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Meet Brockville Tourism’s Young Professionals

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This week is Brockville Young Professionals Week! From May 12th to 18th, the city of Brockville will be recognizing the young professionals who make up the Brockville workforce and why it’s so important to make sure there is a healthy amount of young professionals in any workplace.

Half of the Brockville Tourism full time staff of four is made up of young professionals! They both recently started, so let’s meet the two new faces in Brockville Tourism.

Rebecca Bredin – Social Media Specialist

Hi! My name is Rebecca Bredin, and I’m the social media specialist at Brockville Tourism. It might sound like the most millennial job in the world, but this job is pretty important in the grand scheme of things! Social media is how over two thirds of people get their daily news. We want to make sure that Brockville’s tourism industry is part of that information being read by people. I compose blog posts and maintain all of our major social media platforms. I also have taken on projects that will help attract a new demographic of young professional tourists. I’ve returned to Brockville after living in Japan, South Korea, and Toronto for the last ten years, so I can see with experienced eyes now how special Brockville can be to urban dwellers. The farms, the water, the islands, the peaceful atmosphere – it’s a welcome break for those who live with long commutes over an hour dreaming about greener pastures!

I’m also convinced that Brockville is pretty Instagram friendly – this city is very easy on the eyes. Never forget, people in Toronto drove in flocks to go see a field of sunflowers over an hour away for the chance to get a perfect selfie. The perfect selfie can be taken in so many places in the 1000 Islands. I think we locals take it for granted! So invite your friends and family to Brockville for a weekend – tell them to do it for the ‘gram!

Alex Stobo – Tourism Specialist

I’m Alex Stobo – Brockville’s Tourism Specialist! What’s my job all about? Getting locals AND visitors connected with everything that’s awesome about Brockville. Growing up in Brockville I got great at “making my own fun” and now, I get to spend my days helping people find their fun!
I’m stoked to be back on the beautiful River St. Lawrence after seven years spent studying and working in Canada, the USA and Ireland. In the last year alone, I have taken in world class performances in England, finished countless pints in good Irish company, cozied up with Danish locals who taught me the meaning of Hygge, “chilled out” in Amsterdam after missing my flight home, and tasted some of the tastiest treats Belgium has to offer – yes, the chocolate is as good as expected.
As someone who has chosen to make a career out of exploring the world and leaving no stone unturned wherever I go, when I say there is so much to do here in Brockville, I really mean it. This is a beautiful city, with so much potential for young professionals to build thriving lives.
Feel free to reach out – I’m always down to connect & grab coffee!
Instagram @alexandrastobo
Facebook: Alex Stobo

Communities In Bloom 101

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When you hear Communities In Bloom, your mind might go to thinking about flowers and well maintained gardens. It’s really easy to understand why you might think that as well. If you rent or live in a condo, you might think that Communities In Bloom is something you can’t participate in. We’re here to let you know that’s not the case though! Let’s take a moment to break down what this competition is, and how we can participate.

What is Communities In Bloom?

Communities In Bloom is a non-profit organization that encourages both environmental improvement and beautification in towns and cities across Canada. Communities that participate are evaluated on the following sectors:

  • Environmental Action
  • Floral Displays
  • Heritage Conservation
  • Landscaped Areas
  • Tidiness
  • Urban Forestry & Trails

Environmental Action

“Environmental Action pertains to the impact of human activities on the environment and the subsequent efforts/achievements of the community with respect to: policies, by-laws, programs/best practices for waste reduction or landfill diversion, composting sites, landfill sites, hazardous waste collection, water conservation, energy conservation, and environmental stewardship activities under the guiding principles of sustainable development pertaining to green spaces.”

This one is pretty straight forward: How do we take care of our city and maintain that we are taking care of the environment? This includes recycling programs, clean-up days, conservation programs for water and energy, and composting initiatives. Last year, Brockville did quite well in this section, with a 79.3% final mark. In the past year, Brockville has taken on new projects as well, so hopefully, our mark will increase this year.

Floral Displays

“Floral Displays evaluates efforts of the municipality, businesses, institutions and residents to design, plan, execute, and maintain floral displays of high quality standards. Evaluation includes the design/arrangements of flowers and plants (annuals, perennials, bulbs, ornamental grasses, edible plants, water efficient, and pollinator friendly plants) in the context of originality, distribution, location, diversity/balance, colour, and harmony. This evaluation pertains to flowerbeds, carpet bedding, containers (planters), baskets, and window boxes.”

This is the section we all might think of first when thinking of Communities In Bloom. The judges want to see beautiful arrangements everywhere! Even to those living in condos and apartments, you’re encouraged to get into to spirit of things by having baskets, window boxes, and planters. Last year, Brockville scored a 82.9%, which is great, but as a city, we can do even better this year.

