Brockville Santa Claus Parade

28/08/2025

🌟 Community Update 🌟

As of today, we have filed all necessary documents with the City Manager, Council, the Integrity Commissioner, and the City Clerk. These matters are now before the appropriate offices. Out of respect for due process and democracy, we will not be making further public comment until official responses have been received.

Before stepping back, we want to pause and simply say thank you.

Thank you to every volunteer who bundled up, marched, danced, drove, or carried banners in last year’s parade. Thank you to the countless parents who cheered their little ones along the route, and to the grandparents who came out to make new memories. Thank you to the sponsors who gave generously, and to the community partners who quietly worked behind the scenes. Thank you to the municipal staff who helped ensure safety and logistics, and to the police, fire, and EMS teams who gave their time and presence so our community could celebrate with peace of mind.

Thank you to our neighbours who waved from porches, to the musicians who filled the air with song, to the children whose eyes lit up when Santa arrived. Thank you to the businesses who decorated their windows, and to those who donated trucks, trailers, lights, or even just hot chocolate to keep spirits warm.

We remain guided by faith and love, remembering the words of Jesus: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14).

We were humbled to receive this letter last year from Mayor Matt Wren, who wrote on behalf of Council:

> “Both of you have more than made your mark as individuals who have contributed greatly to the quality of life of our City. Please know how much we appreciate all you have done…”

And again:

> “…without hesitation you took up the challenge and in a very short time produced an event that thousands of people enjoyed.”

We share these words not for ourselves, but as a reflection of the truth: it was never our parade—it was your parade. A gift of time, effort, and heart from an entire community.

We are sorry that the many hours already poured into preparing for 2025 could not carry forward this year. But we will forever be grateful for the joy, the laughter, and the shared spirit of Christmas that shone so brightly in 2024.

We ask only one thing: in the true spirit of Christmas, remember those who may have less. Please consider a donation to a children’s charity or a food security program of your choice. With the food security emergency recently acknowledged by council, these acts of kindness mean more now than ever—especially for the most vulnerable among us, our children.

As for us—we’re looking forward to December 25. Because no matter what else happens, as long as we’re good, Santa will still find our rooftops—his bright green Jeep aglow—to deliver goodies to all the children. 🎁✨

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in us, for believing in one another, and for keeping Christmas alive in Brockville.

From our family to yours—Merry Christmas, and God bless you all.

28/08/2025

🎄✨ Brockville Santa Claus Parade – A Community Story ✨🎄

Friends and neighbours, we want to share openly how the story of the 2025 parade has unfolded — and why we’ve submitted an official dossier to the City this week to call for transparency and accountability.

Last year (2024): When no one else could, we stepped forward. It was a huge lift — but with local partners, volunteers, and businesses, we delivered a record-setting parade. Even though we operated at a loss, we still donated to local charities, because this was never about profit. It was about community, kids, and the holiday spirit.

January 2025: Building on that success, we applied early. On January 13, the City issued us a letter of conditional approval, confirming the parade was accepted. That gave us the confidence to invest in infrastructure, put business aside, and plan to donate this year’s proceeds to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds & Grenville and the Brockville & Area Food Bank.

Spring & Summer 2025: We waited for the City’s logistics meeting, but it never came. Instead, in August, staff told us to apply to the Community Grants Program. The problem? It didn’t open until late October (too late for a November parade), we didn’t qualify under its rules, and it had over 200 other applicants. Meanwhile, we faced the risk of thousands of dollars in City service costs.

August 24, 2025: To protect the event, we filed our Street Closure Addendum and wrote to Council directly, asking for fees to be waived. We also shared our letter publicly, because we believe in openness.

August 25, 2025: The next day, the Mayor called me. He said he was “frustrated,” claimed he had “brought the parade to us personally,” and complained that he and his staff would now have to deal with the “wackadoodles from Facebook.”

Yes — he actually said wackadoodles.
We don’t think any resident deserves to be spoken of that way, especially when all they’re doing is participating in local democracy.

He also said he was hopeful that if Council waived the fees, we would be “publicly grateful.” Later in writing, he described the whole thing as “just a $250 matter.” But this was never about $250. This was about being exposed to thousands in costs, with no grant program to cover it, and only weeks left to prepare.

August 26, 2025: Less than 48 hours later, the City Manager announced that the City’s Tourism Department would be taking over the parade.

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We want to be clear: we are not angry. We truly wish the City luck — because at the end of the day, we all want to see Santa come down King Street for the kids of Brockville. But to be frank, we are not entirely confident this parade will even happen, given the short timeline and the lack of parade-specific experience now leading it. Normally by September, performers, staging, volunteers, and logistics should already be locked in.

That’s why, in addition to this update, we’ll be filing paperwork to understand exactly how this decision was made. A review of recent Council meetings shows no record of this being placed before elected officials. That raises real questions about process, transparency, and accountability.

