spot_img
Thursday, August 21, 2025
spot_img

Dave Brown honoured with 2024 Warden’s Award

spot_img
SUBMITTED

Dave Brown humbly accepts the Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Leadership Award.

Dave has been an influential figure in Leeds Grenville, contributing to economic development and heritage preservation for over forty years. A passionate advocate for community building, he has played a pivotal role in revitalizing Chaffeys Lock, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. His work includes preserving the village’s heritage through initiatives such as leading the fundraising effort to save the Chaffeys Lock Community Hall, raising $70,000 to restore the building. This space has become a hub for events and festivals, which are vital to the village’s economic and social vitality. In promotion of the area, he administers the Chaffeys Locks Rocks! Facebook group.

His depth of knowledge regarding the region has grown out of love for its rich history; his long-time experience with the Chaffeys Lock and Area Heritage Society has widened his appreciation. “It’s about the committees and the volunteers,” he added, giving recognition to those who had helped him along the way. “It’s not about needing a pat on the back, it’s about knowing you are working towards a better community,” he said, humbly. 

Dave has a history of seeking answers to problems and creating effective solutions. Opportunity abounds in his mind as this early adopter of new tech navigates the way forward. In addition to his community work, Dave has dedicated his efforts to youth skills development, particularly in the marine industry. He introduced a marine technician component in the Transportation Technology program while teaching at Rideau District High School, as well as teaching a night course at St Lawrence College titled “Introduction to Marine Technician Fundamentals” He has further contributed to setting curriculum and training standards for boat motor mechanics through his work with the Ontario College of Trades (now called Skilled Trades Ontario). His expertise in the boating industry earned him the 2023 “Gord Blake Visionary Award” from Boating Ontario, recognizing his innovative leadership.

His business Brown’s Marina, lies in the Heart of the Rideau Canal Waterways, a community hub that offers essential visitor amenities and services that sustain the village’s tourist economy. It includes a general store and is authorized Evinrude, Mercury, and Princecraft dealership that sells new and pre-owned watercraft including deck boats, pontoons, and outboards. Services include financing, parts and service, dockage, storage and rentals. Friendly and knowledgeable staff ensure an outstanding experience from first inquiry through customization and maintenance. The Marina values opportunities to build long-term relationships and does so by providing the best customer service.

When asked about his advice to small business, Dave afforded, “Networking is one of the most effective tools in growing business awareness.” With the amount of networking he has done and through the many groups he has touched, the decisions he has made along the way have always involved financial spinoff components for either business or the community. “Everything in business should be about economic development.” he added.

Small business is innately close to Dave’s heart. He trusts his decisions and can foresee trends and avoid downturns, as he does by visiting annual boat shows. “It’s key to survival, as they say, ’a rising tide lifts all boats’; making the industry better as a whole makes us all better.”

Dave’s contributions to tourism, education, and heritage preservation have made a lasting impact on the economic health and cultural richness of Chaffeys Lock and the surrounding region.

The Township of Rideau Lakes Council supported the award nomination, “The personal volunteer efforts of Dave Brown over four decades has provided a positive economic impact to the Township of Rideau Lakes, and we are pleased to have him recognized at the regional level for these efforts,” says Mayor Arie Hoogenboom.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

Smiths Falls Police address crash, bar incident and youth assault in series of responses

SUBMITTED No injuries after collision with hydro pole. Driver facing...

King Charles III Coronation Medal recognizes exceptional Canadians

LAURIE WEIR In a special ceremony hosted by Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston MP...

UCDSB to host holocaust survivor Andy Rèti as Tour for Humanity returns

SUBMITTED The Tour for Humanity mobile classroom will return to...

Smiths Falls History & Mystery: Farmer grocer solider reeve

Ambrose Halladay moved into the Keyhole House in Smiths...

Impaired charge laid after a collision on Roger Stevens Drive

SUBMITTED A Toronto resident has been charged following a single...
spot_img

Stolen boat motor recovered in Arden

SUBMITTED BY OPP EAST REGION Arrest Warrant To Be Issued...

Council divided over veto, integrity complaints, and strong mayor powers in Rideau Lakes

LAURIE WEIR CHANTRY — The controversy around the Chantry office...

Disturbance results in multiple charges

SUBMITTED BY LANARK COUNTY OPP CARLETON PLACE - The Lanark...

Butterflies take flight again in Perth for second annual memorial release

Community gathers Aug. 20 to honour loved ones through...

Canada Post clarifies that the red flag’s only use is for outgoing mail

LAURIE WEIR PORTLAND — Rural residents, did you know that...

Six charged in Smiths Falls police investigations including impaired driving and animal cruelty

SUBMITTED / SMITHS FALLS POLICE SERVICE Breach investigation results in...

HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS: Markets, music and family fun this weekend

Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_img