![](/Template-Emergency-Management-Posts-(17).png)
NOTICE: Grand Opening - Forged In Canada
The Township of Laurentian Valley is thrilled to welcome Forged In Canada to Laurentian Valley as they celebrated their grand opening on Friday May 31, 2024.
The new blacksmithing and fabrication business is focused on providing Canadian quality at competitive prices and also offers a variety of blacksmith courses for all skill levels from beginner to expert!
Reeve Kieth Watt was thrilled to attend alongside municipal staff for the grand opening event and extended a warm welcome to Laurentian Valley on behalf of council saying:
" Congratulations on this amazing achievement, after all you have done to get this business up and running, you are finally here and already so well supported by the community through the amount of people here today for this event! I am thrilled to welcome you and I am sure you will do very well as you grow your business here in Laurentian Valley!"
Staff also echoed Reeve Watt's sentiments saying, " Congratulations Lanny and your team on a monumental achievement! We can't wait to see all the amazing things you do, and we can't wait to hear all the stories from the people who have been inspired through your courses and creations!" - Chris Neff Community Development Officer.
About The Team:
Currently in his 36th year of service with the Canadian Armed Forces, Lanny is beginning the transition from military service to new business owner. He had taken most of his training with Don, so it seemed like a logical progression to become the new owner of Forged in Canada. His passions include history (specifically ancient Roman Legions), creating metalwork and spending time with his family.
Shane Stackpole
Upon retiring from the military after 17 years service, Shane transitioned to blacksmithing, completing the Artist Blacksmith course at Fleming College in Haliburton, On. He has worked on numerous projects for local residents and organizations, as well as large projects, recently collaborating with the Ontario Artist Blacksmith Association (OABA).
Don MacKay
Don MacKay, a master blacksmith and the previous owner of Forged in Canada, worked for many years as a blacksmith for the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada, an UNESCO World Heritage Site in an 1843 heritage forge. As a blacksmith for this unique site, Don MacKay forged his skills using only traditional techniques and equipment. Don is just beginning to enjoy a well-earned retirement.
"The owners, Mira and Lanny would like to thank the public and our customers for their great support, the Forged in Canada Team (Shane, Derek, Gavin, Andrew, Cassie, Ali and Keeley) for all their hard work getting here, the Township of Laurentian Valley for the continued support and help, and last, but definitely not least the building owner for his flexibility, patience, and great as well as timely business advice. A special shout out to Don Mackay, the founder and previous owner of Forged in Canada, without whom none of this would be possible, and to Little Things Canning Company for the great snacks during the Grand Opening.
We offer standard 2-day courses, 1 day family events, corporate events, special events on request, and 2-hour Thursday evening workshops.
Courses run most weekends, and 2-hour beginner workshops (5-7pm) will begin 27 June and run the last Thursday of every month. Schedules for courses are on the Forged in Canada homepage toolbar under "Course Dates''. - Lanny Hill
For More Information:
To Learn more please visit: FORGED IN CANADA - forgedincanada
LV Contact: Chris Neff - 613-735-6291 or cneff@lvtownship.ca
Forged In Canada: 613-851-4167 or forgedincanada@gmail.com
LISTED IN PHOTO:
Chris Neff - LV Community Development Officer, Co-Owner Mira Hill, Counsellor Keith Watt, Co-Owner Lanny Hill, Navada Sargent - LV Recreation Coordinator