Watson Information Services

Specializing in nonprofit and commercial websites
along the Rideau Canal Waterway, Ontario, Canada

Not For Profit Organizations

I have a special deal for nonprofit organizations along the Rideau. I will create a website for your organization for free. The only string is that you must in some way be directly helping the Rideau Waterway (promoting heritage, environment, cottaging, etc.). In most cases it is best if the organization has their own domain name (i.e. www.yourname.org) and website host (there are many commercial options, I can advise). For a small (1 - 3 page) site, I can host it on my own www.rideau-info.com site. In this case the total site size would be limited to about 500K (there is no size limit if hosted on your own website).

There are no hidden costs, I do this work on a volunteer basis because I like the Rideau and this is my way of helping organizations that work to make this region one of the most beautiful spots in North America. Sites that I have created and/or hosted on a volunteer basis include:

bbThe Canadian Canal Society
bbThe Cataraqui Trail
bbThe Delta Mill Society
bbFriends of the Rideau
bbKingston Historical Society
bbLockmaster's House Museum
bbMerrickville Historical Society
bbRideau Heritage Network
bbRideau Canal Museum
bbRideau Canal Waterway
bbRideau Region Information Site
bbRideau Resident's Section
bbRideau 175
bbRideau Roundtable
Commercial Sites

Note: I am not at this time taking on any new clients other than by selective reference

In a somewhat vain attempt to recover some of my costs of running www.rideau-info.com, I do up the occasional commercial site for businesses related to the Rideau Waterway. Websites are created using professional HTML authoring software, assisted by an array of graphics programs and hardware including a fast computer, flatbed scanner and digital camera. Some of my design philosophy includes:

  • Easy to navigate (so users don't get lost)
  • Focus on content (solid information rather than fluffy eye candy)
  • Pleasing to the eye (well laid out, easy to find stuff)
  • Easy to read (a magnifying glass is not required)
  • Standard HTML coding (users don't need special plug-ins or the latest browser)
  • Value for your dollar (only charged for actual site construction)
  • Working with the client (I can post a draft site on www.rideau-info.com and work with the client to produce exactly what they want)
I bring ten years of HTML authoring experience on top of my 24 years of computer experience to my projects. My charge-out rate is a flat $58.00 per hour. Package deals are available upon request. Small sites can be hosted on www.rideau-info.com or any site can be on a web hosting service of your choosing. My preference is to work on commercial sites related to the Rideau Waterway. Ballpark site costs: $100 for a 1 page ad (incl. title graphic & picture) - $300 for a simple 4-5 page site with a few pictures - $1,000+ for an extensive multi page site.

Examples of completed sites include:
bbBayview Yacht Harbour Marina
bbBrown's Marina
bbTownship of Rideau Lakes
bbRideau Docks
bbRideau Canal Boat Tours
bbGibbons Maple Sugar House
bbGisela's Bed & Breakfast
bbLong Island Marine Inc.
bbRideau Realty Limited
bbThe Long Reach
bbPortland Bay Bed and Breakfast
bbShangri-La Lodge and Marina
bbLower Beverley Lake Park
What the Critics are saying:

Rideau Waterway Site:

I just wanted you to know how helpful, useful, wonderful and just plain FULL your site is! ... It's also VERY easy to navigate through --- something which most sites seem to overlook!
- Jolene Staruch

This site is the most user friendly site I have visited! Good Job!
- Philip Nester

Just wanted to tell you that your site is a delight to navigate and use. Great job on the content also. I will spread the word to use your site as an example of good design.
- Fred Mauer, Consultant, IBM Corp

I have spent the last two hours totally captivated by the extraordinary website you have developed on the Rideau Waterway. It is a work of art and a technical masterpiece
- Dale E. Kleber, Hinsdale, Illinois

The B E S T page I have come across and I spend lot of time on boating web pages.
- John Angel, Barrie, Ontario

I'm so glad I found your website. It has been extremely informative, unlike the so-called professional ones. I wish others would follow your example of an easy to navigate and informative website.
- Bill Nelson

The author is a member of
The HTML Writers Guild

For more information on Watinf email:
Ken Watson