The Township of Rideau Lakes is celebrating local success, announcing 50 businesses have been nominated for its 2026 Business Recognition Awards.
A total of 72 nominations were received, highlighting strong community participation and support for local entrepreneurs and employers.
The annual program, now in its 10th year, is backed by sponsors including G. Tackaberry & Sons Construction, KPMG MSLP, RBC Royal Bank of Canada and Wills Transfer Limited.
Economic Development Committee Chair Marcia Maxwell says the high number of nominations reflects the strength of local businesses and their impact on the community.
Four award categories will be featured this year: Business of the Year, Small Business, New Business, and a new Long Standing Business category recognizing companies operating for more than 20 years.
Winners will be announced at a Business Awards Breakfast on April 15 at the Elgin Lions Community Hall.
Registration is required through the township.
Rideau Lakes Businesses Nominated for the Business Recognition Awards
Business of the Year – 4 Nominees
• Elgin Drugs
• Forfar Restaurant and Cheese Shop
• McNichols Trades Group Ltd.
• Recess Café
Small Business Award – 15 Nominees
• Baker and Son Tire Repair
• Bastard Coffee House
• Clearly Auto Glass
• Dorothy’s Lodge
• Elgin Bowling Lanes
• Enchanted Paw – Pet Designs & Spa
• Hank’s Fries
• Howling Hideaway Grooming and Kennels
• Jones Falls Management
• Narrows Lock Campground Corp.
• Newboro Lawn and Garden
• O’Hearn’s Garage
• Portland Pharmasave
• Rideau Lakes Electric
• Thomas Sly Electric
New Business Award – 9 Nominees
• Autumn Moon Holistic Wellness
• Elgin Auctions
• Go Fudge Yourself
• Hennessy Gunsmith
• Portside Pub & Eatery
• Shimmering Gems
• Stealing the Bloom Farm Co.
• Stone Manor Studios
• Stoodley’s Kitchen and Beverage
Long Standing Business (20+ Years) – 22 Recognitions
• Baker’s Feed Store Ltd.
• Bayview Yacht Harbour Ltd.
• Brown’s Marina
• Chantland Farms Ltd.
• French’s Trucking
• Gordanier Freshmart
• Green Valley Cottages & Trailer Park
• Hartin’s Wheel Alignment and Auto Repair
• Hill View Farms
• Kilborn’s on the Rideau
• Len’s Cove Marina
• Maple-Ain Farms
• Michael’s Hairstyling
• Poplars Resort
• Rideau Lakes Farms Inc.
• Rideau Mac Resort
• Sand Lake Marine
• Scotland Funeral Home
• Sky’s the Limit Ranch
• Sunnyside Family Retreat | Campground & Cottages
• The Opinicon
• The Stagecoach
