The Thousand Islands
By Ellen Nagle
10 Sep 2008
What city do you live in? What neighborhood?
I live in Brockville, Ontario, Canada. I live on Water Street, a half a block from the St. Lawrence Seaway. I live across the street from Hardy Park which sees a lot of action both summer and winter. I also live two blocks from Blockhouse Island which I consider one of the most picturesque places I have ever seen. Two main events that I enjoy taking pictures of are the Poker Run and Ribfest. I really enjoy walking down to the Harbour and taking Sunrise pictures. This is the first year I have ever takine Sunrise pictures and I really enjoy it. I love taking pictures of the big ships travelling along the Seaway.
What are some adjectives that describe your neighborhood?
My neighborhood is quiet most of the time unless there is an important event taking place and then it can be quite noisey. My neighborhood is very scenic. I live downtown, one block North is the main street and half a block South is the St. Lawrence Seaway which totally amazes me.
How long have you lived there, and what brought you there?
I have lived in Brockville for the past 6 years since 2002. I came to Brockville to escape an undesirable situation and to try to save my sanity, not realizing at the time that Brockville and the Seaway would capture my heart.
What is your favorite thing about this place? Your least favorite?
My favorite thing about Brockville is that it is a very small city (I grew up in Mississauga, just west of Toronto, Ontario). More likely than not when I walk up the Street, I will encounter a friendly face! My very favorite thing about Brockville is the beauty and tranquility of the Harbour. Sometimes the beauty is so intense that It will overwhelm me and almost take my breath away!
My least favorite thing about Brockville would be if I had to move away from the area I live in away from the Harbour, like the North End which is very nice but as I have no car it would be difficult for me to escape to the Harbour.
Do you feel that you belong there?
You know what, I really do feel like I belong here. When I first moved here, no, but now, six years later, I do feel like I belong.
What is the most common misconception about where you live?
I would say that the most common misconception about where I live is that it is a small town full of country hicks!
What is a special fact about your city that you have to live there to know?
You would have to live here to know that Fullford Place Mansion was built by Mr. Fulford who invented Pink Pills for Pale People and made a fortune off of them considering, as legend has it, they were only sugar pills, amazing!!
What aspect of your city do you secretly love?
I secretly have my own (not really my own) bench at Hardy Park where I go when I want to be by myself to think, cry or just enjoy the Seaway and all of the action which it brings.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I can't think of anything else right now that I would like to add.
