Economic Development eNews | December 6, 2016

Business Profile

Historic home blossoms as Woodview Inn:

Gatsby-styled era B&B with fine dining flare

GANANOQUE - A classy, new B&B in one of the town's landmark Victorian homes is getting great reviews from both overnight guests and fans of fine dining.

The Woodview Inn, originally a 10-room family home built in the mid 1870s, has been revitalized with a Gatsby-style art deco remake under its new ownership. The latest addition is Graydon's Restaurant, a fine dining experience on the Inn's dazzling main floor along with a licensed lounge.

"This house found us," says co-owner John Nagy of how he and his partner, Steve Campey, discovered the former Athlone Inn for sale online. They'd missed it on a trip here in the fall of 2015 while touring B&Bs in Leeds Grenville and Prince Edward County. During that tour the couple came to a decision - to quit their Toronto jobs and become innkeepers. Seeing "Woodview Villa" online a short time later sealed the deal.

"We decided to throw our hat into the ring," says Steve, adding they believe there is great growth potential in the 1000 Islands region with attractions such as the casino, boat and helicopter tours, to name a few. They put together a business plan and made an offer. Top to bottom renovations, including a new kitchen, began in January. "It needed a lot of work," says Steve, who previously ran his own contracting and interior design firm. John has a hotel and hospitality management plus multi-media background.

After opening in June, bookings poured in from around the world with the occupancy rate hitting 98-99% through the booking engine Xotelia. John and Steve have been thrilled that the suites, which are named after their parents (Lady Elizabeth, Lady Margaret, Sir John and Lord Geoffrey), are such a hit. Altogether there are 5 main house and 4 garden suites. A newly renovated garden suite will be unveiled in the spring of 2017, complete with a king bed and kitchenette.

Lunch at Woodview was introduced in July and the backyard patio was popular. Evening dining was introduced a few months ago. Graydon's Restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday, 5-9 p.m. "The community has been so welcoming," says John. From day one, the goal has been to be true innkeepers involved in all aspects of the B&B. "We want to be the face of our business," he said.

Learn more about this unique B&B and Graydon's menu designed and prepared by Chef Alain Lemire by visiting their website . Contact them via email or call 1-844-382-1110.

Top feature photo: Woodview Inn owners Steve Campey, left, and John Nagy.

Woodview Inn has earned

a 5-star rating from TripAdvisor since opening on June 1st. Above photo the dining and lounge area and below the entrance of the home originally named Woodview Villa.

The backyard patio is popular during the warmer months of the year.

One of the luxury suites in the main house.

Business Expansion

Clayton Jones, third from left, announced he is expanding his rail car storage and transloading company Canadian Rail Equipment Works and Service (CREWS) into Johnstown. The announcement was made with Edwardsburgh Cardinal Mayor Pat Sayeau, left, Township CAO Debra McKinstry, landowner Bob Lucey, second from right, and Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager for Leeds Grenville.

Canadian Rail Equipment Works and Services expanding into area

JOHNSTOWN - Canadian Rail Equipment Works and Services (CREWS), a rail car storage and transloading company with existing operations in Maitland and Hamilton, is expanding into a 96-acre site here.

An announcement was made in the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal council chambers on November 29th. CREWS owner Clayton Jones said Phase 1 is already underway to construct an infrastructure to accommodate 230 rail cars and employ 6 additional people. The second phase, which will be more than double the investment in infrastructure, will accommodate another 500 rail cars. The location is key because the property has access to the main Canadian National line through a spur line to Johnstown, and is located near the international bridge and the Highways 401-416 interchange.

"The opportunities are endless and we look forward to expanding our business here in the community," Mr. Jones said. "It's been a very positive experience working with Edwardsburgh Cardinal." The township council and staff helped speed up the process over the course of 15 months, he noted. He also thanked United Counties Economic Development Manager Ann Weir and Bob Lucey, with Bob, Claire & Company Inc., who sold him the Johnstown property. "Ann was instrumental in developing this relationship because she recognized my land development needs," Mr. Jones said.

Contact CREWS via email . A new website is under construction and will be available soon.

Workforce Survey

Attention Employers - We need your help!

Action Required! Please take 15 minutes to complete the EmployerOne Survey so we have the primary data to help support workforce development in Leeds Grenville.

Win a $100 gift certificate of your choice for goods and services from a Leeds Grenville business.

Next survey draw deadline : Friday, December 16, 2016

Do the Survey now!

Counties Economic Development has partnered with 1000 Islands Region Workforce Development Board and needs your assistance in assessing and building a strong workforce.

Congratulations to EIT on completing the survey and winning a $100 gift certificate.

News

Grant Crack, MPP for Glengarry, Prescott and Russell, presented Agri-Food Innovation Excellence awards to Francois and Allison Scheuermann, of Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery of Westport (photo at left) and to Ryan Brophy and Amy Fogo, co-owners of V6 Agronomy Inc. of North Augusta (photo at right).

Westport winery, North Augusta fertilizer company recognized

Two Leeds Grenville agricultural businesses have earned provincial recognition at the annual Premier's Event for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence award presentation. Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery owners Francois and Allison Scheuermann, of Westport, and V6 Agronomy Inc. co-owners Ryan Brophy and Amy Fogo, of North Augusta, received Regional Awards and $5,000 each for their unique businesses.

In just a few short years, Scheuermann Winery is producing Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Vidal wines in "Ontario's most northerly vinifera vineyard." They've become a destination in Westport by adding an open-grill restaurant during the warmer months where you can sip wine and sample local foods from a patio overlooking Sand Lake. Learn more about it on their website.

"It's wonderful to have recognition for independent players in the agri business," said Ryan Brophy, a crop consultant who produces effective fertilizers with precise ratio at V6 Agronomy. He has produced compound fertilizers that bind the primary, secondary and micronutrients together so they don't settle or separate during transportation and storage. Learn more on their website.

Learn more about the Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation on the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website.