‘The best country in the world’: Brockville celebrates Canada Day 2026

2 July 2026 Kevin Clasper-Inglis

The Canada Day parade makes its way through Brockville on Wednesday, July 1. – *Jess Grothe/Brockvilleist*

Brockvillians gathered in the shade of Hardy Park on Wednesday, July 1 on a scorching hot Canada Day to mingle, play games, eat barbeque and enjoy some live music.

Brockvilleist was on-site to ask residents of the birthplace of the Canadian flag what Canada means to them personally.

Brockville residents gather at Hardy Park for Canada Day 2026 celebrations. – *Kevin Clasper-Inglis/Brockvilleist*

For recent immigrants Caroline and Wanjiku, who only identified themselves through their first names, Canada is a far safer place than their native Kenya.

“Brockville is a nice place,” said Wanjiku.

“Canada is very good,” added Caroline. “At least compared to back home, it’s better.”

She says that she would rather live in Canada than anywhere else on earth.

The two Kenyan women aren’t related, having only met each other after moving to Brockville. They both intend to live in Brockville long-term.

Pictured left to right: Bruce and Shirley, Frankie and Mike. – *Kevin Clasper-Inglis/Brockvilleist*

For Frankie and Mike Skakun, two long time Brockville residents, it’s always been home; Mike has lived here for 78 years, since he came to Canada from England.

“Brockville is a beautiful place to live,” said Mike. “And Canada’s a beautiful country.”

The couple are both proud of their roots.

Mike only became Canadian because of his British father, who served in the army during the Second World War, was stationed in Canada.

“That’s why I came over,” he said.

It’s a circumstance he believes is due to Canada and England’s “inseparable ties.”

“Why can’t we have a whole month of celebrating Canada?” noted Jackie. “I just love it.”

“Or Remembrance Day”, added Mike.

The Fair Jeanne graced the shores of the St. Lawrence for the occasion. – *Kevin Clasper-Inglis/Brockvilleist*

Fellow long-time Brockville natives Bruce and Shirley Benton feel similarly proud to be Canadian.

“I think it’s the best country in the world,” said Bruce Benton.

“Yes, maybe we’re overtaxed and certain other things, but I believe we’re safe; we’re always friendly, happy people and it’s a beautiful country,” Benton said indicating to the St. Lawrence River just behind.

Both agreed that it is a great country to immigrate to, Shirley’s parents having immigrated from Holland during the Second World War.

“They immigrated as teenagers, when the war ended,” she explained.

“We liberated them during the war,” she added, referring to the Canadian campaign to liberate Holland from occupation by the Nazis.

“They became Canadian,” added Shirley.

“People came here, integrated into the society and away we go,” said Bruce. He added that he’s “proud to be Canadian. I just wish our NHL teams could win a Stanley Cup.”

He agreed to chalk it up to Canada’s high taxes.