Think Renfrew County

Shopping local also enhances the distinct character of Renfrew County, helping small, medium and large businesses thrive and ensures that our communities remain vibrant and competitive. From retail to tourism, advanced manufacturing to agriculture and professional services, local businesses are at the heart of our region’s economic success.

Wondering how you can help support local and Canadian businesses?

1. Think Local.

From traditional to modern growing practices and an expanding Mennonite community, Renfrew County has a strong and vibrant agricultural sector. Locally grown produce, meats, fresh baked goods, preserves, craft beverages and much more can be sourced locally via farm gate sales, farmers' markets and Taste of the Valley events, food co-operatives and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscriptions. And while some products may only be available seasonally due to our northern climate, many products can be purchased year-round.

Renfrew County’s creative economy includes a wide variety of makers, artisans, artists and crafters who create high-quality products ranging from art and apparel to skin care and home cleaning supplies, and more.

Check out the following directories to support local.

• Taste of the Valley
• Renfrew County Food Guide
• Ottawa Valley Food Co-op
• Tap and Cork Route
• Ottawa Valley Wood

Fun Fact:

• Pillar 5 Pharma, located in Arnprior, is one of Canada’s leading contract manufacturers of sterile ophthalmic (eye care) products

2. Think Renfrew County.

Can’t find what you’re looking for in your own hometown? Consider a neighbouring community. With 17 municipalities in the County of Renfrew, plus the City of Pembroke and Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, there are 19 communities offering a potential solution.

Commercial-retail districts across the region cater to the needs of residents and businesses alike, offering home, office and building supplies, clothing and footwear, giftware, sporting goods and more. Plus, with many businesses now offering

online shopping, delivery and/or pick-up in store, it’s not a bad idea to check with a local retailer before placing that order from Amazon.

Check out this round up of local municipal and chambers of commerce business directories:

Fun Fact:

• Did you know that Deep River was originally developed in the 1940s to house scientists and engineers working at the nearby Chalk River Laboratories. Its street names are uniquely themed after famous scientists like Rutherford, Darwin, Banting and Faraday.
• Did you know that CNL’s Chalk River Laboratories is home to the ZED-2 reactor, a zero-power research reactor used for nuclear energy experiments. It's one of the few of its kind in the world still operating today.

Planning for summer vacations: Discover the Ottawa Valley.

With the unfavourable exchange rate and tightening of budgets, now is the best time to think about travelling locally. The Ottawa Valley offers an incredible plethora of unique and exciting tourism experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in Canada. Check out the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association’s website for inspiration and to plan your upcoming spring break and 2025 vacation!

Fun Facts:

• Did you know that Barry's Bay was the home of Janusz Żurakowski, a legendary test pilot who flew the Avro Arrow — Canada’s most advanced jet fighter of its time. The town honours him with a dedicated park and a replica Arrow on display.
• Did you know that Calabogie is home to the stunning Eagles Nest Lookout, a historic Algonquin spiritual site offering breathtaking views over the Ottawa Valley.

3. Think Canadian.

Recognizing that it’s not always possible to source and buy everything locally, we can, and should source and buy Canadian, whenever possible.

Product of Canada and Made in Canada. What’s the difference?

Under the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, an item labelled "Product of Canada” means at least 98 per cent of the total direct costs of producing the item were incurred in Canada.

An item labelled “Made in Canada” means more than half of total direct costs, a minimum of 51%, of producing the item were incurred in Canada.

If a product does not meet the “Product of” or “Made in” guidelines, the Competition Bureau recommends the use of “Assembled in Canada”. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency also accepts “Packaged in Canada”, “Refined in Canada”, “Distilled in Canada” and “Roasted and blended in Canada” for various food and beverage related items.

Important to keep in mind, that despite the labelling rules, many products are often made by international companies with manufacturing facilities and offices located in Canada. So while, the headquarters of a particular company may not be Canadian, there still very well could be a Canadian component to the product.

Consumers have a lot of choices and it can be difficult trying to navigate through all of the information in order to make an informed decision.

The following websites are great resources for consumers and businesses interested in supporting and promoting Ontario and Canadian-made and manufactured products.

• Ontario Made* – https://supportontariomade.ca/
• Made in Canada* – https://madeinca.ca/

Fun Facts:

• Did you know that Garrison Petawawa is one of the largest army bases in Canada and has been active since 1905. It played a key role in training troops for both World Wars and continues to support missions around the globe.
• Did you know that Renfrew County is home to over 1,000 farms, making it one of the largest agriculturally productive regions in Eastern Ontario. Its diverse operations include dairy, beef, maple syrup, and specialty crops.

4. Show Your Support

Show your support of local and Canadian businesses by posting and tagging on social media. Feel free to use these graphics and hashtags when sharing on social (click to download).

- Think (FB/IG post)
- Think (FB header)

#ShopLocal #ThinkRenfrewCounty #SupportOntarioMade #BuyCanadian