Heritage Conservation

“Heritage conservation includes efforts to preserve natural and cultural heritage within the community. Preservation of natural heritage pertains to policies, plans/actions concerning all elements of biodiversity including flora/fauna ecosystems and associated geological structures/formations. Cultural conservation refers to the heritage buildings, monuments, memorials, cemeteries, artifacts, museums and intangible elements such as traditions, customs, festivals and celebrations. The participation of groups such as historical societies and conservation groups are considered.”

 This one is an easy one for us here in Brockville – keep our heritage alive and vibrant. This doesn’t mean just covering the basics like the Brockville Tunnel and Fulford Place, but we should be embracing every part of our heritage. So much of our city is covered in history, it doesn’t take much to find something worth showing off. Brockville scored a 79.3% last year, but with a city like Brockville, it should be easy to bring our mark up with a little attention to some of our hidden gems.

Landscaped Areas

“Landscaped areas included planning, design, construction and maintenance of parks/green spaces suitable for the intended use and location on a year-round basis. Elements for the evaluation include: native/introduced materials, balance of plants/materials and constructed elements, appropriate integration of hard surfaces/art elements, and use of turf/groundcovers. Landscape design should harmonize the interests of all sectors of the community. Standards of execution and maintenance should demonstrate best practices, including quality of naturalization, use of groundcovers and wildflowers along with turf management.”

This section is important. Essentially, it’s what connects everything together, focusing mostly with Floral Displays and Urban Forestry and Trails. Landscaping doesn’t mean just making an area pretty – it has to be functional as well. Do your floral displays show off your heritage home? Is your local playground still safe and tidy? How can we make things better for our community? Last year, Brockville got a 77.5% in this sector, but with a bit of extra work and effort, we can improve our mark.

Tidiness

“Tidiness includes an overall tidiness effort by the municipality, businesses, institutions and the residents throughout the community. Elements for evaluation are parks/green spaces, medians, boulevards, sidewalks, streets (municipal, commercial, industrial or residential properties) ditches, road shoulders, vacant lots, signs/buildings, weed control, litter clean up (including cigarette butts and gum) graffiti prevention/removal, and vandalism deterrent programs.”

This one is clear as a bell. All this effort to make beautiful gardens and show off our history is nothing if we have disposable coffee cups and cigarette butts all over the place. Don’t litter, maintain your yard, and make sure we don’t let vacant spaces fall to the wayside. Brockville was actually recognized last year in our efforts in this category, receiving a provincial award and scoring an 81%. We can keep putting that effort in and continue to improve that score!

Urban Forestry and Trails

“Urban Forestry & Trails includes the efforts of the municipality, businesses, institutions and residents with regards to written policies, by-laws, standards for tree management (selection, planting, and maintenance) long and short term management plans, tree replacement policies, pollinator friendly tree selection, tree inventory, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), heritage, memorial and commemorative trees. Standards for trail management include; trail types, signage, risk management, policies, accessibility, surfacing, and promotion.”

This sector is all about making things green. We want to make sure that Brockville continues to be a thriving community that will last for generations to come. That includes being nature friendly and making sure we are taking care of our trees and the Brock Trail. Last year, this section was our lowest score with a 75.4%, so we’re really hoping that improving this section will help make sure that we get the 5-Bloom score!
With spring finally upon us, there are lots of opportunities to help influence the scores in Brockville’s favour, so make sure you get out there and help with the Communities In Bloom project! To learn more, check out the Communities In Bloom Brockville Facebook page.

A Sweet Maple Weekend

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As the snow finally begins to disappear and winter finally leaves us for another year, there is one thing that people in Eastern Ontario look forward to as we go through the awkward, muddy spring thaw days – Maple Syrup Season. The mild days and cool nights are what help make the sap run, and in those few weeks where we transition from winter to spring, our local farmers are working overtime to get every drop tapped, boiled and bottled.

On the first weekend of April, sugar bushes all across Ontario will be taking part in Maple Weekend. It’s an opportunity to see exactly what goes into making the sweet golden syrup, and a chance to buy from local farmers as well. In the Brockville area, we’re lucky to have three local sugar bushes taking part in this event – Golden Moments, Quabbin Hill, and Gibbons Family Farm.

 Gibbons Family Farm

The day starts early, with breakfast beginning at 8am. Check out the pancake breakfast first at Frankville Church Hall, and then swing by Gibbons at 9am for maple taffy on snow and to see the sap boiled down to syrup (weather conditions permitting). Gibbons uses just under 5000 taps and uses a combination traditional and modern techniques to boil down the sap into their famous maple syrup.

