This is a family business, now belonging to the fourth generation of owners. Ottawa Valley Grain Products has a long and interesting history, as it is the oldest business in Ottawa. Read more about all this at ottawa1.one.
History
The history of Ottawa Valley Grain Products began in 1929. That’s when Nat Lindsay purchased a small flour mill in Renfrew, Ontario, and founded the company. In the following years, Nat Lindsay experimented, demonstrating considerable flexibility. He took into account the needs of local farmers and proceeded from there. The company refocused on selling registered seeds, processing split peas, and producing feed.
Subsequently, Ottawa Valley Grain Products expanded when the founder and owner acquired the larger flour mill from Renfrew Industries. The mill was refitted for processing barley and seed grain. Production volume increased, and the product range expanded.
Expansion
From 1942 to 1970, Ottawa Valley Grain Products actively expanded. Its presence extended beyond Renfrew, with changes to both production and commercial capacities.
In 1942, the company purchased another mill in Shawville, Quebec, which was a bold step toward expanding into the neighbouring province. And in 1945, the company opened a retail outlet in Beachburg, Ontario. This was positively received by the local community.
The company continued its strategic expansion in the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, it managed to acquire several key facilities, such as a feed mill in Cobden to strengthen its position in feed production. A separate highlight is the acquisition of the historic flour mill in Carp, Ontario, whose history began in 1827. This purchase was a significant step in the company’s history, adding heritage and deep roots.
The Mill in Carp
It is located just a few minutes from Ottawa. Ottawa Valley Grain Products uses classic methods for milling products. Extensive experience in the milling business, combined with a hands-on approach, ensures stable, completely natural, high-quality whole-grain products.
The company pays significant attention to food safety, as it is a crucial element of success. To this end, Ottawa Valley Grain Products collaborates with a food safety consultant to implement innovations in practice. This also helps monitor and adapt the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan and test products in accordance with industry standards.
The Ottawa Valley Grain Products Farm
Strong agricultural roots in the community extend throughout the Ottawa Valley. For example, the company owns a historic farm on Appleton Side Road in Almonte, Ontario. Its area covers 100 acres of land, diligently worked by local farmers. They plant and harvest crops, which are then returned to the company’s production.
It should be noted that products grown in Eastern Ontario are also distributed worldwide. Ottawa Valley grain products travel to the USA, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, and elsewhere. This includes local barley, wheat, and other cereal crops.
Family Business
The history and evolution of Ottawa Valley Grain Products are truly fascinating, as they are an example of how a small local business managed to transform into a resilient family enterprise. It serves the agricultural community and is associated with high-quality whole-grain products. The company is also an example of the successful integration of tradition and modernity, as Ottawa Valley Grain Products remains committed to its local beginnings.
Ottawa Valley Grain Products is a family business managed by the fourth generation of the Lindsay family. The company continues to use the traditional stone milling method to produce completely natural, high-quality, and whole-grain products.
The company makes a significant contribution to the local economy and remains committed to supporting the local agricultural ecosystem by purchasing products from farmers in the Ottawa Valley and surrounding areas.
Ottawa’s History and Heritage
Ottawa Valley Grain Products has created a large-scale mural that brings the past into the present. This work was accomplished thanks to the talented artist from Ottawa, Candace Way. The central figure of the mural is Nat Lindsay. The image confirms that the company is a fourth-generation family business and remembers its original vision and roots.
This initiative demonstrates deep respect for its roots and the local community. The artwork is a symbolic representation of the community’s agricultural history.
Tour
On January 21, 2020, the Huntley Township Historical Society conducted a tour of the Ottawa Valley Grain Products milling company. The event was led by owner Kevin Stewart. The tour participants included 25 historical society members who took the opportunity to see Carp’s oldest enterprise. It still operates using old methods, offering consistently high-quality products.
It is known that Kevin Stewart is a retired Captain from the Canadian Armed Forces. Around 2016, he purchased the business from his wife’s parents. At that time, his father-in-law was planning to step away from the business, and Kevin Stewart realized he wanted to continue the family venture.
For him, it was a valuable learning experience. Kevin Stewart noted that everything in this business is expensive, especially when machinery breaks down. For example, the stone and shaker mills the company uses have been around since the 1970s. It is impossible to buy spare parts for them.
Since 2011, the company has been engaged in flour production, expanding the list of traditional services. Ottawa Valley Grain Products produces soft white flour for dough. During the tour, the owner spoke about the business failures. For example, the company tried to produce flour for hard bread, but it turned out to be twice as expensive as at Costco. This product proved uncompetitive in the market.
During the tour, Joan Caldwell, a member of the Historical Society, was pleased with the number of participants. She helped organize the event and recalled how happy her mother was to send her to the mill for bran in her childhood.
Kevin Stewart is glad that the mill is an important part of Carp’s history. He is constantly looking for information and artifacts that could highlight the plant’s history. He is considering future business directions, such as the brewing market, which requires malt and grain.
Charity
The company initiates a charity campaign called CARP. This is a month-long fundraiser by Ottawa Valley Grain Products for the West Carleton Food Access Centre.
It should be noted that demand for flour products increased during the pandemic, which led to expanded production and the use of an online store for safe customer service.
Locals are well acquainted with the Carp Fair, which is one of the most important and oldest agricultural fairs in the Ottawa region. At such an event, the company presents its products, holds various competitions, including baking, and provides information on modern agricultural methods. In addition, carnival rides, musical performances, parades, and food courts are always present at these events.
