Economic Development & Tourism Newsletter
Edition #2, July 2025
Explore. Connect Grow.
Clarence-Rockland’s brand-new Economic Development and Tourism Microsite is your gateway to opportunity! It is designed to support local businesses, attract investment, and highlight everything our community has to offer. Whether you're starting a business, expanding, or just exploring, this platform is here to help.
Mark your calendar!
The first application period for Clarence-Rockland’s new Community Improvement Plan (CIP) will be open from September 2 to 26. This is your opportunity to access funding that helps revitalize local spaces and strengthen our community.
Now is the time to get familiar with:
🔍 Available grant programs
📝 Eligibility and how to apply
🏙️ How the CIP is shaping our future
✨ …and so much more!
Pre-consultation meetings are now open for booking!
These sessions are designed to help you prepare and ensure you're ready to apply when the intake opens this fall. Pre-consultation meetings will commence as of August 11, 2025.
Visit the CIP page for more information.
Retail Business Hours By-law Updated
Municipal Council has adopted a new by-law regulating retail business operating hours. As of July 9, 2025, all retail businesses in the City of Clarence-Rockland are now required to close only on two statutory holidays: Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. This change follows a public consultation held earlier this year and was formalized through the adoption of By-law 2025-69 at the July 9 Council meeting.
Public Consultation - Solid Waste Master Plan Update
Help Shape the Future of Waste in Clarence-Rockland
Start by visiting the project page on our public participation platform consultations-cr.ca.
To participate, you’ll be asked to log in or create an account.
We do this to:
- Ensure responses are genuine and free of spam
- Make it easier to follow projects and stay informed
On the page, you’ll find:
- A short video presentation explaining the current challenges, proposed options, and goals of the Solid Waste Management Master Plan
- Details about the consultation timeline
- A form to submit your questions and help guide the next steps
Your voice helps shape how we plan for a cleaner, more sustainable Clarence-Rockland. Thank you for being part of the process — one step at a time.
Navigate Trade with Confidence
Tarif Resources
Looking to expand your business across borders? These tools and resources will help you stay competitive, informed, and connected:
🌐 Well Made In Canada: Discover Canadian-made products and connect with trusted local suppliers.
📊 Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker: Powered by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, this tool offers real-time insights into cross-border trade trends.
🛠️ Canadian Made Products & Services: Explore a curated directory of homegrown goods and services to support your sourcing and supply chain needs.
Stay ahead in international trade—tap into these resources today!
Fuel Your Business Growth
Upcoming Workshops with RT09:
- How to Write a Business Plan Workshop Series: During this webinar series that runs over three consecutive weeks, entrepreneurs will learn the importance of developing a strong business plan and what one needs to do to craft their own.
- Understanding Financial Statements for Small Business Owners: This financial literacy webinar will help to review and understand financial statements for small businesses.
- Designing Graphics with Canva: Join RTO 9 and JBC | Pushing Digital Boundaries to get started on creating professional and easy-to-create visual content to help you elevate your design game without feeling overwhelmed.
Resources:
- Agritourims Ontario Economic Growth study: This project aims to understand the sector’s economic impact and chart a course for growth by identifying opportunities and challenges for Ontario’s vibrant agritourism industry.
- Cultivating Local: Access nine recorded workshops, checklists, and curated resources to support your direct-to-consumer sales journey.
- Young Entrepreneur Loan: Tailored for entrepreneurs aged 18–39, this loan supports the launch, expansion, or modernization of your business.
- Google Business Profile - Get Listed on Google : Turn people who find you on Google Search and Maps into new customers with a free Business Profile for your storefront or service area. Personalize your profile with photos, offers, posts, and more.
- Rural Ontario Development Program : Get funding to help create strong businesses, boost economic growth, protect jobs and improve infrastructure in small communities.
Business Success Stories
Spotlight on Local Youth Entrepreneurs
The Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurship Centre (PREC), in collaboration with the United Counties of Prescott and Russell and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, proudly supported three outstanding local youth through the 2025 Summer Company Program. These young entrepreneurs are already making a difference in their communities:
- FineYards – Philippe Boutet (Rockland):
- A full-service landscaping business offering lawn mowing, edging, green waste removal, and seasonal services like weeding and leaf collection for residential and commercial clients.
- ShineLine Cleaning Services – Félix Lacelle & Trystan Thomas (Clarence-Creek)
- Specializing in exterior residential cleaning, including windows, gutters, siding, trailers, and driveways—bringing a fresh shine to local properties.
- English à Merveille – Merveille Kabongo (Clarence-Rockland)
- An online English language training service focused on oral practice, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, enhanced by optional monthly outings for immersive learning.
These ventures reflect the creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit of our local youth.
Learn more about the Summer Company Program here.
Stay Connected and Grow with Us
We trust you’ll find the resources and information in this newsletter valuable. Help us grow our network by sharing our newsletter with other businesses or individuals who might be interested.
Please reach out to our dedicated team who are ready to assist with your investment, expansion plans and tourism needs.
ecodev@clarence-rockland.com
613-446-6022 ext. 2110