Golden Moments Farm

Next on our Maple Weekend is Golden Moments Farm. A 15 minute drive from Gibbons, Golden Moments Farm is a photographers dream. Not only does the farm tap over 1200 trees to make maple syrup that is environmentally friendly and organic, but they raise Clydesdale horses and breed Golden Retrievers. As you get to walk around a sample of their 350 acres of land, there are many photography opportunities. Song birds such as the Blue Bunting have been seen in their white pine forest during the summer, and the dogs and horses always make for good photography subjects. As well, coffee, hot chocolate, and maple glazed doughnuts will be available through the weekend.

Quabbin Hill Farm

Last but not least, travel 30 minutes south from Golden Moments to go visit Quabbin Hill Farm. This small and rustic sugar bush has been producing maple syrup for over 25 years, and will guarantee that you will be able to try maple taffy on snow – they have been saving up snow in their freezer all winter for this event! Quabbin Hill Farm will also be serving an outdoor breakfast from 8am, so if you want to reverse the order of these three locations, you’re going to be on time for breakfast no matter what! Make sure you check out their blueberry infused maple syrup as well.

Make sure you take advantage of the excellent weather being projected for this coming weekend, April 6th to 7th 2019, and check out all that our area has to offer in terms of all things maple! The maple syrup season is short, so take advantage of this great weekend event.

Discover Brockville's Star Attractions

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Plan your perfect 1000 Islands getaway by exploring the many attractions, festivals and events that will make your visit to Brockville one to remember. One of the most picturesque areas in the world, the 1000 Islands is world famous for its beauty, rich landscape, compelling history, and its many waterfront attractions and events. Crystal clear waters and famous sunken ships make the 1000 Islands one of the best fresh water scuba diving sites in the world.
Brockville is rich in culture and heritage and is proud to have numerous museums and attractions to showcase the wonders of our magical region. Be sure to take time to learn about the history of Brockville; appeal to your senses and incorporate an arts, culture or history experience into your visit; take in a live theatre performance, or attend one of the many festivals and events in the region.
Enjoy the serenity of the 1000 Islands with its hidden island coves, granite cliffs and scenic sunrises.  Explore miles of scenic trails as you get closer to nature or practice your golf swing.  The 1000 Islands and the St. Lawrence River is a playground for both the young and the young at heart.
The Brockville & 1000 Islands Star Attractions include:
The Aquatarium (opening in 2015!)
The Aquatarium will inspire all ages to further explore the 1000 Islands region. The 26,000 square-foot Discovery Hall contains ever-changing family activities that make every visit different. For example, during a showcase film in the interactive theatre, you will discover, through live video feed, a diver exploring a shipwreck. You will be able to ask questions and share in the underwater experience.
The 1000 Islands
The ‘1000 Islands’ is actually made up of 1,864 islands that straddle the Canada-U.S. border in the St. Lawrence River as it emerges from the northeast corner of Lake Ontario. They stretch for about 80 km downstream from Kingston, Ontario. The 1,864 islands range in size from over 100 km2 to smaller islands occupied by a single residence, or uninhabited outcroppings of rocks that are only home to migratory waterfowl.
Islands in the 1000 Islands are owned by a number of different parties – some are privately owed by both Canadian and American residents, 29 are owed by the City of Brockville for day use, picnicing, docking and overnight camping, and some are National Park Islands managed by Parks Canada. Experience the islands yourself by personal watercraft or by taking a 1000 Islands Cruise to tour the waterfront.
Some masonry “castles” remain as international landmarks. The most famous extant examples are “The Towers” on Dark Island, now called Singer Castle, and Boldt Castle on Heart Island (these castles can be visited during the summer months by boat or by boat cruise).
Boat Cruises
Discover the 1000 Islands and Brockville’s waterfront with a cruise. Enjoy a 1 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour, or full day cruise to explore the region, admire the properties and cottages on the islands and riverfront, and learn about the history and beauty of the islands. With many different cruise lines to choose from, you can find the perfect cruise for you and your family to enjoy.
Historic Sites
In a city steeped in history, Brockville is home to Fulford Place National Historic Site and the downtown core boasts historic buildings, both businesses and private homes. Just 20 minutes down the road in Prescott is Fort Wellington National Historic Site where you can explore what it would be like to live in a real fort from the War of 1812.
Outdoor Beauty
The scenery in the region is picturesque and completely unique. From outdoor trails, paved walking and cycling paths, paddling routes, island camping, golf courses, cross country skiing and snowshoe trails, to world-famous fresh water scuba diving, there is something to impress any outdoor enthusiast. No matter how you enjoy the outdoors, Brockville has something to offer.
Live Theatre
Located in the heart of historic downtown Brockville, the Brockville Arts Centre is recognized as one of the finest medium sized historic theatres in Canada. Hosting live theatre, musical headline acts, and cinema, there is something to see year round.
Nearby in Prescott, the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival presents Shakespeare outdoors on the banks of the St. Lawrence River annually during the summer months.