1000 Islands Podcast

Writer and comedian Carolyn Bennett is a new resident of Brockville. Her debut novel Please Stand By was published in 2019, and she's currently working on a collection of short stories, for which she received a Toronto Arts Council grant. She is a freelance writer for the Toronto Star and Canadian Immigrant magazine.Learn more about Carolyn here:https://www.carolynbennettwritercomic.com/

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘not reading the comment section is self-care?’ Well since laughter is the best medicine, reading the comment section is now self-care. Even the folks of the 1000 Islands let the comment section bring out the worst of their nature at times. In our funny new segment, the Worst Comments Awards, we read you some of the worst comments seen on local public forums with no names, no explanations, and absolutely no context.

Marianne Carlyle, a member of the 1000 Islands Master Swim Club and director of the local OSPCA, is neither a cat nor a dog person. She loves all animals and treasures dogs for their unique ability to guilt humans outdoors in all weather, but she’s a … rat person! She explains the function of a swim coach and rails against Brockville being behind the rest of the world on the concept of bike lanes in episode 17.

Johanna Freer moved to the 1000 Islands when she was 15, found her people by joining Youth for Christ with her younger brother, and never left. She is passionate about helping young people, and one of her recent incredible accomplishments is helping to educate local people about sex trafficking. If she could put one sentence on the Welcome to Brockville sign, it would be ‘Where the Old You and the New You Become One. Connect with Johanna at johanna.freer.yfc.ca

Craig Roche, an active member of numerous local boards including the YPN and 1000 Islands Pride, discusses what it was like growing up gay in Brockville compared to his experience now, having returned home after many years away in different cities. He expresses an appreciation for young people today knowing what’s up, and the shift as a whole from toxic small-town culture to a feeling of belonging and acceptance. We’re thrilled to share his views on our incredible town and even more thrilled ...

Runner, amateur photographer and Executive Assistant to the Mayor and City Manager, Steph Dunbar doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. She hopes cat lovers will forgive her for being a dog person and she respectfully requests that noisy mufflers remain quiet at night. She shares her views on the community being about belonging and thriving, and how we all just want to be loved. Tune in to hear her reminisce about the 'Loser's Lap,' and please note that she is not responsible for its harsh n...

The owner of Sunset Grill, this classically trained baker also has a YouTube channel! He promises his followers that he will post more videos when he can, but Sunset Grill always seems to be lined up out the door! He recently moved to Brockville and loves spending a few moments out of his day by the water to have his morning coffee.

JoAnne Sytsma, Citizen of the Year, refuses to badmouth summer (she loves the heat!) and expresses pure gratitude about her decade of volunteer work with the Food Bank. Given the chance to self-aggrandize, she tells us about all the others who deserve recognition above herself.

Peter Yerdon wears many hats. And not just for the community theatre he loves so much! Chef, longtime teacher, and (did you know?) wedding officiant, you may have seen him lately at the entrance to the Tunnel as part of his recent position with Brockville Tourism. He discusses old school Brockville slang, meeting the love of his life on the way to BC, and shares the secrets of Canada’s First Railway Tunnel.

Jane Vanderbaaren, local business owner, volunteer and Pickleball athlete, discusses living close to family and how her grandsons already know everything.