Success Stories in Rural Oportunities | Ontario East

Success Stories in Rural Oportunities

Mariposa Woolen Mill

Although Mariposa Woolen Mill has been open to the public for less than a full year, the prospects for long term success are already pretty bright. This is in large part thanks to the foundation built by owners Ellen and Dave Edney, who run the facility, located at 1275 Highway 7 in Oakwood. In an amazingly short period of time, it has blossomed into a burgeoning family enterprise, serving the entire Kawartha Lakes region and beyond.  
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Creative Concrete Industries

Concrete isn't just for sidewalks anymore. High-end concrete is making itself known indoors these days with outstanding, lasting and unforgettable results. One of Canada's most talented concrete designers is Charles (Chuck) Fournier, owner of Creative Concrete Industries, located in Elizabethtown-Kitley Township. "I love what I do because I get to build something new and one-of-a-kind every day," says Chuck of his creations, many of which are on a grand scale. For example, he has created a triple island kitchen counter with three waterfalls along with many other functional pieces you have to see to believe, such as hearths, sinks and showers. Two major commercial projects, identifiable by many for their uniqueness, are bar and table surfaces at 1000 Islands Brewing Company, in Brockville's downtown core, and the Rabbit Hole on Ottawa's Sparks Street.
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South Pond Farms

Nestled in the breathtaking and peaceful Bethany Hills near Pontypool lies a unique family farm that is helping to redefine the way people see and interact with rural life. The site emphasizes the inherent beauty as well as the bounty provided by nature, and the power of community and gathering together to celebrate good food, family friends and a simpler, more sedate and sustainable life. Such is the experience one has when pulling into the driveway at South Pond Farms, which has been owned and operated since 2006 by Danielle French, who is also the inspired creative force behind all of its amenities and special programs. Working alongside her partner Shawn and oldest daughter Carlyle Apps, it is a busy site, with visitors coming from far and wide to walk the grounds and the neighbouring Kawartha Land Trust trails, or to indulge their palate with the regular lunches or special dinners, a monthly First Nations event. As well the farm is playing host to more family celebrations and retreats. As the old saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention, and in order to be able to live full time on her dream property, French needed to maximize the revenue generating potential of the farm. Her long standing love of cooking started the ball rolling, and soon one idea and one necessary change to the almost continual expansion and diversification of the property’s uses and facilities over the past decade.
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Mallorytown Pharmacy & Health Centre

Pharmacist Mayur Vadher's goal is giving rural residents convenient access to prescription services and health care. It's why he opened the Mallorytown Pharmacy & Health Centre earlier this year in Front of Yonge Township. "This community is very welcoming and very positive, says Mayur. "They're happy they have a pharmacy and a walk-in clinic in their own community and we're happy to be here." A pharmacist with over five years of experience, Mayur found Mallorytown area residents, including a large number of seniors, had to travel for all of their medical needs. Many are now welcoming having these services closer to home, he says. His customer/patient list continues to grow daily. "I found this is an ideal spot and I've had very good help from the township."
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Pastry King's Princess

The kitchen of the Pastry King's Princess is alive with the sound of mixers and the smell of warm cookies and butter. Ingrid Van Dusen - the namesake of the Pastry King's Princess - is in constant motion at her thriving business off Centennial Road. Her cheerful staff is also moving between bakery tins, icing bowls and putting the finishing touches on intricate pastries and fan favourites. Meanwhile the shop door is swinging open with a steady stream of customers.
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Downtowne Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe

The owner of the Downtowne Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe says it all started after finding an ice cream maker at an equipment show 15 years ago. "We never looked back," says Shelley. "It's been a lot of fun and allowed me to have a creative outlet." Since then, Shelley has created hundreds of flavour combinations of ice cream and gelato. Many have become famous and staples at the 165 St. Lawrence Street shop where they also make onsite handmade truffles, chocolate bars, caramels and other treats using fair trade Belgian chocolate.
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Milligan Meats

Hard work, dedication and the utmost gratitude has been the perfect recipe for success for Milligan Meats butcher shop located in the heart of Cloyne in Lennox and Addington County. Owners Brian and Joanna Milligan have an unparalleled loyalty to their community that radiates through their enthusiasm, customer focus and passion for their employees. “I get goosebumps when I say it, but the people that come here locals and tourists alike, they are grateful," said Brian. "To have a business where people come in and they are grateful you are here, it makes you feel so incredible."
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Bear Mountain Boats

WESTPORT - Canoe making enthusiasts from all over the world found their way to Bear Mountain Boats recently to learn from owner and master boat builder Ted Moores. Ted is called "the guru of canoe building," with his sprint racing canoes and books on wood strip canoes cherished around the globe. People are so keen about working with Ted and his partner Joan Barrett that the workshop sold out in 20 minutes once posted online. "This course is worth every penny because he's the best in the world," says Germany's Werner Schmidt, who spent a week in Ted and Joan's workshop just north of Westport on County Road 10. Ted and Joan moved to the area a few years ago and brought their business with them from Peterborough. They have been building boats for over 40 years and have an online business with wooden canoe, kayak and small boat kits and plans, hard-to-find building materials, books and videos.
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Mamasoup

Mamasoup is an informative, accessible and fun new app that offers new mothers a chance to network with one another, sharing stories, information, tips, challenges, experiences and solutions in a safe and secure environment – one that promotes collegiality, understanding and practical support. It is the brainchild of Janetville, Ontario mother of four, nurse, doula and Lamaze childbirth educator Joanne Ilaqua, and has been growing rapidly since its soft launch in the fall of 2018. Mamasoup is available for download on most platforms, and is currently optimized for iOS and Android devices, as well as having a related website: www.mamasoup.ca.
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Pinnguaq

Living and working in the community of Pangnirtung in the Nunavut territory in northern Canada, Ryan Oliver realized one of the significant educational deficits in many Indigenous communities was a lack of computer training, especially in the crucial areas of coding, software and game development. Understanding the importance these skills would be in improving the economic and community development opportunities for those communities, and especially for enhancing educational opportunities for their young people, Oliver rounded up several tech buddies and began a humble little non-profit enterprise called Pinnguaq.
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