Economic Development & Local Business
Supporting Local Business & Growing Opportunity
Lanark Highlands has all the ingredients for a strong and resilient rural economy. By supporting local entrepreneurs, promoting the beauty we call home, and building on the Township’s unique strengths, we can create new opportunities while preserving the character that makes our community special.
Understanding the Challenges
Like many rural municipalities, Lanark Highlands faces unique economic realities that can make growth more difficult.
Some of these challenges include:
A small and aging population
Attracting and retaining skilled workers
Infrastructure limitations, including high-speed internet and water and sewer services
Economic activity spread across a large geographic area
A lack of clear "open for business" messaging
Dependence on seasonal industries and tourism
Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward building a stronger local economy.
Building on Our Strengths
Lanark Highlands Has What People Want
The greatest strengths of Lanark Highlands are the things that cannot be manufactured or easily replicated.
Our community benefits from:
Independent entrepreneurs and family-run businesses
A culture of creativity and innovation
Rich natural resources
Beautiful lakes, forests, and trail systems
Maple products, honey, chocolates, and other local specialties
Local agriculture and farm-fresh foods
Opportunities for remote work and lifestyle migration
Proximity to major Eastern Ontario population centres
These assets make Lanark Highlands a unique place to live, work, and visit.
Small Business & Entrepreneurship
Small businesses have long been the backbone of the Lanark Highlands economy.
Frank believes economic development should focus on supporting the entrepreneurs, tradespeople, farms, tourism operators, and family businesses that already call the Township home.
This means:
Encouraging local investment
Supporting small, scalable businesses
Promoting entrepreneurship
Fostering knowledge-sharing and mentorship between generations
Creating an environment where businesses can succeed
Strong local businesses create strong communities.
Creating a Destination Community
Lanark Highlands has the opportunity to become more than simply "somewhere with lakes."
With thoughtful planning, strategic branding, and continued investment in infrastructure, the Township can become: A premium rural destination to live, work remotely, build small businesses, and enjoy outdoor recreation year-round.
By promoting our strengths and embracing our identity, Lanark Highlands can continue to attract residents, visitors, entrepreneurs, and investment.
A Rural Vision for Economic Development
Economic development in Lanark Highlands should reflect the character of the Township.
That means:
Being intentionally rural
Leveraging nature as an asset
Following the Township's Official Plan
Attracting people before attracting corporations
Supporting sustainable growth that respects the community's identity
Frank believes that growth should enhance what makes Lanark Highlands special—not change it.
Looking Ahead
The future of Lanark Highlands depends on building an economy that is resilient, sustainable, and rooted in the strengths of our community. By supporting entrepreneurs, investing in infrastructure, and embracing our rural identity, we can create opportunities that benefit residents today and for generations to come.
Supporting small business means strengthening the future of our community.
Connect
Questions? Comments? Reach out anytime.
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A special thanks to Stationhouse Studio, a local Lanark Highlands small business, for creating this website and providing local photography.
Phone
613-879-3622