Edwardsburgh Cardinal, ON

June 26, 2025

Strategic Growth with Small-Town Roots

A thriving riverside community leveraging infrastructure, partnerships, and pro-business policies to fuel sustainable development

 

Strategically positioned along the St. Lawrence River, Edwardsburgh Cardinal, Ontario, offers a compelling combination of economic opportunity and exceptional livability. This thriving township serves as a vital connection point between major economic hubs, with Montreal just 90 minutes east, Ottawa an hour north, and Toronto within easy reach via Highway 401 and high-speed rail.

Since Business View’s last profile one year ago, the township continues to thrive under its “open for business” ethos. “We don’t know how to say no,” says Mayor Tory Deschamps. “We say, how can we help?” This mindset has fueled infrastructure investments, partnerships with neighboring municipalities, and landmark projects like Canada’s largest battery energy storage facility.

With its rare combination of affordable housing, modern amenities, and access to major transportation networks, Edwardsburgh Cardinal continues to attract both businesses and residents seeking opportunity in Eastern Ontario’s growing economy.

A Community Built for Business and Lifestyle

Edwardsburgh Cardinal has established itself as a model of progressive municipal governance, combining robust economic development with exceptional quality of life. The township’s administration operates on a facilitation-first philosophy, exemplified by its approach to development. “From a governmental perspective, we have a pro-development structure that covers the open-for-business ethos,” Deschamps states. “We’re business friendly, we use collaborations and partnerships, we’re always advocating for infrastructure, and we’re promoting sustainability and innovation.”

The community offers distinct lifestyle advantages, including access to two hospitals in Leeds and Grenville and housing that remains affordable compared to urban centers. Strategic investments in recreation, including $1 million allocated for pool upgrades and new pickleball courts, complement the natural assets of its St. Lawrence River waterfront. “We are a big township as far as three settlement areas and rural communities. So having multiple facilities at multiple locations means there’s always something close by to suit the residents,” explains CAO Sean Nicholson.

Educational institutions form the backbone of community engagement, with local schools operating at capacity. Innovative student initiatives, such as Spencerville Public School’s vertical farm supplying fresh produce to food banks, demonstrate the township’s commitment to practical learning. “Our schools are very invested in the community,” notes Nicholson, highlighting how grade six students recently proposed improvements for a local dog park.

Transportation infrastructure provides a competitive advantage, with immediate access to Highway 401, international border crossings, and intercity rail connections. “Our location is number one, I mean we can’t beat where we live as far as location goes,” notes Deschamps. “We have a train stop just outside of our township in Brockville where it does a three hour train to Toronto high speed and we have two ports or two bridges to enter the United States for back and forth trade.” This connectivity, combined with deliberate planning, positions Edwardsburgh Cardinal as both a desirable residence and business location.

Key Infrastructure and Development Projects

Edwardsburgh Cardinal is making strategic investments that will shape the region’s future. At the forefront is the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in partnership with Potentia Renewables. Slated for completion in 2027, it will be the largest facility of its kind in Canada. “Our Council supported it, understanding that there’s an upcoming energy shortage all across Ontario,” Deschamps explains. “If Eastern Ontario wants to continue to enjoy the success and the growth that it is, we will lose out on projects unless we do our part. So, we see stepping up and being the one to allow it in our township as doing our part for all of Eastern Ontario.”

“Projects like that take  significant pressure off of our residential tax base, and again, represent meaningful investment back into the community,” adds Nicholson.

Infrastructure improvements continue at an accelerated pace. The township has allocated $2.5 million for 2025 road improvements, building on a $1.9 million program in 2024. Over $1 million has been invested in public works equipment, including new plow trucks and sidewalk maintenance vehicles. A $23.9 million tri-municipal water and sewer expansion with Prescott and Augusta will support up to 3000 new homes, addressing both current needs and future growth. “Even though it’s Prescott owned, it’s in our industrial park and, you know, there’s investment that has to be made there. That’s our part of that investment,” Deschamps explains.

The Port of Johnstown remains an economic driver, operating at 98% capacity for grain while having significant untapped potential in marine and rail operations. “We have between 10 and 15% utilization for our marine and rail operations,” notes Leslie Drynan, General Manager at the Port, “so we have an abundance of space to expand those two sections.”

The township is also planning for future expansion, with a 37-acre commercial industrial site near the port and ongoing negotiations for the 10,000-acre Edwardsburgh Cardinal Land Bank. “It’s a mix of residential, commercial, industrial, environmental and investment land that ultimately we will be able to shape a new industrial park out of,” says Deschamps. “We fully anticipate having an agreement in place this calendar year,” he adds, regarding the purchase of the land.

Tourism, Recreation, and Community Engagement

Edwardsburgh Cardinal is enhancing its waterfront as a centerpiece for community life. The Port of Johnstown’s public walkway will be paved by Q3 2024 to improve accessibility. “We plan this year to install a few benches and picnic tables. So it improves access for our community as a whole,” says Drynan. A partnership with the Akwesasne Reserve will introduce native plantings, creating an eco-friendly public space open seasonally from May through December.

