biggest nuclear energy refurbishment and expansion to address increasing energy needs. The Minister spoke to Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future: The Pressing Case for More Power and how the province is proactively ensuring a clean and affordable future.

“I’m proud to be working with MPP Clark to ensure we meet the 75 percent surge in energy demand projected by 2050 with affordable and clean power for the local community and the entire province,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “Through the largest energy procurement in our history and North America’s most ambitious nuclear expansion, we’re delivering the clean, reliable, and affordable energy needed to power new homes, communities, and Ontario’s growing economy without imposing a punitive carbon tax on families.”

Additional presentations included;

Company representatives Greg Canning-LeBlanc of Evonik and Matthew Murton of INVISTA spoke about the redevelopment and expansion of product lines and facilities. These investments equate to over $ 50 million within the Maitland Chemistry Park in the Township of Augusta.

Cam Heaps from Voltari Marine Electric, located in the Village of Merrickville-Wolford discussed the launch of their commercial fleet of battery-powered marine watercraft. With their team of visionaries collaborating to bring products to market, they are working towards scaling production and growing their facilities.

The $750 million Skyview 2 Battery Energy Storage Project in the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal plans to provide up to 411MW to improve Ontario’s electrical grid. Ben Greenhouse and Will Patterson from Potentia Renewables explained how this facility will play a pivotal role in meeting demand by storing excess energy during periods of low demand and releasing it at peak hours.

BDC’s Pierre Cleroux, Chief Economist and Vice President, Research – one of the Summit’s most popular presenters returned for a fourth time providing the afternoon keynote addressing attendees with his economic outlook. He discussed the challenges and opportunities within Canada and Ontario with key trends shaping the future for Canadian businesses.

Ann Weir, Counties’ Economic Development Manager wrapped up the Summit providing highlights on the region’s investment attraction, business retention and growth and workforce development activities. She shared the importance of small business to the region and announced that Bottle and Barrel Adventures are being added to the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways tourism experiences for 2025.

“Leeds Grenville is a region that works collaboratively and welcomes new opportunities and businesses. The investments being made by global companies is a testament to its loyal and innovative workforce and leadership,” said Ann.

The Economic Development Summit is hosted by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office in partnership with Michael Barrett, M.P., Steve Clark, M.P.P., the Eastern Workforce Innovation Board and the 1000 Islands, Grenville and Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporations.