Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 6

205 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6 “Rooted in the beginnings of “Watercolour” is a vision for a greater life. Deciding to build a new community in Westport, Eastern Ontario’s premier waterfront village, has been a labour of love. No one arrives at a destination without planning and purpose and ours began over 20 years ago when my wife Diana and I arrived in this area of astounding natural beauty, and co-founded the nearby community of Badour Farm. Our vision is simple – to craft a purposeful community bettering the lives of all who reside here. Land Ark Homes, winner of America’s Best Builder award, is honoured to be a partner in enhancing this remarkable, cottage-lifestyle village. This Net Zero Energy ready community combines the architectural beauty of Westport’s historic homes, and the environmental stewardship of new energy efficient homes built to last for generations.” Stephen Rolston, Founder and Owner, Land Ark Homes for many people who reside in the surrounding rural area of Rideau Lakes Township. The community’s location 40 minutes north of Kingston and 75 minutes from Ottawa make it perfect for urban dwellers to leave it all behind and relax on the water. Many people own three- season cottages on the Upper Rideau Lake, leaving the village docks busy but well managed, and the downtown bustling with shoppers, diners, and tourists. “It’s really appealing for people to come for a day or a week or to move here,” says Jones. “Westport is business-friendly, and we are very welcoming as a community – for tourists and for people who want to live here.” A very walkable community, only about 100 steps separate the harbor from downtown Westport and the local grocery store, bank, the LCBO, the Beer Store, and just a little further to restaurants, pubs, and a beautifully landscaped public park with a baseball diamond, basketball court, and playground. The downtown and park offers free wi-fi to everyone, and fiber optic cable is currently being installed throughout the village and the surrounding area, connecting homes and businesses to high-speed access. Although the village is small, it is growing at a good pace. Over the next 10 years, Westport’s V I LLAGE OF WESTPORT , ONTAR IO