Brockville, Ontario

Larger than any regional community except Kingston, Brockville anchors the eastern end of the fifty mile stretch of river, just as that other city does the western end. The Canadian highway 401, considered North America's busiest highway, now connects the two, as the river has always done historically. The arterial freeway brings visitors from Montreal and Toronto. More international tourists come to the northern than the southern shore of the river for this reason.

Brockville presents a skyline of old church spires. Its main steet likewise retains historic character, while residential sectors confirm the prosperity of the city, noted as having the one of the highest per capita incomes in Canada.

Although Brockville may seem remote to some who are more familiar with other areas of the river, it is in fact far more accessible to some affluent islanders who fly here by private plane. Maxxon Airport recently lengthened runways now accomodate private jets. Owners of islands as far up river as Clayton regularly land here.

The City of Brockville had the foresight to acquire from the federal government many of the thirty nearby Brock Islands for park purposes. Although they have remained off the tax rolls for generations, they now provide an exceptional resource for recreation. Twelve of the islands provide docking for boats.

A statue on Blockhouse Island in Brockville Harbour fondly recalls Con Darling, who led the annual Santa Clause Parade through the streets of Downtown Toronto and Brockville with his famous chicken in the baby carriage.