Shout Out to River Lifesavers
by: Susan W. Smith
I once asked this question:
Imagine if there was no gas station near your home, no mechanic to fix your car, or, when at home, no place to park your car?
I wrote that in May 2011, about Northern Marine located east of Clayton NY. Now, in 2025 bringing recognition those who, we Islanders call our Lifesavers... we will introduce as many of these people, businesses and organizations, as we can, over the season.
We will start with an update on Northern Marine and skip across the River to Brennan Marine in Gananoque.
Northern Marine Inc., Spicer Bay
Like father like son. . . In 2011, we profiled Rick Gregware and in 2020 there was the new kid on the block – Rick's son Andrew (Andy to the boating crew). Andy not only has stepped into his fathers shoes but has made some mighty big footprints over the past five years.
The Marina is now open year-round so they are proud that they can keep their staff working for their customers in the off season. They offer several services including heated winter storage, and shrink wrapping. But of course two other areas that we all appreciate are "They rent dock slips and have the most vital commodity - marine fuel."
Andy Gregware and his father Rick attending the 2025 Clayton Boat Show; R: The start of the2011 article entitled, Northern Marine Community.
Norther Marine facilities on Spicer Bay, Thousand Islands, New York State.
For those of us who find that rock with our name on it - Northern Marine also does prop work and skeg repairs. And those who are hired have the ability to become Mercury Certified Marine Technicians. This year they will sell Highfield Boats, a new design called a rim inflatable - which looks like Coast Guard boats.
We send a Shout Out to Andy and his Northern Marine Gang. Thanks for you do, it is appreciated - much appreciated.
Brennan Marine, Gananoque River, Gananoque
What to do when a business changes ownership and the name is one that is so well known? Easy, if you are part of the Brennan Marine enterprise. Make sure a man unrelated but with the same last name, buys the property and carries on delivering the most vital aspects of island life - the Gas Dock and slip rentals.
Described as lying at the confluence of the Gananoque River and the St. Lawrence River, Brennan Marine is located under the bridge at Gananoque's waterfront. They provide marine engine gas and mariners from Toronto to Montreal have the marina on their agendas.
Of course the most important aspect of any business are the people and Chris McBride, manager of the Marine since 2016, is an example of a River Livesaver and River Rat combined. He and his young marina staff are always cheerful and helpful. The long-time customers appreciate their help at the gas dock and keeping the property tidy and welcoming.
The whole property is historic in nature with many of the buildings dating back to the 1800s when a Grist Mill was built on the lot by the McDonald family. Later the Ontario Wheel Company bought the property and manufactured "solid rubber tire wheels etc."
“Gananoque has with justice been called the Birmingham of Eastern Ontario, the Gananoque River furnishing an almost unlimited water power which has been utilized by the construction of a hydraulic canal, thus passing from one factory to another as motive power in setting in motion the wheels of industry. The village is charmingly situated upon the bank of the St Lawrence and contains a population of 3,000.” [Thaddeus Leavitt, "History of Leeds and Grenville", 1879, Recorder Press, Brockville; reprinted 1972, Mika Silk Screening Ltd, Belleville, ON, p 131]
Spring has sprung in the Thousand Islands, Brennan Marine, Gananoque, ON. New Gas tanks are being installed, docks are ready for the summer and The Hungry Herbivore Food Truck will be arriving soon. Chris McBride says he has built many friendships with his customers and looks forward their arrival this season.
Today Brennan Marine is well into the 21 Century and ready for Summer 2025. This month the Marina is installing a new gas tank so earth moving equipment and technicians are getting the property ready for the season. There are 80 slips which are filled with boats owned by members of the community and islanders - all celebrating the Thousands Islands and all coming from both sides of the border.
One new aspect at the marina this year will be the Hungry Herbivore Food Truck! (This editor is over the top happy!)
We are pleased to send a Shout Out to Chris and his Brennan Marine Gang. Thanks to all for what you do, it is appreciated - much appreciated.
By Susan W. Smith, Editor TI Life [info@thousandislandslife.com]
Next Shout Outs to: Eastern Marine, Gananoque, ON; R J Marine Associates Ltd., Clayton NY. and many more to follow.
