VIDEO: Made in Brockville Collaboration Celebrates Local Manufacturing

Brockville – The City of Brockville’s Economic Development Department and the Brockville Museum celebrated the launch of their collaborative ‘Made in Brockville’ initiative during a grand opening event held at the museum on Thursday, May 14th.

Video News Story Below:

The event brought together local business owners, manufacturers, community leaders, and political representatives to celebrate Brockville’s manufacturing history and recognize the businesses and industries that continue to contribute to the local economy today.

Attendees also heard from Charlie Mignault, Commissioner of the St. Lawrence Corridor Economic Development Commission, who spoke about the current economic landscape across the region and the importance of continuing to support local industry and economic growth.

The collaboration connects the Brockville Museum’s newly launched Made in Brockville exhibit with the City’s new Proudly Made in Brockville program, creating an opportunity to celebrate Brockville’s industrial legacy while supporting present-day businesses and manufacturers.

Industry in Brockville grew rapidly beginning in the 1870s and became a defining part of the city’s identity and economy. Today, manufacturing remains Brockville’s third-largest employment sector and continues to play a vital role in the community.

“Manufacturing and local industry have helped shape Brockville for generations,” said Mayor Matt Wren. “This collaboration is a great example of how we can celebrate our history while supporting the businesses that contribute to our community today. It’s an opportunity to recognize the innovation, local pride, and entrepreneurship driving Brockville forward.”

The Made in Brockville exhibit highlights the unique and recognizable products that have been – and continue to be – made in Brockville. From the international success of George T. Fulford & Co.’s Pink Pills for Pale People at the turn of the 20th century, to the Brockville John B. Stetson Co. (Canada) Ltd. factory exclusively producing the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police ‘Mountie’ hat, to the local 3M Canada plant producing more than 200 million N95 respirators during the global pandemic, the exhibit showcases the innovation, resilience, and evolution of Brockville manufacturing over generations.

“We always appreciate the opportunity to bring history into the present and to remind people that ‘it doesn’t have to be old’ to be in a museum,” said Museum Curator, Natalie Wood. “This exhibit provides context to Brockville’s manufacturing story, showing how it has evolved over time while remaining an important part of everyday life in our community.

The City’s new Proudly Made in Brockville program complements the exhibit by helping residents and visitors identify and support products made locally. Businesses participating in the program receive “Proudly Made in Brockville” product stickers at no cost, helping consumers easily recognize locally made products available within the community.

“The Proudly Made in Brockville program is about making it easy for consumers to identify and choose products made right here in our city,” said Economic Development Manager, Dayna Golledge. “By highlighting local manufacturers and makers, we’re helping Brockville businesses gain visibility while encouraging residents and visitors to support businesses right here in our community.”

The initiative reflects a shared commitment to celebrating Brockville’s identity, and supports local businesses through storytelling, education, and economic development.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the Made in Brockville exhibit at the Brockville Museum and learn more about the businesses and products that continue to contribute to Brockville’s economy and identity.

For more information about the exhibit or the Proudly Made in Brockville program, visit:
Brockville Museum and City of Brockville Economic Development