The township’s recreational offerings continue to expand post-pandemic. The Bass Pro fishing tour has made Cardinal a regular stop, drawing anglers and tourism dollars. Investments include new pickleball courts and well-utilized ball diamonds and arenas. “Our facilities are seeing much more usage,” notes Nicholson, highlighting how recreational investments demonstrate value for residents.

Community vitality stems from strong grassroots organizations. “Specific to Edwardsburg Cardinal, we have three towns that make up the bulk of our population, and each one has a community group,” explains Deschamps. The Cardinal Festival Committee, Spencerville Business Community Connections, and South Edwardsburgh Recreation Association (SERA) drive local events and economic activity.

“It’s only because of those three groups that our township from a community perspective is as successful as it is. Those groups just do a fantastic job on behalf of our residents and for our township. They put on so many wonderful events. It really draws a lot of people in. The work that those three groups do is going to ensure that a lot of those dollars stay right here in Edwardsburgh Cardinal,” he emphasizes.

This collaborative spirit extends regionally through shared services with Prescott and Augusta, including staffing solutions and arena management. “The councils are all committed to doing what’s best for South Grenville as a whole,” Nicholson explains, a philosophy that strengthens the entire region’s competitiveness.

Provincial Partnerships and Future Vision

Edwardsburgh Cardinal’s growth is amplified through strategic provincial collaborations. Deschamps praises MPP Steve Clark’s representation, “I’m a huge supporter of our provincial government, Steve continues to deliver over and over again. We see the money that comes into our riding and we continue to see investment in our area far beyond what other areas see and that’s all because of the representation we have at the provincial level.”

This partnership has secured critical funding, including the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF) grant for tri-municipal water/sewer expansion and support for the Rural Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) program. This innovative immigration initiative fast-tracks healthcare workers from six Commonwealth nations, directly addressing rural shortages. “It could see us be the envy of Ontario as far as not having a healthcare worker shortage,” Deschamps notes, “the opportunity to be part of that pilot and have that fully funded by the province is fantastic.”

Housing development remains a priority, with three active subdivisions progressing. These projects respond to provincial mandates while meeting local demand for affordable homes.

Looking ahead, the Port of Johnstown is poised for transformation. “We have commenced the process of a new strategic plan,” explains Drynan, emphasizing partnership development. “We obviously can’t do this alone. We have a lot of neighboring local businesses, commercial and industrial that are very eager to get in and work with us.  Together with our new strategic plan, those partnerships will really set us on the right foot to increase our revenues, and in turn we can give more back to our community.”

The township’s five-year vision focuses on sustainable growth. “I think when we’re done [with the term], we’ll have set this township up so that there will be nothing for them to invest in other than human beings and well-being for the next 20 years,” states Deschamps. “We’re not here for money. We’re here to make sure that we deliver for the residents of our township, it just takes time. It’s not going to happen overnight.”

Priorities include completing the Edwardsburgh Cardinal Land Bank acquisition, maintaining tax stability despite rising infrastructure investments, and enhancing quality-of-life amenities.  “Our councils made $25 million in investments over the last three years, and we’ve been able to take revenue back out of that because of those investments,” Deschamps adds. “While other municipalities are facing large increases, we’re able to keep ours at around 3 percent, and still continue to do massive amounts of work.” With its collaborative governance model and strategic investments, Edwardsburgh Cardinal is building a foundation for long-term regional leadership.

A Township Ready for Tomorrow

Edwardsburgh Cardinal stands at an inflection point, combining business-friendly governance with strategic infrastructure investments and community-focused development. From establishing Canada’s largest battery storage facility to expanding the Port of Johnstown’s operations, the township has demonstrated its capacity to execute transformative projects while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The Mayor’s vision captures this momentum, “we are dreaming big and excited to execute,” he says, a sentiment echoed by Drynan’s commitment to partnership-driven growth. With its rare combination of affordable living, strategic location, and collaborative spirit, Edwardsburgh Cardinal presents compelling opportunities for both residents and enterprises alike.

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AT A GLANCE

Who: Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal, Ontario

What: A growing community balancing economic development with small-town charm through infrastructure investments, port expansion, and community partnerships

Where: Eastern Ontario

Website: www.twpec.ca/en/index.aspx

PREFERRED VENDORS/PARTNERS

We turn grains, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for the food, beverage, animal nutrition, brewing and industrial markets. We make it our business to understand industry trends and our customers’ challenges. Our customers trust us to anticipate and consistently deliver high-quality products and innovative solutions

Ingredion Canada Corporation: www.ingredion.com

G. Tackaberry & Sons Construction Company Limited of Athens, ON was started in 1957 by George Tackaberry with one dump truck. Over the years it has expanded to service the areas of Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark Counties. Work includes excavation, equipment rentals, asphalt paving and material supply such as crushed stone, sand and gravel.

G. Tackaberry Construction: www.tackaberryconstruction.com

LOGISTEC’s Rideau Bulk Terminal and Port of Johnstown handle bulk and breakbulk cargo, including salt, aggregates, fertilizers, steel, and project cargo. Located on the St. Lawrence River, both offer full-service cargo handling, warehousing, trucking, and inventory control, backed by LOGISTEC’s North American network of 62 ports and 85 terminals.

LOGISTEC: www.logistec.com

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