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By providing customers with quality service and a large selection of products, D&L Docks and Recreation Ltd. has evolved into the successful business it is today. “We’ve had a really busy summer so far, but it’s been a lot of fun,” said Dan Perrier, who co-owns the business with his wife, Line. “We are always looking to bring new products to Timmins.” Helping Timmins residents make the most of the fleeting summer months, D&L Docks and Recreation designs, supplies, and installs docks, while also carrying a range of kayaks, inflatables, saunas, and wooden and recycled plastic outdoor furniture for the cottage or backyard. While D&L has exclusive distribution rights for many of its products, staff at the store is also happy to order anything they don’t happen to have in stock. “If we don’t have it on hand, we’ll find it for you.” D&L Docks first began in 2005, as Dan and Line spent their weekends showcasing their products at local retailers. It quickly grew to a seasonal operation and then a year-round business, which is now open seven days a week during the summer. According to Perrier, this impressive growth can be attributed to the company’s increasingly broad selection. “We’re constantly adding new products, and as we do that our customer base grows every year.” To stay profitable during the colder months, the Perriers have integrated a home and cottage decor shop into their operations. “We are really trying to promote the decor shop to people; it keeps us busy regardless of the season,” said Perrier. “During the holiday season, we turn it into a Christmas store. We have a really amazing display that brings people in.” Like many businesses enjoying Timmins’ current economic boom, the Perriers have struggled with finding enough staff to accommodate D&L Docks’ progress. “We’re just so busy that my wife and I are putting in a lot of hours. We’ve hired a summer student, so hopefully we can start to let go a little bit.” Throughout this growth and change, Perrier has felt the support of Timmins’ tight-knit business community, he said; in turn, D&L Docks has invested in the community in a personal way. “We’ve had distributors in the Muskokas encourage us to move south but we were born and raised here in Timmins, and we love it here. Our whole family is here, and we don’t have any plans to settle anywhere else.” Over the years, the business has cemented its ties to the community through its involvement in various projects and events, including being entrusted with the manufacture and installation of the docks at the well-used Mattagami river boat launch in 2011. “It’s a great spot and it’s great exposure for us,” said Perrier. “If someone is looking to see some of our work, they can just drive up the road." The business is also an important resource for participants in the hugely popular Great Canadian Kayak Challenge by offering kayak rental, sales, and training courses, which take place several times a month all summer long. As these efforts contribute to D&L Docks’ continued success, it’s no wonder the Perriers are looking to expand its physical location. “It’s definitely getting tight in here,” said Perrier. “We’ll be looking for a bigger space in the near future, I think.” Visit D&L Docks and Recreation during their summer hours from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Monday to Wednesday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturdays or 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Sundays at 617 Riverside Drive in Timmins. You can find them online at docksandrecreation.com. You can also contact them by phone at (705) 264-0737 or via e-mail at dnldocks@gmail.com. Click here to see the full-sized photo.