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We have poured our time, energy, and resources into this parade — and while we will no longer coordinate it, we stand by the work we did to put community first.

The Santa Claus Parade is meant to lift spirits, not politics. It belongs to the families, the kids, the schools, and the charities it supports. It belongs to all of us.

🎅 So whether you’re a wackadoodle, a true believer, or just someone who loves the magic of the season — we hope you’ll stand with us in asking for accountability, fairness, and transparency. Because this parade isn’t about us. It’s about Brockville.

We’ll keep you updated. Thank you to every business, every volunteer, and every family who stood with us last year — and who still believe that this parade belongs to the people of our city.

❤️ Bill & Kate McKinnon
Brockville Santa Claus Parade

25/08/2025

🎄✨ Brockville Santa Claus Parade – Community Update ✨🎄

This morning we officially sent a letter to City Council requesting that the street closure and logistics fees for this year’s Santa Claus Parade be waived. Our goal has always been to keep participation free and affordable for families, schools, community groups, and non-profits.

We’re already taking on the cost of insurance ourselves this year — but without Council’s support, it simply won’t be possible to cover both insurance and city fees while keeping the event accessible.

🌟 Why this matters:

Philanthropy at its core: Last year, even though the parade operated at a slight loss, we still donated to the Do It For Aaron Foundation and KidsInclusive. This year, proceeds will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds & Grenville. The parade is not a profit-making venture — it is our way of giving back.

Red tape roadblock: When we asked for consideration, we were referred to the City’s Community Grant Program. But because we’re incorporated and not a registered charity or non-profit, we do not qualify. The parade falls outside those boxes, yet it clearly delivers value to families, businesses, and the spirit of Brockville.

We have no doubt that Council wants to see this tradition continue. But they also need to hear directly from the people who love it.

💌 What you can do: Please take a moment to call or email City Council and let them know you support waiving the fees so the Santa Claus Parade can remain a free, inclusive, and community-first event.

👉 Contact Council here: Council & Government - City of Brockville https://brockville.com/local-government/

Together, we can make sure this cherished tradition doesn’t get lost in red tape — and that Brockville families continue to enjoy the magic of the Santa Claus Parade for years to come. ❤️



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The Administration Department works very closely with the Mayor and Members of Council to ensure effective governance of the Municipality. This ongoing

27/04/2025

13/04/2025

GUESS WHAT, BROCKVILLE?! 📢 We're SO excited to announce we're already gearing up for the 2025 SANTA CLAUS PARADE! 🎉 Get ready for some festive fun on the weekend of November 15th!
We need YOUR help to make this the best parade yet! We're looking for passionate volunteers to join our planning crew – think marketing, public relations, logistics, and getting everyone involved! It takes a village (of elves!) to bring Santa to Brockville, and we need YOU!

Calling all amazing Brockville businesses! We have in-kind sponsorship opportunities available too to help make this dream a reality for Brockville's kids. Let's team up and spread some joy!

And to the (potential) grinches (the ones that live under the Brockville interweb bridges) out there? 😉 Bring it on! Last year's negativity just made our parade even more spectacular. Your comments are welcome (and secretly appreciated!).
Ready to get your festive on early? Email [email protected] to volunteer or inquire about in-kind sponsorship! Let's do this ! ❤️

08/12/2024

Canadian Tire thanks for hosting such a special night tonight for Military and First Responders! It was a pleasure to roam the isles with so many others who wear or have worn a uniform of service. Thank you all for your service.

07/12/2024

It really is aJeep thing! 🤣

You could take home Santa's Jeep Wrangler this Christmas! Santa's Sleigh is looking for it's forever home. We are offering $10,000 off Santa's 2024 JEEP Wrangler Sahara 4 Door in "High Velocity". Call us at 613-342-4404 for more information or to book your test drive.
https://beattiedodge.com/Vehicle-Detail-Page/2024-JEEP-WRANGLER-Sahara-1C4PJXENXRW134470

06/12/2024

They're here, and they're adorable!! Get your Official 2024 Brockville Santa Claus Parade Ornament before they're gone.

https://brockvillesantaparade.myshopify.com/products/official-2024-brockville-santa-claus-parade-ornament

29/11/2024

Santa himself sent this video to us saying he felt bad for the kids in the reindeer costumes.

Don't get any crazy ideas, Brockville. Santa has drawn a very clear line, and he says HO! HO! NO! 🦌🎅😬😆

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DPCSVU9bq/

24/11/2024

ARRIVING DECEMBER 6TH!

Remember that time Santa rode in a Jeep Wrangler during the Brockville Santa Claus Parade? 🛻🎅

Well now you can remember it forever with your very own official 2024 Edition Brockville Santa Claus Parade Ornament.

Specifications: 3" x 3" round acrylic ornament printed in full colour with a ribbon for hanging.

Pre-order now. Quantities are limited:

brockvillesantaparade.myshopify.com

(And yes, proceeds from sales of merchandise will help fund next year's parade.)