From entrepreneur at an early age to corporate finance leader and now co-owner of Springwood Cottage Resort in Frontenac County, Ed Chaplin brings a mix of real-world business experience and a lifelong love of cottage country to Ontario’s Highlands. His path to tourism wasn’t planned, but is a natural fit for someone who grew up surrounded by lakes, cabins, and the kind of relaxed days that define summers in Eastern Ontario.

Ed spent his childhood in the Kawartha’s, where summers at a cottage and fishing trips were part of the rhythm of life. 

After years in finance and high tech, Ed and his wife, Christine, found themselves ready for a change that would bring them closer to the lifestyle they loved most.

Once their kids were grown, they began searching for a place where they could build something welcoming and family focused. That search eventually brought them to Springwood Cottage Resort, a property that immediately felt like the perfect fit in terms of its size, location, and overall feel.

Five years later, Ed and Christine have become known for creating the kind of experiences that stay with people. One memory that stands out for Ed involves a family new to Canada who noticed Springwood’s roadside sign and stopped in on a whim. 

After a tour, they booked a week-long stay and spent their vacation learning how to barbecue, fish, and enjoy cottage life for the first time. They’ve been coming back ever since.

“It reminded us what this place is all about,” Ed said. “We want to help people build memories, connect with their family and friends, and have the authentic “Canadian cottage” experience.”

Joining the OHTO Board of Directors felt like the right next step for Ed, and an opportunity to be part of conversations that shape tourism across the region. 

“We talk a lot about partnerships but as a small business owner it’s hard to find the time to develop them,” Ed explained. “but we need find ways to work together as progress by one business, is beneficial for all.”

With five years of hands-on experience running a resort, combined with decades in corporate leadership, Ed brings a balanced perspective on both business and community. What he values most about Ontario’s Highlands is its authenticity, an atmosphere he describes as “similar to Muskoka in the 1980s”.

“I think there’s a huge opportunity in Frontenac and the Ontario’s Highlands for tourism right now,” Ed said. 
As a board member, he hopes to help protect that sense of place while supporting thoughtful, sustainable growth that keeps the region’s character front and centre.

Board of Directors