Thousand Islands Association celebrates 90 years

This year’s Thousand Islands Association’s (TIA) Shoreline Breakfast and AGM brought together a bevy of like-minded individuals trying to make a difference in their communities.

Held on July 20, with the sun shining and over 250 attendees, it was the perfect morning to celebrate 90 years of TIA on the St. Lawrence River.

Attendees gathered at the Thousand Islands Playhouse to enjoy a full hot breakfast, cake for a morning dessert and time spent with fellow boaters and river lovers.

The morning was kicked off with an official proclamation honouring TIA’s 90th Anniversary from Town Crier, Brian Mabee.

Some more guests included Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Mayor Corrina Smith-Gatcke, Gananoque Mayor John Beddows, Brockville Coun. Katherine Hobbs and Scott MacCrimmon, president of Hucks Marine & Resort as the featured speaker of the AGM.

The event also had representatives from like-minded organizations, Parks Canada, the Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust and the Great Lakes Plastic Clean Up there to educate and promote awareness of the good work their respective groups do.

A highlight of the day was the two donations of $5,000 each to the TLTI Fire Rescue team towards the purchase of a new boat, and to the Clayton Volunteer Fire Department towards refurbishing their infamous “Last Chance” fire boat.

Breakfast-goers were also treated to a “waterworks” show from the TLTI Fire and Rescue’s fire boats.

The Thousand Island Association’s flagship program is the placement of 200 shoal markers on the Canadian side of the St. Lawrence and providing 100 shoal markers for Save the River to place on the U.S. side.

These donations to the Fire Rescue teams are given with the goal of furthering safety on the river for all boaters and cottagers.